US Craft Beer Volume Drops 5% in First Half of 2025
Craft beer production in the United States declined by 5% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, according to the Brewers Association’s Midyear Report (Craft Brewing Business, 2025). Shipments fell nearly 6%, representing 3.7 million fewer barrels compared to the same period last year (American Craft Beer, 2025). The number of operating craft breweries also decreased by 1%, with 9,269 active breweries as of June 2025 (Craft Brewing Business, 2025). Microbreweries saw the steepest decline, down 3%, while taprooms and brewpubs remained relatively stable.
Despite the overall downturn, nearly half of surveyed breweries reported production growth, with the smallest on-site brewers faring best (Craft Brewing Business, 2025). Taprooms and brewpubs, which make up 73% of all craft businesses, outperformed distribution-focused breweries by 1–2 percentage points in the first half of 2025 (Craft Brewing Business, 2025). However, frequency of craft beer consumption is down, with fewer drinkers reaching for beer regularly, a trend attributed to economic pressures and shifting consumer habits (Beverage Daily, 2025).
Non-Alcoholic Beer Sales Surge
Non-alcoholic beer is one of the few bright spots in the sector, with sales up nearly 30% in 2025, adding $91 million to the market and officially claiming 1% of the beer market for the first time (American Craft Beer, 2025). This growth is driven by younger consumers exploring new categories and older drinkers cutting back for health or budget reasons (American Craft Beer, 2025).
Major Barrel-Aged Beer Festival Returns to Chicago
FoBAB, the Festival of Barrel-Aged Beer, returns to Chicago on November 7–8, 2025, featuring over 150 breweries and more than 300 barrel-aged beers across two tasting sessions (Craft Brewing Business, 2025). The event also includes a national beer competition, drawing industry professionals and beer enthusiasts from across the country (Craft Brewing Business, 2025).
Brewery Anniversaries and Local Celebrations
AleSmith Brewing in San Diego is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a Tiki Bash on November 8, 2025, and a special beer rebrewed with former brewmaster Skip Virgilio (San Diego Beer News, 2025). The event will feature rare barrel-aged beers and a curated selection of cellared offerings (San Diego Beer News, 2025). AleSmith will also host its annual Speedway Grand Prix on November 13–14, showcasing inventive variations of its coffee-infused imperial stout (San Diego Beer News, 2025).
Zoiglhaus Brewing in Portland, Oregon, marks its 10th anniversary on November 8, 2025, with a celebration at The Zed (New School Beer, 2025). The brewery, known for its participation in the historic Zoigl tradition, is also planning a new location and food hall expansion (New School Beer, 2025).
California Craft Beer Summit and Industry Events
The 2025 California Craft Beer Summit will take place from November 10–12 in Irvine, bringing together brewers, thought leaders, and innovators for educational sessions and networking (San Diego Beer News, 2025). The event will focus on strategies for thriving in today’s challenging market, featuring keynote conversations and expert panels on topics ranging from alcohol law to sustainability (San Diego Beer News, 2025).
European Craft Beer Market Forecast
The European craft beer market is expected to grow by USD 15.9 billion by 2025, driven by consumer interest in innovative flavors, health-conscious options, and technological advancements in brewing (London Beer Competition, 2025). However, the sector faces challenges including regulatory barriers, heavy taxation, supply chain issues, and increasing competition from larger brewing companies (London Beer Competition, 2025).