Craft beer outpaced the overall beer category, which declined 5.7% by volume, the Brewers Association said, adding this highlighted relative resilience within a contracting market. 

Craft's share by volume rose a bit to 13.3% from 13.2%, reflecting resiliance within a contracting overall market. Craft beer’s retail dollar value declined 3.6% year-over-year in 2025, to a total of $27.8 billion. While reduced sales volume contributed to the drop, the impact on dollar sales was less pronounced due to higher average beer prices and a continued shift toward on-site consumption models such as taprooms and brewpubs where there is a higher unit price. As a result, retail value proved more resilient than volume trends alone might suggest. 

Craft maintained a 24.6% share of total beer retail dollar sales, essentially unchanged from the prior year, reinforcing its stable position in the broader market despite ongoing headwinds. 

The craft brewing workforce declined to 189,000 jobs, down 8,000 (-4%) year-over-year. Employment held up better than production, supported by the relative stability of hospitality-focused brewery models and the higher rate of employees per barrel produced in those models. 

The number of operating U.S. craft breweries fell to 9,578, a 2.9% net decline from 2024. 

Breakdown by type: 

• Microbreweries: 1,994 (-4.4%) 
• Brewpubs: 3,525 (-2.5%) 
• Taprooms: 3,784 (-2.7%) 
• Regional breweries: 275 (-0.4%) 

New brewery openings dropped sharply to 300 in 2025 (down from 518 in 2024), while closures also declined to 481 (from 591). The slowdown in openings signals a shift toward a more mature, competitive market with fewer untapped opportunities for new market entrants. 

Regional and Business Trends 

Performance varied across regions. The East North Central Census division posted the strongest trend, finding growth of +0.3%, followed closely by the Pacific division (-0.1%), both outperforming national trends. 

Breweries with strong brand identity and clear market positioning continued to outperform, with brands like Garage Beer and Outlaw (by Tivoli Brewing Company) among notable gainers. 

Hospitality-driven models, i.e., brewpubs and taprooms, remained comparatively resilient, particularly those offering differentiated value to budget-conscious consumers. 

Looking Ahead: Cautious Optimism 

Key trends shaping the future include a potential rebound in consumer attitudes toward beverage alcohol, continued momentum for strong and differentiated brands, and the growing importance of experience-driven brewery models that offer value beyond the product itself. 

“The industry outlook points towards cautious optimism, as shifting trends offer hope for a more stable path forward after several challenging years,” said Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association. “While it’s probably premature to say the industry has settled into a ‘new normal,’ there are many indications that we are moving in that direction. What’s nearly guaranteed is that success going forward will come down to creating something meaningful and memorable for consumers. Breweries that deliver consistent quality, human connection, and unique experiences will stand out.”