Craft Beer Crisis: Sycamore Pulled from Carolinas Shelves Amid Scandal as Market Trends Shift to Low-ABV and Local Brews
Retailers across the Carolinas have swiftly removed **Sycamore Brewing** products from shelves and taps following the arrest of co-founder Justin Brigham on charges of statutory rape of a minor and breaking and entering (Axios Charlotte, December 12, 2025, https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/12/sycamore-beer-pulled-carolinas-after-cofounder-arrest).
Lowes Foods confirmed it pulled Sycamore Beer from shelves, while The Fresh Market, Food Lion, Publix, and Wegmans followed suit, with Whole Foods in process (Axios Charlotte, December 12, 2025, https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/12/sycamore-beer-pulled-carolinas-after-cofounder-arrest). Bars like Margaritaville NoDa and Common Market discarded tap handles and poured out inventory, as shown in Instagram posts.
Sycamore’s Rapid Fall in Charlotte Market
Founded in 2013, Sycamore ranks among North Carolina’s top producers, with outlets at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and expansion plans in Cotswold (Axios Charlotte, December 12, 2025, https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/12/sycamore-beer-pulled-carolinas-after-cofounder-arrest). Co-founder Sarah Taylor Brigham announced on Instagram her intent to take full control, now operating as Sarah Taylor.
This scandal underscores vulnerabilities in craft beer branding tied to leadership, impacting distribution at chains like Kroger, Harris Teeter, Total Wine, and Walmart.
Global Craft Beer Market Surges Despite Headwinds
The global **craft beer market** reached **USD 142.6 billion** in 2024 and projects a **CAGR of 8.74%** through 2033, hitting **USD 329.7 billion** (IMARC Group, 2025, https://www.imarcgroup.com/craft-beer-market). Europe holds **38.1%** market share, fueled by demand for unique flavors, local brews, beer tourism, and millennial-targeted marketing.
Health trends drive growth, with consumers favoring low-calorie, organic, and no/low-alcohol options amid rising health consciousness projected at 111.4 index points in 2024-25 (IMARC Group, 2025, https://www.imarcgroup.com/craft-beer-market). Asia Pacific sees expansion via rising middle-class incomes, urbanization, and events like tasting collaborations.
2025 Trends: Low-ABV and Hyper-Local Dominate
On-premise data shows **non-alcoholic beer** up **33.7%** year-over-year, with non-alcoholic IPAs and stouts surging **170%** and **130%** respectively (CGA On Premise Impact Report, 2025, https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/featured/navigating-the-u-s-on-premise-consumer-in-2025-key-insights-for-craft-brewers/). A third of consumers seek healthier drinks, 25% moderate alcohol, pushing craft brewers toward lower-ABV innovations.
**Hyper-localization** gains traction as breweries source from local farms for hops and fruits, aligning with flavor preferences (Tastewise, 2025, https://tastewise.io/blog/craft-beer-trends). Limited releases and wild fermentation methods boost exclusivity.
New Releases and Events Signal Resilience
Charles Towne Fermentory releases **Clyde’s Juicebox**, a hazy pale ale with pineapple, coconut, and vanilla, on December 13, 2025, via College of Charleston hospitality students’ winning pitch featuring Clyde the Cougar packaging (College of Charleston Today, December 9, 2025, https://today.charleston.edu/2025/12/09/cheers-to-a-taste-of-cofc-hospitality/).
Grist House Craft Brewery hosts its 7th **Fire Fest** on December 13, 2025, blending craft beer with fire pits and specialty brews in Millvale (Breweries in PA, 2025, https://breweriesinpa.com/grist-house-craft-brewery-announces-7th-fire-fest/). Co-owner Brian Eaton called it a signature winter tradition.
U.S. Craft Sector Faces Closures but Innovates
U.S. craft breweries dropped 1% to **9,269** by June 2025, with closures outpacing openings (Brewers Association, 2025, https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/2025-midyear-report/). Premiumization rises, with 20% of consumers choosing higher-quality options amid consolidation and on-premise pressures (CGA On Premise Impact Report, 2025, https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/featured/navigating-the-u-s-on-premise-consumer-in-2025-key-insights-for-craft-brewers/).