Beer News: More US breweries Closed Than Opened In 2024 / Craft Beer Hall of Fame Inducts Inaugural Class

Some of beer’s biggest names will be inducted into the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame this weekend. We’ve that, Anthony Bourdain and more.

More US breweries closed than opened in 2024

In 2024, the U.S. craft beer industry experienced a notable shift, with more breweries closing than opening for the first time since 2005. According to the Brewers Association, there were 335 new brewery openings and 399 closures, bringing the total number of small and independent breweries in operation to 9,736.

• Economic Pressures: Rising costs for equipment, ingredients, and rent, coupled with inflation and tariffs, have strained brewery operations.
• Market Saturation: The rapid growth of the craft beer market over the past decades has led to increased competition, making it difficult for new and existing breweries to
• Changing Consumer Behaviors: Shifts in consumer preferences, including a decline in on-premise consumption and a growing interest in non-alcoholic beverages, have impacted traditional brewery models.

“Craft has been going through a painful period of rationalization as demand growth has slowed and retailers and distributors look to simplify their offerings or add options for flavor and variety outside of the craft category,” added Bart Watson Brewer Association President and Chief Executive Officer.

Words to Drink By

“Drink heavily with locals whenever possible.” Anthony Bourdain – American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian

Craft Beer Hall of Fame Inducts Inaugural Class

If anything points to a maturing industry as well as its impact on society, it’s when it gets its own “Hall of Fame” and now thanks to Marty Nachel, a long-time beer writer, beer judge, and beer educator, it has one.

The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame was established to honor, celebrate, and commit to history those people who are responsible for initiating, sustaining, and promoting the American craft beer industry. It will introduce its inaugural class of inductees on Saturday, February 15th at 3pm EST and you can livestream the ceremony online HERE.

And here is a complete list of this year’s inaugural nominees…

• Charlie Bamforth – UC Davis professor and scientist known for, his work with Sierra Nevada Brewing.
• Larry Bell – Founder of Bells Brewery.
• Sam Calagione – Founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
• Fred Eckhardt – Portland-based craft beer advocate and  writer
• Teri Fahrendorf – Professional brewer and founder of the Pink Boots Society.
• Charles Finkel – Founder of Pikes Brewing
• Bert Grant – Beer advocate who opened America’s first modern brewpub in US
• Ken Grossman – Founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing.
• Julia Herz – Longtime industry leader, first at the Brewers Association and now as the executive director of the American Homebrewers Association.
• Michael Jackson – Legendary English writer and beer journalist.
• Kim Jordan – Co-founder and former CEO of New Belgium Brewing.
• Jim Koch – Founder of Boston Beer Company
• Fritz Maytag – Longtime owner of Anchor Brewing
• Jack McAuliffe – Founder of New Albion Brewing
• Garrett Oliver – Brewmaster at the Brooklyn Brewery and author
• Charlie Papazian – American nuclear engineer, brewer and author. He founded  the Great American Beer Festival and also served as President of the Brewers Association for over 30 years.
• Pete Slosberg – Founder of Pete’s Brewing and Pete’s Wicked Ale.
• Carol Stoudt –  Brewmaster and founder of Stoudts Brewing
• Don Younger –“Legendary publican who owned and operated Portland’s Horse Brass Pub, one of the first bars in the nation  to steadfastly focus on serving the best available beer,” according to the Washington Beer Blog.

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