Asahi Group Partially Resumes Beer Production in Japan Following Cyberattack
Asahi Group has restarted beer production and shipment operations at six domestic plants after a cyberattack disrupted its system last week. The Japanese beverage company began taking orders manually on October 1, 2025, with shipments restarting subsequently, although volumes remain below pre-attack levels. The company has yet to determine when its full system will be restored. Following the resumption announcement, Asahi’s shares recovered slightly, gaining 1.6% on October 6, 2025, after a sharp 7% decline the previous week (Dow Jones Newswires, 2025).
Global Craft Beer Market Shows Varied Growth Predictions and Regional Trends
The craft beer market is forecasted to reach approximately $111.3 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% projected through 2032. This growth is expected to be fueled by collaborations between brewers and hospitality sectors and digital distribution innovations. Regional trends show North America, especially the United States, shifting craft beer from niche to mainstream, with independent breweries thriving by offering unique flavors and small-batch production. Canada and Mexico also exhibit rising interest, particularly in urban areas with experimental styles (Metastat Insight, 2025).
Mixed US Craft Beer Industry Performance Amid Decreasing Brewery Numbers
Contrasting robust market valuations, the US craft beer segment faces challenges with a 1% decrease in brewery numbers as of mid-2025. According to the Brewers Association, the count dropped to 9,269 breweries, with closures surpassing openings and particularly impacting microbreweries. Craft beer volume declined an estimated 5% year-over-year, with distribution-focused breweries suffering more than taprooms and brewpubs. Despite downturns, nearly half of small craft brewers report production growth, indicative of resilience in hyperlocal and taproom-centric models (Brewing Business, 2025; English News, 2025).
Health-Conscious and Innovative Trends Propel Craft Beer Market Strategies
Consumer demand is increasingly favoring unique flavors, low-alcohol, and gluten-free options, with millennials driving the health-conscious trend. E-commerce sales of craft beer have surged by around 45% in some regions following the pandemic, prompting breweries to innovate marketing strategies and expand distribution channels. The global craft beer market value reached $29 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow steadily to $39.5 billion by 2035 with a CAGR of 2.85%, reflecting a maturing but persistent consumer interest (Market Research Future, 2025).