Craft Beer Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Lagers, Ale and Other Types), Ingredient, Age Group, Distribution channel, and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Craft Beer Market is accounted for $3.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $8.0 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period. Craft beer is defined as beer made by small, independent breweries with a focus on flavor, quality, and conventional brewing methods. It's characterized by innovation, creativity, and a commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Furthermore, craft breweries value community involvement and frequently have a significant local presence, enhancing the local economy and culture. In general, craft beer is a symbol of a movement that emphasizes authenticity, diversity, and a love of beer.
According to the Brewers Association, in the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) 2019, lagers made up 1764 entries in nearly 18 different styles which constitute 15.8% of this alcoholic beverage.
Market Dynamics:Driver:Local and authentic appeal
Craft breweries often prioritize sourcing ingredients locally, whether it's hops from nearby farms or unique flavors inspired by regional cuisine, thereby supporting local agriculture and fostering a sense of connection to the land. Additionally, this local involvement builds trust and loyalty among consumers who value supporting small businesses and contributing to the vitality of their neighborhoods, which is driving this market growth.
Restraint:Production costs
Craft breweries typically prioritize the use of high-quality ingredients, including specialty malts, hops, and yeast strains, that come at a higher price point than the commodity ingredients used by larger breweries. Additionally, craft beer production involves smaller batch sizes and manual labor, which can lead to increased labor costs per unit of beer produced, which can pose challenges for craft breweries and impede this market.
Opportunity:Innovation and experimentation
The exploration of unique ingredients, ranging from exotic fruits and spices to unconventional grains and herbs, is one of the key aspects of innovation. These innovations result in a diverse array of beer styles, from hop-forward IPAs to complex barrel-aged stouts and tart sour ales, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. In addition to flavor experimentation, craft brewers embrace creative packaging designs and immersive brewery experiences to captivate consumers and foster brand loyalty, significantly boosting market growth.
Threat:Regulatory hurdles
The acquisition and upkeep of the licenses and permits required for lawful operation is a significant regulatory challenge for craft breweries. The process of obtaining these permits can be time-consuming, costly, and subject to bureaucratic delays. Furthermore, labeling regulations further compound the challenges for craft breweries, adding further pressure on breweries to ensure compliance, thereby significantly hampering this market size.
Covid-19 ImpactThe COVID-19 pandemic has had several negative impacts on the craft beer market globally. One significant effect has been the disruption of supply chains, with restrictions on movement and transportation leading to challenges in sourcing ingredients, packaging materials, and equipment. This has resulted in production delays and increased costs for craft breweries. Additionally, the cancellation or postponement of events such as beer festivals and tasting events has further hindered this market expansion.
The ale segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The ale segment is estimated to hold the largest share. It's a beer made with quick-acting yeast through rapid fermentation at warmer temperatures. This encompasses a wide range of styles, including pale ales, India pale ales (IPAs), brown ales, stouts, porters, and Belgian ales, among others. Moreover, this fosters a sense of community and local engagement, with many breweries drawing inspiration from regional ingredients and traditions, which is boosting this segment’s growth.
The yeast segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The yeast segment is anticipated to have highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the fact that it is a microorganism responsible for fermentation and comes in various strains, each imparting distinct characteristics to the beer. Craft breweries often prioritize experimentation with different yeast strains, leading to a diverse array of beer styles and flavors. In addition, investments in yeast laboratories to research and develop new strains further drive the boundaries of flavor and innovation in the industry.
Region with largest share:Europe commanded the largest market share during the extrapolated period, owing to a growing consumer interest in unique and flavorful brews. Traditionally dominated by established beer-producing countries like Germany, Belgium, and the UK, Europe has experienced a resurgence of small, independent breweries offering innovative and diverse beer styles. Additionally, there has been a trend towards collaborations between European craft breweries, which is propelling this region's growth.
Region with highest CAGR:Asia Pacific is expected to witness highest CAGR over the projection period, owing to changing consumer preferences, increasing disposable incomes, and a burgeoning interest in artisanal beverages. A growing number of local entrepreneurs and enthusiasts are establishing microbreweries and brewpubs, offering unique and locally-inspired brews to cater to this evolving demand. Moreover, government regulations and trade agreements have also played a role in shaping the craft beer market in the region.
Key players in the marketSome of the key players in the Craft Beer Market include Bell's Brewery Inc., Canned Heat Beer, D.G. Yuengling & Sons, Inc., Deschutes Brewery, Duvel Moortgat Brewery, Harbour Brewing Co., Lagunitas Brewing Company, Northern Monk, Omer Vander Ghinste, Stone & Wood Brewing Co., The Boston Beer Company, Inc and The Gambrinus Company.
Key Developments:In January 2024, The Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard and Dogfish Head, excitedly announces the expanded distribution of its Slingers Signature Cocktails brand, a malt-based lineup of full-flavored, 8% ABV, cocktail-inspired drinks in the convenience of a 24oz can.
In October 2023, Northern Monk has announced that they will be opening a brand-new Leeds city centre venue, taking over the former Assembly Underground.
In November 2021, Bell's Brewery founder, Larry Bell announced that he has reached an agreement with Lion, an Australian based brewer, for the sale of Bell's.
Types Covered:
• Lagers
• Ale
• Other Types
Ingredients Covered:
• Air Compressor
• Gas Compressor
Age Group Covered:
• 21–35 Years Old
• 40–54 Years Old
• 55 Years and Above
Distribution channels Covered:
• Off-trade
• On-trade
• Other Distribution Channels
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements