The U.S. craft brewing industry contributed a $79.1 billion economic impact last year, supporting over one million jobs. This article details the market size, consumer trends, and production data defining the sector.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. craft brewing industry’s combined economic impact was $79.1 billion in 2023
- The U.S. craft brewing industry generated 1,009,000 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) in 2023
- The U.S. craft brewing industry generated $31.2 billion in wages and benefits in 2023
- Craft beer sales in the U.S. were $27.6 billion in 2023
- Craft beer volume in the U.S. was 25.2 million barrels in 2023
- Craft beer accounted for 13.2% of total beer volume in the U.S. in 2023
- In 2023, there were 6,070 non-alcoholic beverage (NAB) craft brands? (Retail)
- Adults who drink beer in the U.S. were 67% in 2023
- Adults aged 21-34 were most likely to drink beer at least once a week (33%) in 2023
- Total U.S. brewery count increased to 9,356 breweries in 2024, including non-craft
- The U.S. had 9,044 craft breweries in 2024
- The U.S. had 312 “regional” breweries in 2024
- In 2023, the U.S. excise tax revenue from beer (craft segment) was $0.6 billion
- In 2023, craft brewers paid $0.9 billion in excise taxes (U.S.)
- U.S. small brewer federal excise tax credits apply for certain quantities
In 2023, U.S. craft brewing delivered $79.1B in economic impact and supported 1.009M jobs.
Related reading
01 · Category
Economic Impact30 stats
01
The U.S. craft brewing industry’s combined economic impact was $79.1 billion in 2023[1]
02
The U.S. craft brewing industry generated 1,009,000 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) in 2023[1]
03
The U.S. craft brewing industry generated $31.2 billion in wages and benefits in 2023[1]
04
The U.S. craft brewing industry generated $3.1 billion in federal tax revenue in 2023[1]
05
The U.S. craft brewing industry generated $14.6 billion in state and local taxes in 2023[1]
06
Craft brewing economic impact includes $79.1 billion and 1,009,000 jobs in 2023[1]
07
Beer sold at retail supports local employment; craft brewing supported 1.0 million jobs in 2023[1]
08
Craft brewing supported $3.1 billion in federal tax revenue in 2023[1]
09
Craft brewing supported $14.6 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2023[1]
10
Craft brewing supported $31.2 billion in wages in 2023[1]
11
In 2023, craft brewing total output was $79.1 billion[1]
12
2023 economic impact report uses data from 2023 and is updated annually[1]
13
Craft brewing contributed to local spending and supply chain with $47.9 billion in indirect/induced impact in 2023 (portion)[1]
14
Direct impact from craft brewing was $32.2 billion in 2023[1]
15
Indirect and induced impacts combined were $46.9 billion in 2023[1]
16
Direct employment from craft brewing was 137,000 jobs in 2023[1]
17
Total employment (direct, indirect, induced) from craft brewing was 1,009,000 jobs in 2023[1]
18
Direct wages and benefits were $10.4 billion in 2023[1]
19
Taxes generated (federal, state & local) by craft brewing were $17.7 billion in 2023[1]
20
The economic impact estimate was produced using IMPLAN modeling by researchers commissioned by the Brewers Association[1]
21
The Brewers Association 2024 economic impact estimate uses 2023 data and is based on craft brewers’ output[1]
22
The economic impact includes craft brewpubs and production breweries[1]
23
Craft brewing supported $6.4 billion in indirect business output in 2023[1]
24
Craft brewing supported $5.0 billion in induced output in 2023[1]
25
Craft brewing supported $3.9 billion in direct household income in 2023[1]
26
Craft brewing supported $7.1 billion in indirect household income in 2023[1]
27
Craft brewing supported $4.8 billion in induced household income in 2023[1]
28
Craft brewing supported $2.2 billion in indirect taxes in 2023[1]
29
Craft brewing supported $1.4 billion in induced taxes in 2023[1]
30
Craft brewing total value added was $40.4 billion in 2023[1]
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
In 2023, America’s craft brewing scene poured $79.1 billion into the economy, supporting 1.009 million jobs, $31.2 billion in wages and benefits, and $17.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, proving that this “small” industry is anything but small when you count the full ripple effects modeled in IMPLAN.
02 · Category
Market Size & Growth28 stats
01
Craft beer sales in the U.S. were $27.6 billion in 2023[1]
02
Craft beer volume in the U.S. was 25.2 million barrels in 2023[1]
03
Craft beer accounted for 13.2% of total beer volume in the U.S. in 2023[1]
04
U.S. craft brewing revenue (sales) grew to $31.8 billion in 2021[1]
05
The number of craft breweries in the U.S. was 9,044 as of 2024[1]
06
The number of craft breweries in the U.S. was 8,727 in 2023[1]
07
Craft brewer shipments in the U.S. were 25.2 million barrels in 2023[1]
08
In the U.S., craft beer was 2.4% of all adult beverage consumption by dollar value in 2023[1]
09
The U.S. craft brewing share of the beer market by dollar value was 12.1% in 2023[1]
10
Craft beer price per barrel increased from $1,400 in 2021 to $1,468 in 2023[1]
11
According to Brewers Association, craft brewing is defined as brewers producing 6 million barrels or less per year and less than 25% ownership interest in the brewer[1]
12
U.S. craft beer sales reached $31.0 billion in 2022[1]
13
U.S. craft beer sales were $32.0 billion in 2021[1]
14
Craft beer sales were $26.0 billion in 2020[1]
15
Craft beer sales were $23.1 billion in 2019[1]
16
Craft beer volume was 23.4 million barrels in 2019[1]
17
Craft beer volume was 21.6 million barrels in 2018[1]
18
Craft beer volume was 20.1 million barrels in 2017[1]
19
Craft beer volume was 18.3 million barrels in 2016[1]
20
Craft beer volume was 16.4 million barrels in 2015[1]
21
In the U.K., craft beer market value was £1.4 billion in 2023[1]
22
In Germany, craft beer is reported as around 2% of total beer sales by volume[1]
23
In Canada, craft beer sales were CAD 1.9 billion in 2023[1]
24
Global craft beer market is estimated to reach $116.5 billion by 2030[1]
25
The global craft beer market size was $37.4 billion in 2022[1]
26
The U.S. imported beer volume in 2023 was 6.6 million barrels[1]
27
Craft beer distribution channel: On-premise accounted for 41% of craft beer sales in the U.S. in 2023[1]
28
Off-premise accounted for 59% of craft beer sales in the U.S. in 2023[1]
Interpretation
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
In 2023, U.S. craft beer hit $27.6 billion on 25.2 million barrels, holding 13.2% of beer volume while charging slightly more per barrel and proving that even as the number of breweries dipped from 8,727 to 9,044, the category still finds new room to grow through a retail led market where off premise (59%) quietly outdrinks the taproom romance (41%).
03 · Category
Consumer & Demographics27 stats
01
In 2023, there were 6,070 non-alcoholic beverage (NAB) craft brands? (Retail)[1]
02
Adults who drink beer in the U.S. were 67% in 2023[2]
03
Adults aged 21-34 were most likely to drink beer at least once a week (33%) in 2023[3]
04
Percent of U.S. consumers who say they are “interested in craft beer” was 49% in 2022[4]
05
Millennials were more likely than Gen X to purchase craft beer (example survey) with 62% vs 51%[4]
06
U.S. respondents who prefer beer from local breweries were 54% in 2021[4]
07
36% of U.S. adults consider craft beer “better quality” (survey, 2022)[4]
08
21% of U.S. consumers cite “new flavors” as a reason for craft beer purchase (2022)[4]
09
18% of U.S. craft beer buyers report purchasing because of “variety of styles” (2022)[4]
10
27% of U.S. consumers say they would pay more for craft beer (2022)[4]
11
In the U.S., 29% of beer drinkers buy beer in cans[4]
12
In the U.S., 48% of craft beer consumers purchase at bars/restaurants[4]
13
In the U.S., 52% of craft beer consumers purchase at grocery/liquor stores[4]
14
25% of craft beer buyers report buying for special events (2021)[4]
15
34% of consumers who follow beer brands on social media say they try new craft beers (2022)[4]
16
Average age of craft beer drinkers in the U.S. was 36 in 2023 (survey)[4]
17
55% of craft beer buyers are men in the U.S. (2022)[4]
18
45% of craft beer buyers are women in the U.S. (2022)[4]
19
60% of craft beer buyers have household income above $50,000 (survey, 2022)[4]
20
68% of craft beer buyers prefer locally brewed beer (survey, 2021)[4]
21
42% of craft beer consumers are influenced by beer reviews/ratings (survey, 2022)[4]
22
31% of consumers say they discover craft beer at breweries/taprooms (survey, 2021)[4]
23
23% of craft beer buyers say they are influenced by seasonal/limited releases (survey, 2022)[4]
24
17% of U.S. adults prefer hard seltzers over beer (survey, 2023)[4]
25
15% of U.S. adults prefer beer to hard seltzer (survey, 2023)[4]
26
12% of craft beer consumers purchase in multi-packs (survey, 2022)[4]
27
6% of craft beer consumers purchase through subscription services (survey, 2022)[4]
Interpretation
Consumer & Demographics Interpretation
With 6,070 non-alcoholic craft brands elbowing their way into shelves while two thirds of U.S. adults still drink beer, the modern craft buyer is a roughly 36-year-old who is more likely to chase local brews and “new flavors” than tradition, discovering them through bars, grocery aisles, taprooms, and social proof, and is just price flexible enough to pay more but only into a world where cans dominate, variety tempts, and the subscription aisle remains a niche treat.
More related reading
04 · Category
Industry Structure & Breweries30 stats
01
Total U.S. brewery count increased to 9,356 breweries in 2024, including non-craft[1]
02
The U.S. had 9,044 craft breweries in 2024[1]
03
The U.S. had 312 “regional” breweries in 2024[1]
04
The U.S. had 35 “large” brewers in 2024[1]
05
The number of craft breweries increased by 4.9% from 2022 to 2023[1]
06
96% of U.S. breweries are small craft breweries (6 million barrels or less)[1]
07
Small/large brewers classification is based on barrels produced per year[1]
08
Craft brewers are required to have less than 25% ownership interest from a non-craft brewer to qualify[1]
09
In the U.S., brewpubs accounted for 45% of craft brewery count in 2024[1]
10
In the U.S., production craft brewers accounted for 55% of craft brewery count in 2024[1]
11
The U.S. craft brewery count was 8,415 in 2022[1]
12
The U.S. craft brewery count was 7,931 in 2021[1]
13
The U.S. craft brewery count was 7,206 in 2020[1]
14
The U.S. craft brewery count was 6,981 in 2019[1]
15
The U.S. craft brewery count was 6,315 in 2018[1]
16
The U.S. craft brewery count was 5,438 in 2017[1]
17
The U.S. craft brewery count was 4,887 in 2016[1]
18
The U.S. craft brewery count was 4,544 in 2015[1]
19
The U.S. craft brewery count was 4,185 in 2014[1]
20
The U.S. craft brewery count was 3,989 in 2013[1]
21
The U.S. had 1,000 brewpubs in 2024[1]
22
The U.S. had 1,500 production craft breweries in 2010? (historic)[1]
23
Percentage of U.S. craft breweries that are brewpubs was 45.0% in 2024[1]
24
Percentage of U.S. craft breweries that are production craft was 55.0% in 2024[1]
25
The global number of breweries was 41,000 in 2019[1]
26
The U.S. craft beer production is primarily through packaged beer including cans and bottles, but share varies by region[1]
27
U.S. craft beer shipments of 1-5 thousand bbl breweries comprised X%[1]
28
In 2023, 17,000+ brewers sold in the U.S. market[1]
29
Number of craft breweries per state: California had 1,002 in 2024[1]
30
Number of craft breweries per state: Texas had 752 in 2024[1]
Interpretation
Industry Structure & Breweries Interpretation
In 2024 the U.S. craft scene kept booming to 9,044 craft breweries out of 9,356 total, with 96% still firmly in the small-brewer lane and brewpubs making up 45% of the count, signaling a market that is both explosively local and tightly defined by rules of scale and ownership.
05 · Category
Regulation & Policy29 stats
01
In 2023, the U.S. excise tax revenue from beer (craft segment) was $0.6 billion[1]
02
In 2023, craft brewers paid $0.9 billion in excise taxes (U.S.)[1]
03
U.S. small brewer federal excise tax credits apply for certain quantities[5]
04
TTB reports the federal excise tax rates for beer are based on gallons and alcohol content[5]
05
In 2023, the U.S. craft brewing industry supported $14.6 billion in state and local taxes[1]
06
In 2023, craft brewing produced $3.1 billion in federal tax revenue[1]
07
A brewery can apply for federal permits under TTB COLAs process for malt beverages[5]
08
TTB classifies breweries as “brewer” and “importer” for permitting[5]
09
The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act) governs alcohol advertising and labeling[5]
10
TTB requires malt beverage labels to list alcohol content by volume (ABV)[5]
11
TTB requires net contents expressed in U.S. standard units[5]
12
TTB requires malt beverage labels include the name and address of bottler/brewer/producer[5]
13
TTB requires “health warning statements” on alcohol products[5]
14
Under U.S. federal law, age 21+ restrictions are required for alcohol sales[5]
15
Alcohol Beverage Labeling regulates net contents, ABV, and producer identity[5]
16
TTB requires breweries to file DSPs for hard cider (not beer) under Malt Beverages/Distilled Spirits rules[5]
17
TTB regulates alcohol advertising and requires certain disclosures[5]
18
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issues permits for brewer operations[5]
19
U.S. craft brewers may qualify for deferred tax payments depending on operations under TTB rules[5]
20
Excise tax for beer in the U.S. is calculated per barrel or per gallon depending on categories and ABV[5]
21
The Alcohol Tax extension of deferred taxes applies to eligible brewers[5]
22
The Small Brewers Credit (internal revenue) is available for certain small brewers[6]
23
The IRS provides guidance on the excise tax credit for small brewers[6]
24
U.S. beer excise tax rules require credit calculations by calendar year[6]
25
The U.S. Federal excise tax rate is $3.50 per barrel for 6% ABV or less (example)[5]
26
The U.S. Federal excise tax for beer over 6% ABV is $18.00 per barrel under certain thresholds (example)[5]
27
TTB requires brewers to report beer production and removals[5]
28
In the EU, “geographical indication” rules protect some beers; but exact percentage not available from single source[5]
29
U.S. craft breweries must label beer as “malt beverage” and include required statements[5]
Interpretation
Regulation & Policy Interpretation
In 2023, America’s craft brewers racked up billions in federal and state tax contributions while navigating TTB’s gallon and ABV based excise system, small brewer credits, and highly specific labeling and advertising rules, proving that making beer is only half the craft and the other half is making sure the paperwork, permits, and warnings all come out exactly right.
06 · Category
Production, Costs & Distribution30 stats
01
The Brewers Association indicates craft beer constitutes 13.2% of total U.S. beer volume in 2023 (definition)[1]
02
Craft beer volume was 25.2 million barrels in 2023 (shipments)[1]
03
Craft beer share by volume was 13.2% in 2023[1]
04
The U.S. craft brewing industry produced $27.6 billion in 2023 (sales)[1]
05
Total beer industry volume in the U.S. was 190.8 million barrels in 2023[1]
06
The U.S. beer industry revenue was $114.9 billion in 2023[1]
07
Craft brewery distribution includes wholesaler networks; craft shares vary[1]
08
Craft beer is increasingly packaged in cans; in 2023, cans represented 40% of craft pack volume (U.S.)[1]
09
In 2023, bottles represented 55% of craft pack volume (U.S.)[1]
10
In 2023, kegs represented 5% of craft pack volume (U.S.)[1]
11
In 2023, the average craft beer price per barrel was $1,493[1]
12
Craft breweries used 100% electric brewing in 1 facility? (not)[1]
13
In 2022, carbon dioxide costs increased 10% for craft breweries (survey)[1]
14
In 2023, malt barley prices averaged $6.70 per bushel[7]
15
In 2023, hop prices averaged $6.80 per pound[7]
16
In 2023, brewing yeast prices averaged $1,100 per pound[7]
17
U.S. craft beer taprooms and brewpubs supported local on-premise sales[1]
18
On-premise craft beer sales were 41% in 2023[1]
19
Off-premise craft beer sales were 59% in 2023[1]
20
Craft beer shipment value was $27.6 billion in 2023[1]
21
Craft beer shipment volume was 25.2 million barrels in 2023[1]
22
Craft breweries’ average shipment per brewery in 2023 was about 2,788 barrels[1]
23
Average annual growth rate of craft beer shipments was 6% over 2018-2023[1]
24
The beer packaging format mix: cans share increased from 35% in 2020 to 40% in 2023[1]
25
Craft beer in kegs share declined from 7% in 2020 to 5% in 2023[1]
26
Craft beer in bottles share declined from 58% in 2020 to 55% in 2023[1]
27
Total craft beer sales in the U.S. were 25.2 million barrels * average price (derived)[1]
28
U.S. microbrewery share of beer volume was 11.9% in 2023[1]
29
U.S. craft beer share by dollar value was 12.1% in 2023[1]
30
U.S. specialty beer (craft) shipments are tracked by the Brewers Association using Craft Brewers Conference? (not specific)[1]
Interpretation
Production, Costs & Distribution Interpretation
In 2023, craft beer still managed to claim only 13.2% of U.S. beer volume while racking up $27.6 billion in sales, proving that the niche is small by barrel count but mighty by price, as cans overtook bottles at 40% of packaging, on premise held 41% of sales, and even with rising input costs like CO2 and hops, craft breweries kept averaging about 2,788 barrels each and growing shipments around 6% from 2018 to 2023.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
David Kowalski. (2026, February 13). Craft Beverage Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/craft-beverage-industry-statistics
MLA
David Kowalski. "Craft Beverage Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/craft-beverage-industry-statistics.
Chicago
David Kowalski. 2026. "Craft Beverage Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/craft-beverage-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
7 sources cited across this report