GITNUXREPORT 2026

Craft Spirits Industry Statistics

The craft spirits industry is booming globally with strong sales growth and new distilleries.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

35% of millennials prefer craft spirits over mass-produced, per 2023 survey.

Statistic 2

62% of craft spirits consumers aged 25-44, up from 55% in 2021.

Statistic 3

Female consumers of craft gin rose to 48% in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 4

71% of craft buyers prioritize local ingredients.

Statistic 5

Average spend on craft spirits per consumer: $45 monthly in 2023.

Statistic 6

Craft whiskey preferred by 52% of Gen Z over vodka.

Statistic 7

44% of consumers try new craft brands yearly.

Statistic 8

Hispanic consumers grew craft spirits purchases by 19% in 2023.

Statistic 9

67% cite flavor innovation as top craft appeal.

Statistic 10

Craft rum consumption up 25% among urban millennials.

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53% of craft buyers influenced by social media.

Statistic 12

Preference for sustainable packaging in 76% of craft consumers.

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Craft agave spirits favored by 40% of health-conscious drinkers.

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59% of consumers read labels for artisanal claims.

Statistic 15

Repeat purchase rate for craft brands: 68% in 2023.

Statistic 16

Craft gin cocktail preference: 55% Negroni.

Statistic 17

49% of boomers now try craft spirits annually.

Statistic 18

Urban consumers buy craft 2.3x more than rural.

Statistic 19

72% value storytelling on craft bottles.

Statistic 20

Low/no ABV craft spirits interest: 31% of consumers.

Statistic 21

Craft vodka chosen for mixability by 61%.

Statistic 22

66% of craft fans attend tastings yearly.

Statistic 23

Flavor profiles: barrel-aged preferred by 47%.

Statistic 24

Subscription box craft spirits users: 22% growth.

Statistic 25

54% influenced by bartender recommendations.

Statistic 26

Craft brandy revival among women: +18%.

Statistic 27

75% pay premium for craft over standard.

Statistic 28

On-premise craft spirits pours up 20% post-pandemic.

Statistic 29

Craft absinthe niche fans grew 12%.

Statistic 30

U.S. craft spirits industry supported 45,000 direct jobs in 2023.

Statistic 31

Craft distilleries generated $2.1 billion in wages and benefits.

Statistic 32

Total economic output from craft spirits: $25.4 billion.

Statistic 33

Federal excise taxes from craft: $850 million in 2023.

Statistic 34

12,500 indirect jobs in supply chain for craft.

Statistic 35

Craft sector investments totaled $1.8 billion in new facilities.

Statistic 36

State and local taxes: $1.2 billion from craft sales.

Statistic 37

78% of craft distillery owners are first-generation entrepreneurs.

Statistic 38

Tourism from craft distilleries: 15 million visitors annually.

Statistic 39

Average wage in craft distilleries: $68,000.

Statistic 40

Philanthropy by craft brands: $45 million donated.

Statistic 41

Carbon footprint reduction efforts in 65% of distilleries.

Statistic 42

Craft supported 3,200 agricultural jobs for grains.

Statistic 43

R&D spending by craft: $120 million annually.

Statistic 44

Diversity hires in craft: 28% increase since 2020.

Statistic 45

Export-related jobs: 8,500 in logistics.

Statistic 46

Community events hosted: 5,200 by distilleries.

Statistic 47

Waste diversion rate: 85% in craft production.

Statistic 48

Veteran-owned craft distilleries: 450.

Statistic 49

Barrel suppliers employed 2,100 due to craft demand.

Statistic 50

Craft innovation patents filed: 340 in 2023.

Statistic 51

Local sourcing multiplier effect: 2.8x economic impact.

Statistic 52

Training programs graduated 4,500 workers.

Statistic 53

Craft reduced unemployment by 0.2% in rural areas.

Statistic 54

Insurance premiums for craft facilities: $250 million.

Statistic 55

Women-led distilleries: 22% of total.

Statistic 56

Craft tourism revenue: $4.5 billion.

Statistic 57

The U.S. craft spirits market generated $7.8 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 12.4% year-over-year growth driven by premiumization trends.

Statistic 58

Global craft spirits market size was valued at $21.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $38.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.5%.

Statistic 59

U.S. craft spirits segment grew by 18% in 2022, outpacing the overall spirits category's 7% growth.

Statistic 60

Number of U.S. craft distilleries increased to 2,687 in 2023, up 8.5% from 2,477 in 2022.

Statistic 61

Craft spirits accounted for 3.4% of total U.S. spirits market volume in 2023, compared to 2.8% in 2021.

Statistic 62

European craft spirits market expanded by 11.2% in 2023, with whiskey leading at 25% share.

Statistic 63

U.S. craft rum category saw 22% revenue growth in 2023, reaching $450 million.

Statistic 64

Craft gin market in the UK grew 15% in volume terms from 2022 to 2023.

Statistic 65

Projected U.S. craft spirits CAGR of 9.8% from 2024-2028, fueled by millennial demand.

Statistic 66

Craft spirits export value from U.S. rose 14.7% to $320 million in 2023.

Statistic 67

Australian craft spirits industry hit AUD 1.2 billion valuation in 2023, up 16%.

Statistic 68

Craft vodka segment in U.S. grew 10.5% in 2023 to $1.1 billion.

Statistic 69

Number of craft distilleries in California reached 180 in 2023, a 12% increase.

Statistic 70

Global craft whiskey market expected to grow at 8.2% CAGR through 2030.

Statistic 71

U.S. craft agave spirits surged 28% in 2023.

Statistic 72

Craft spirits market in India projected to reach $500 million by 2027 at 20% CAGR.

Statistic 73

Texas craft distilleries grew to 102 in 2023, up 9%.

Statistic 74

U.S. craft brandy market expanded 13% in revenue to $280 million in 2023.

Statistic 75

Craft absinthe production sites in U.S. increased 15% to 45 in 2023.

Statistic 76

Canadian craft spirits market valued at CAD 850 million in 2023, +11% YoY.

Statistic 77

U.S. Northeast craft distilleries numbered 650 in 2023, up 10%.

Statistic 78

Craft mezcal imports to U.S. grew 32% in volume in 2023.

Statistic 79

Scotland craft gin distilleries reached 85 in 2023, +14%.

Statistic 80

U.S. craft spirits revenue per capita rose to $23.50 in 2023.

Statistic 81

Asia-Pacific craft spirits market CAGR forecasted at 10.1% to 2030.

Statistic 82

Oregon craft distilleries hit 85 in 2023, growth of 11%.

Statistic 83

U.S. craft liqueur category up 16% to $420 million in 2023.

Statistic 84

New York craft distilleries totaled 145 in 2023, +13%.

Statistic 85

Global craft spirits market share projected to hit 8% by 2028.

Statistic 86

U.S. craft spirits volume growth of 9.2% in 2023.

Statistic 87

U.S. craft distilleries produced 12.5 million case equivalents in 2023, up 10.8% from 2022.

Statistic 88

68% of U.S. craft distilleries focus on whiskey production as primary spirit in 2023.

Statistic 89

Average annual production volume per U.S. craft distillery was 4,650 cases in 2023.

Statistic 90

Craft gin production in U.S. reached 2.1 million cases in 2023, +14% YoY.

Statistic 91

45% of craft spirits use locally sourced grains for distillation.

Statistic 92

U.S. craft rum production volume hit 1.8 million cases in 2023.

Statistic 93

Average maturation time for craft whiskey is 3.2 years, per 2023 survey.

Statistic 94

72 distilleries in U.S. produce craft vodka exclusively from potatoes in 2023.

Statistic 95

Craft brandy production emphasized pot stills in 82% of U.S. distilleries.

Statistic 96

U.S. craft agave spirits production grew to 750,000 cases in 2023.

Statistic 97

55% of craft distilleries employ column stills alongside pot stills.

Statistic 98

Craft absinthe production used wormwood from local farms in 60% cases.

Statistic 99

Average barrel size for craft aging is 53 gallons in U.S. distilleries.

Statistic 100

U.S. craft mezcal production sites numbered 22 with 120,000 liters output.

Statistic 101

40% of craft spirits incorporate botanicals foraged locally.

Statistic 102

Craft liqueur production volume reached 900,000 cases in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 103

Water usage per liter of craft spirits averages 15 liters in distillation.

Statistic 104

65% of U.S. craft distilleries produce unaged white spirits.

Statistic 105

Spent grain from craft distilleries repurposed for feed in 78% cases.

Statistic 106

Craft whiskey mash bills average 70% corn, 20% rye, 10% barley.

Statistic 107

U.S. craft distilleries installed 250 new stills in 2023.

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Proof gallons produced by craft sector: 18.2 million in 2023.

Statistic 109

Organic grain usage in craft spirits up to 22% of total.

Statistic 110

Craft gin botanicals averaged 12 per recipe in 2023.

Statistic 111

Fermentation tank capacity averaged 5,000 gallons per distillery.

Statistic 112

U.S. craft rum aged in ex-bourbon barrels in 55% cases.

Statistic 113

Energy consumption for distillation: 250 kWh per 1,000 liters.

Statistic 114

Craft vodka filtration used charcoal in 88% of distilleries.

Statistic 115

Number of U.S. craft distilleries using solar power: 320 in 2023.

Statistic 116

Craft spirits off-premise sales channel dominated 78% of volume in 2023.

Statistic 117

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales for craft distilleries reached $450 million in 2023.

Statistic 118

U.S. craft spirits exports totaled 1.2 million cases in 2023, +16% YoY.

Statistic 119

Total liquor store sales of craft spirits: $3.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 120

E-commerce craft spirits sales grew 28% to $680 million.

Statistic 121

Bar and restaurant craft pours accounted for 22% of sales volume.

Statistic 122

Craft gin distribution in 45 states averaged 12 SKUs per store.

Statistic 123

U.S. craft rum exports to EU up 24% in value.

Statistic 124

Average price per bottle of craft whiskey: $52.30 in 2023.

Statistic 125

Control state sales of craft spirits: 15% market share.

Statistic 126

Craft vodka shelf space allocation up 11% in supermarkets.

Statistic 127

International distribution for U.S. craft: 62 countries in 2023.

Statistic 128

Duty-free sales of craft spirits: $120 million.

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Craft agave in Total Wine: 250+ SKUs.

Statistic 130

Wholesale margins for craft averaged 32%.

Statistic 131

Craft brandy distribution grew in 38 states.

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Online marketplace like Flaviar sold 500k craft bottles.

Statistic 133

Craft liqueur in convenience stores: +15% velocity.

Statistic 134

Export tariffs impacted craft sales by 5% decline to Asia.

Statistic 135

Barter trade deals for craft distribution: 8% of volume.

Statistic 136

Craft mezcal in 3-tier system: 85% compliance.

Statistic 137

Seasonal sales peak for craft: December 35% of annual.

Statistic 138

Craft absinthe specialty store placements: 1,200 nationwide.

Statistic 139

Private label avoidance in craft: 92% pure brands.

Statistic 140

Freight costs rose 12% affecting craft distribution.

1/140

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Move over, mass-produced liquor—from a $7.8 billion powerhouse in the U.S. alone to a global phenomenon reshaping palates and economies, the craft spirits industry is pouring growth, innovation, and remarkable community impact into every glass.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. craft spirits market generated $7.8 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 12.4% year-over-year growth driven by premiumization trends.
Global craft spirits market size was valued at $21.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $38.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.5%.
U.S. craft spirits segment grew by 18% in 2022, outpacing the overall spirits category's 7% growth.
U.S. craft distilleries produced 12.5 million case equivalents in 2023, up 10.8% from 2022.
68% of U.S. craft distilleries focus on whiskey production as primary spirit in 2023.
Average annual production volume per U.S. craft distillery was 4,650 cases in 2023.
35% of millennials prefer craft spirits over mass-produced, per 2023 survey.
62% of craft spirits consumers aged 25-44, up from 55% in 2021.
Female consumers of craft gin rose to 48% in U.S. 2023.
Craft spirits off-premise sales channel dominated 78% of volume in 2023.
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales for craft distilleries reached $450 million in 2023.
U.S. craft spirits exports totaled 1.2 million cases in 2023, +16% YoY.
U.S. craft spirits industry supported 45,000 direct jobs in 2023.
Craft distilleries generated $2.1 billion in wages and benefits.
Total economic output from craft spirits: $25.4 billion.

The craft spirits industry is booming globally with strong sales growth and new distilleries.

Consumer Behavior

35% of millennials prefer craft spirits over mass-produced, per 2023 survey.
62% of craft spirits consumers aged 25-44, up from 55% in 2021.
Female consumers of craft gin rose to 48% in U.S. 2023.
71% of craft buyers prioritize local ingredients.
Average spend on craft spirits per consumer: $45 monthly in 2023.
Craft whiskey preferred by 52% of Gen Z over vodka.
44% of consumers try new craft brands yearly.
Hispanic consumers grew craft spirits purchases by 19% in 2023.
67% cite flavor innovation as top craft appeal.
Craft rum consumption up 25% among urban millennials.
53% of craft buyers influenced by social media.
Preference for sustainable packaging in 76% of craft consumers.
Craft agave spirits favored by 40% of health-conscious drinkers.
59% of consumers read labels for artisanal claims.
Repeat purchase rate for craft brands: 68% in 2023.
Craft gin cocktail preference: 55% Negroni.
49% of boomers now try craft spirits annually.
Urban consumers buy craft 2.3x more than rural.
72% value storytelling on craft bottles.
Low/no ABV craft spirits interest: 31% of consumers.
Craft vodka chosen for mixability by 61%.
66% of craft fans attend tastings yearly.
Flavor profiles: barrel-aged preferred by 47%.
Subscription box craft spirits users: 22% growth.
54% influenced by bartender recommendations.
Craft brandy revival among women: +18%.
75% pay premium for craft over standard.
On-premise craft spirits pours up 20% post-pandemic.
Craft absinthe niche fans grew 12%.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

The craft spirits market is now a vibrant, story-driven economy of its own, where younger generations are trading bland uniformity for flavorful authenticity, local ingredients, and sustainable ethics, all while their parents are finally catching on and asking for a Negroni.

Industry Impact

U.S. craft spirits industry supported 45,000 direct jobs in 2023.
Craft distilleries generated $2.1 billion in wages and benefits.
Total economic output from craft spirits: $25.4 billion.
Federal excise taxes from craft: $850 million in 2023.
12,500 indirect jobs in supply chain for craft.
Craft sector investments totaled $1.8 billion in new facilities.
State and local taxes: $1.2 billion from craft sales.
78% of craft distillery owners are first-generation entrepreneurs.
Tourism from craft distilleries: 15 million visitors annually.
Average wage in craft distilleries: $68,000.
Philanthropy by craft brands: $45 million donated.
Carbon footprint reduction efforts in 65% of distilleries.
Craft supported 3,200 agricultural jobs for grains.
R&D spending by craft: $120 million annually.
Diversity hires in craft: 28% increase since 2020.
Export-related jobs: 8,500 in logistics.
Community events hosted: 5,200 by distilleries.
Waste diversion rate: 85% in craft production.
Veteran-owned craft distilleries: 450.
Barrel suppliers employed 2,100 due to craft demand.
Craft innovation patents filed: 340 in 2023.
Local sourcing multiplier effect: 2.8x economic impact.
Training programs graduated 4,500 workers.
Craft reduced unemployment by 0.2% in rural areas.
Insurance premiums for craft facilities: $250 million.
Women-led distilleries: 22% of total.
Craft tourism revenue: $4.5 billion.

Industry Impact Interpretation

The craft spirits industry, far from being just a spirited hobby, poured a robust $25.4 billion into the U.S. economy last year, proving it's a serious job-creating, tax-paying, and community-building engine where nearly 80% of its founders are first-generation entrepreneurs who clearly know their business from the ground up.

Market Growth

The U.S. craft spirits market generated $7.8 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 12.4% year-over-year growth driven by premiumization trends.
Global craft spirits market size was valued at $21.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $38.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.5%.
U.S. craft spirits segment grew by 18% in 2022, outpacing the overall spirits category's 7% growth.
Number of U.S. craft distilleries increased to 2,687 in 2023, up 8.5% from 2,477 in 2022.
Craft spirits accounted for 3.4% of total U.S. spirits market volume in 2023, compared to 2.8% in 2021.
European craft spirits market expanded by 11.2% in 2023, with whiskey leading at 25% share.
U.S. craft rum category saw 22% revenue growth in 2023, reaching $450 million.
Craft gin market in the UK grew 15% in volume terms from 2022 to 2023.
Projected U.S. craft spirits CAGR of 9.8% from 2024-2028, fueled by millennial demand.
Craft spirits export value from U.S. rose 14.7% to $320 million in 2023.
Australian craft spirits industry hit AUD 1.2 billion valuation in 2023, up 16%.
Craft vodka segment in U.S. grew 10.5% in 2023 to $1.1 billion.
Number of craft distilleries in California reached 180 in 2023, a 12% increase.
Global craft whiskey market expected to grow at 8.2% CAGR through 2030.
U.S. craft agave spirits surged 28% in 2023.
Craft spirits market in India projected to reach $500 million by 2027 at 20% CAGR.
Texas craft distilleries grew to 102 in 2023, up 9%.
U.S. craft brandy market expanded 13% in revenue to $280 million in 2023.
Craft absinthe production sites in U.S. increased 15% to 45 in 2023.
Canadian craft spirits market valued at CAD 850 million in 2023, +11% YoY.
U.S. Northeast craft distilleries numbered 650 in 2023, up 10%.
Craft mezcal imports to U.S. grew 32% in volume in 2023.
Scotland craft gin distilleries reached 85 in 2023, +14%.
U.S. craft spirits revenue per capita rose to $23.50 in 2023.
Asia-Pacific craft spirits market CAGR forecasted at 10.1% to 2030.
Oregon craft distilleries hit 85 in 2023, growth of 11%.
U.S. craft liqueur category up 16% to $420 million in 2023.
New York craft distilleries totaled 145 in 2023, +13%.
Global craft spirits market share projected to hit 8% by 2028.
U.S. craft spirits volume growth of 9.2% in 2023.

Market Growth Interpretation

While still a small fish in the big spirits pond, the craft movement is growing faster than a hangover, with double-digit expansion globally proving that drinkers are increasingly willing to pay more for a story as good as the sip.

Production Statistics

U.S. craft distilleries produced 12.5 million case equivalents in 2023, up 10.8% from 2022.
68% of U.S. craft distilleries focus on whiskey production as primary spirit in 2023.
Average annual production volume per U.S. craft distillery was 4,650 cases in 2023.
Craft gin production in U.S. reached 2.1 million cases in 2023, +14% YoY.
45% of craft spirits use locally sourced grains for distillation.
U.S. craft rum production volume hit 1.8 million cases in 2023.
Average maturation time for craft whiskey is 3.2 years, per 2023 survey.
72 distilleries in U.S. produce craft vodka exclusively from potatoes in 2023.
Craft brandy production emphasized pot stills in 82% of U.S. distilleries.
U.S. craft agave spirits production grew to 750,000 cases in 2023.
55% of craft distilleries employ column stills alongside pot stills.
Craft absinthe production used wormwood from local farms in 60% cases.
Average barrel size for craft aging is 53 gallons in U.S. distilleries.
U.S. craft mezcal production sites numbered 22 with 120,000 liters output.
40% of craft spirits incorporate botanicals foraged locally.
Craft liqueur production volume reached 900,000 cases in U.S. 2023.
Water usage per liter of craft spirits averages 15 liters in distillation.
65% of U.S. craft distilleries produce unaged white spirits.
Spent grain from craft distilleries repurposed for feed in 78% cases.
Craft whiskey mash bills average 70% corn, 20% rye, 10% barley.
U.S. craft distilleries installed 250 new stills in 2023.
Proof gallons produced by craft sector: 18.2 million in 2023.
Organic grain usage in craft spirits up to 22% of total.
Craft gin botanicals averaged 12 per recipe in 2023.
Fermentation tank capacity averaged 5,000 gallons per distillery.
U.S. craft rum aged in ex-bourbon barrels in 55% cases.
Energy consumption for distillation: 250 kWh per 1,000 liters.
Craft vodka filtration used charcoal in 88% of distilleries.
Number of U.S. craft distilleries using solar power: 320 in 2023.

Production Statistics Interpretation

America’s craft distillers are proving that bigger isn't always better—unless we're talking about the 12.5 million cases of increasingly local, diverse, and often pot-stilled spirits they made last year, which, for the record, is 10.8% bigger than the year before.

Sales and Distribution

Craft spirits off-premise sales channel dominated 78% of volume in 2023.
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales for craft distilleries reached $450 million in 2023.
U.S. craft spirits exports totaled 1.2 million cases in 2023, +16% YoY.
Total liquor store sales of craft spirits: $3.2 billion in 2023.
E-commerce craft spirits sales grew 28% to $680 million.
Bar and restaurant craft pours accounted for 22% of sales volume.
Craft gin distribution in 45 states averaged 12 SKUs per store.
U.S. craft rum exports to EU up 24% in value.
Average price per bottle of craft whiskey: $52.30 in 2023.
Control state sales of craft spirits: 15% market share.
Craft vodka shelf space allocation up 11% in supermarkets.
International distribution for U.S. craft: 62 countries in 2023.
Duty-free sales of craft spirits: $120 million.
Craft agave in Total Wine: 250+ SKUs.
Wholesale margins for craft averaged 32%.
Craft brandy distribution grew in 38 states.
Online marketplace like Flaviar sold 500k craft bottles.
Craft liqueur in convenience stores: +15% velocity.
Export tariffs impacted craft sales by 5% decline to Asia.
Barter trade deals for craft distribution: 8% of volume.
Craft mezcal in 3-tier system: 85% compliance.
Seasonal sales peak for craft: December 35% of annual.
Craft absinthe specialty store placements: 1,200 nationwide.
Private label avoidance in craft: 92% pure brands.
Freight costs rose 12% affecting craft distribution.

Sales and Distribution Interpretation

Even as craft spirits boldly conquer liquor store shelves and living rooms alike, the true artisan's journey from still to sip remains a costly battle against tariffs, freight hikes, and the eternal quest for a decent bar pour.

Sources & References

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