(Photo © Brewers Association)

Our friends at the Brewers Association just released their annual list of the Top 50 American Craft Breweries of 2025 along with an industry update of last year that at best was a mixed bag…

The U.S. craft brewing industry continued to adjust to a challenging market in 2025, posting a 5.1% decline in production amid broader softness in beer sales. Despite these headwinds, craft brewers slightly increased market share and demonstrated resilience in key segments.

The good news is that craft beer did outpace the overall beer category, which declined 5.7% by volume, highlighting its relative resilience within a contracting market.

Craft’s share of the beer market by volume increased slightly from 13.2% to 13.3%, reflecting continued consumer demand for independent brewers despite overall category declines.

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.

“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.”

And here are the Top 50 American Craft Breweries in 2025…

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