## Craft Beer Shakeout Continues into 2026
Craft breweries faced a second consecutive year of more closures than openings in 2025, with nearly 9,800 firms remaining amid sales declines outpacing the category (Vinepair, 2026)[3]. The Brewers Association noted 434 brewery closures in 2025, highlighting persistent industry pressures (FOX13 News, 2026)[7]. In New Mexico, Bosque Brewing closed all taprooms last week following bankruptcy dismissal, signaling broader headwinds from inflation and shifting consumer habits (Albuquerque Journal, 2026)[9].
Batavia’s Beers of the World retailer announced closure by end of February 2026, attributing the decision to economic changes and declining beverage-alcohol sales driven by health awareness (WXXI News, 2026)[1]. Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch revealed plans in December 2025 to sell one brewery and close two others, underscoring challenges even for industry giants (FOX13 News, 2026)[7].
## Non-Alcoholic Beer Surge Powers Dry January Initiatives
Athletic Brewing relaunched its **Athletic January** campaign for 2026, focusing on on-premise activations and bold-flavor non-alcoholic innovations to meet rising demand (Craft Brewing Business, 2026)[1]. Seattle’s Reuben’s Brews launched the inaugural **Party On NA Beer Run**, a beer mile event promoting non-alcoholic brews during Dry January (Brewpublic, 2026)[1].
Nearly half of Americans plan to drink less in 2026, fueling low and no-ABV craft beer growth as breweries adapt to moderation trends (Tastewise, 2026)[2]. Research indicates this shift is reshaping production, with NA options gaining traction in bars and retail (Backbar Academy, 2026)[4].
## Premiumisation and Lager Renaissance Dominate Trends
Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite trailed market growth in off-premise dollars and volume through November 2025, per Circana data, as consumers pivot to premium options (Vinepair, 2026)[1]. Nearly half of small brewers report growth despite volume declines, driven by craft, premium, and low-ABV segments (Torg, 2026)[1].
Cans are nearing bottles’ 45-46% revenue share, boosted by e-commerce practicality and premium craft packaging (Torg, 2026)[1]. Lagers enter a mature renaissance phase in 2026, with premiumisation and diversification emphasizing quality and value over novelty (Backbar Academy, 2026)[4]. Consumers increasingly seek sessionable, drinkable beers, forming a U-shaped demand curve for high-value premium and affordable options (Backbar Academy, 2026)[4].
Hyper-localization gains momentum, as neighborhood breweries source local ingredients to tap flavor preferences and community ties (Tastewise, 2026)[2]. Europe prioritizes sustainability and zero-alcohol beers, while Asian and Latin American imports carve niches (Torg, 2026)[1].
## Global Expansions Signal Craft Resilience
An Indian craft brewer backed by Japan’s Kirin Holdings announced an August 2024 plan for a $70 million production facility, aiming for a 2026 public listing to challenge global brands and expand premium beer access (Coherent Market Insights, 2026)[6]. U.S. craft beer sales grew 8% in 2023 to $28.4 billion, comprising 23.1% of the market, per Brewers Association data (Coherent Market Insights, 2026)[6].
In Utah, Fisher Brewing reported a strong 2025 with expanded retail sales, contrasting closures like Policy Kings, though regulatory limits on tap strength above 5% ABV hinder operations (FOX13 News, 2026)[7]. These developments underscore a **great re-balancing** toward quality, value, and innovation in the beer market (Backbar Academy, 2026)[4].