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Brewers Association Announces 2025 Industry Award Winners

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BOULDER, CO — The Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade organization representing small and independent American craft brewers, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards. Since 1987, these prestigious honors have been bestowed upon individuals and groups that have made a significant impact on the craft beer community. This year’s award winners will be celebrated for their dedication and contributions during a special ceremony on April 30, 2025, at the Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC)Opens in new window in Indianapolis.

“Congratulations to this year’s Industry Award winners. Their dedication and advocacy have strengthened the craft brewing community and paved the way for its continued success,” said Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association. “We celebrate their achievements and thank them for their invaluable contributions.”

2025 Industry Award Recipients

Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing
Ron Jeffries (in memoriam), Founder, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales (Dexter, Mich.)

This award is presented in honor of Wynkoop Brewing Company’s founding partner, Russell Schehrer, to an individual or company for their innovative contributions to the brewing industry.

Ron Jeffries (1967-2024), this year’s recipient of the Innovation in Craft Brewing award, embodied the spirit of the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing. His passion, dedication to excellence, and commitment to sharing knowledge left a lasting impact on the brewing community.

Ron’s journey began in the 1980s, sparked by his curiosity for craft beer, which led him to study brewing science and work in the industry. In 2004, he and his wife, Laurie, founded Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, a brewery known for its fun, quirky spirit and pioneering wild, oak-aged sour beers. That same year, Jolly Pumpkin won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival®.

As an early supporter of the Michigan Brewers Guild and a longtime board member, Ron played a key role in shaping the craft beer scene throughout the world and was a mentor to many. His legacy lives on through his commitment to artisan brewing and innovation in craft beer.

Brewers Association Recognition Award
The NC Beer Community

This award is presented to an individual, company, or group whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement.

Hurricane Helene’s devastation on September 27, 2024, brought over 20 inches of rain, extreme flooding, and landslides that destroyed roads, bridges, and entire communities. More than 7,000 roads and 650 bridges were damaged, and 106 lives were lost. In Asheville, Buncombe County’s water system failed, leaving residents without potable water for 53 days. With power and cell service down, families were disconnected.

Breweries statewide stepped up—taprooms became supply hubs, trucks delivered emergency aid, and impacted breweries served as relief centers. Highland Brewing’s Leah Ashburn captured the moment: “We can’t brew without water, so each day we adapt to meet new needs.”

The NC Craft Brewers Guild launched Pouring for Neighbors, raising $250,000 through national brewery support. Its new nonprofit, the NC Craft Brewers Foundation, has distributed $152,000 in grants, ensuring breweries can rebuild and continue serving their communities.

The NC Beer Community’s collaborative spirit remains unwavering, proving that in times of crisis, the beer community rises stronger—together.

F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award
Ted Zeller, Norris-McLaughlin, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania

This award, named for the late F.X. Matt of F.X. Matt Brewing Co., is presented to an individual or company for their contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry.

Ted Zeller, this year’s F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award winner, entered beer law in 2006, leading a landmark case against InBev. His work caught Dick Yuengling’s attention, sparking ongoing collaboration on legislative and distribution efforts with D.G. Yuengling & Son.

In 2009, Ted helped Yuengling fight a wholesaler bill threatening franchise laws. He connected with craft industry leaders, including Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing Company and Chris Trogner of Tröegs Independent Brewing, playing a key role in forming the Brewers of Pennsylvania, where he currently serves as General Counsel.

Among his countless contributions to craft beer advocacy, these stand out as especially significant:

  • Opposing franchise law expansion before the Pennsylvania Senate.
  • Authoring laws streamlining brand registration, packaging, and direct sales.
  • Negotiating a reduced 1.5% beer sales tax.
  • Defending craft brewers in antitrust and licensing cases.
  • Advocating for breweries as essential businesses during COVID-19.

“Ted has been the agent of change that turned Pennsylvania into one of the best states for breweries,” said Tom Kehoe, Yards Brewing.

Brewers Association Mentor of the Year Award
Shawn Mullen, Stone Brewing Company

Shawn Mullen, this year’s Mentor of the Year, joined the Brewers Association’s inaugural mentorship cohort in 2021. His dedication to fostering industry talent has helped individuals, companies, and brands grow.

Shawn began his career buying beer for a Massachusetts liquor store group, building a craft-focused program centered on quality and education. In 2014, Shawn relocated to Seattle to expand Wallace Brewing’s sales territories, later joining The Odom Corporation as National Account Manager to support craft brands in building chain retail business. In 2019, Shawn joined Stone Brewing, where he currently serves as the Director of National Accounts, Off Premise for the East Coast. He earned his Advanced Cicerone certification in 2022 and joined the Brewers Association’s Market Development Committee in 2024.

“Shawn has been the professor of craft beer I always hoped for,” said mentee Chris Housman. “He builds bridges and shows the path forward, empowering others to succeed.”

Award recipients were nominated by their peers and determined by votes from staff and committees comprised of members of the Brewers Association Board of Directors, the craft brewing community, and past award winners.

In addition to the individual industry awards, the Brewers Association conducts two prestigious national and international professional brewing competitions: the Great American Beer Festival Competition and the World Beer CupOpens in new window®.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independentOpens in new window American brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The Brewers Association organizes events, including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer FestivalOpens in new window®, Craft Brewers ConferenceOpens in new window® & BrewExpo America®, National Homebrew CompetitionOpens in new window, and American Craft Beer WeekOpens in new window®. The BA publishes The New BrewerOpens in new window® and Zymurgy® magazines, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.comOpens in new window® and about homebrewing via the American Homebrewers AssociationOpens in new window®. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

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Brewers Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors Appointments

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BOULDER, Colorado — The Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—is pleased to announce the two at-large board members appointed to the 2025 Brewers Association Board of Directors.

  • Shawna Cormier, Seattle Beer School (WA) – appointed to a one-year term
  • Colby Cox, Pure Madness Brewery Group (WY) – appointed to a two-year term

The board gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 12 for the last of its quarterly meetings of the year. The appointed board members will join the three recently elected board members when the board begins its new term in February.

  • Tomme Arthur (taproom class), The Lost Abbey (CA)
  • Bill Butcher (packaging class), Port City Brewing, Co. (VA)
  • Leah Cheston (brewpub class), Right Proper Brewing Company (DC)

Board of Directors officers and committee chairs will be announced at the board meeting on February 12-13, 2025.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization based in Boulder, Colorado, representing more than 5,600 small and independent American craft breweries, along with brewers-in-planning, suppliers, distributors, and retailers. Founded in 2005 through the merger of the Association of Brewers and the Brewers’ Association of America (which dates back to 1942), the BA’s core mission is to promote and protect small and independent craft brewers through advocacy, education, research, and events. It defines an “American craft brewer” using three criteria: small (annual production ≤6 million barrels), independent (less than 25% owned by a non-craft beverage alcohol company), and traditional (brewing primarily all-malt beers or using innovative ingredients for flavor). In 2025, the BA continues to track industry data, lobby for favorable tax and regulatory policies, and support diversity and sustainability initiatives across the craft beer sector.

The BA is best known for hosting the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF)—the country’s largest ticketed beer festival and premier professional judging competition—and Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®, the industry’s biggest annual trade show and educational event. It also organizes SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience and publishes detailed annual reports on production, economic impact, and growth trends. Resources include the free Brewery Operations Benchmarking Tool, sustainability guides, diversity grants through the Take Action program, and the popular Seal of Independent Craft that helps consumers identify truly independent breweries. Membership benefits range from technical brewing support and marketing toolkits to federal and state-level advocacy that saved the industry billions in excise taxes since the 2017 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. Whether you’re a homebrewer, professional brewer, or craft beer fan, the Brewers Association remains the central voice and resource hub for America’s independent craft beer community.

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The 2024 Year in Beer

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BOULDER, CO — As 2024 winds down, the Brewers Association (BA) has summed up the year for America’s small and independent craft brewers: slower growth, tighter belts, and a lot of strategic pivoting.

Craft beer production is now tracking toward a roughly 2% full-year decline—noticeably steeper than the 1% dip seen in 2023. Where people are buying beer (grocery, liquor stores, bars, taprooms) hasn’t shifted dramatically year-over-year, and no single sales channel has stolen share from another. In other words, the pie isn’t moving; it’s just getting a little smaller.

The second half of the year felt heavier than the first. Early scanner data from Q3 showed sales softening further, though the bleeding has slowed in the most recent months. Bottom line: the final 2024 numbers will likely land a bit south of the midyear -2% estimate.

“Craft is in the middle of a tough but necessary correction,” said Bart Watson, the BA’s chief economist. “With overall demand growth stalled, retailers and distributors are pruning SKUs and reaching for flavored malt beverages, hard seltzers, imports, or domestic premiums to fill the variety void. Breweries are responding the only way they can: tightening distribution footprints, doubling down on the taproom experience, forming alliances, and broadening their lineups to include lagers, light beers, NA options, seltzers, and whatever else keeps the lights on.”

That’s the 2024 craft beer story in a nutshell: less volume, more hustle, and a whole lot of adaptation.

Craft Beer by the Numbers

Count: The number of small and independent breweries in operation in the U.S. in 2024 totaled 9,736.

Openings and Closings: Throughout the year, the BA has tracked 335 new brewery openings and 399 closings. Despite the slight decline in the number of breweries in operation, closings remain a low percentage of total operating breweries.

Employment: The craft beer industry supported nearly 460,000 jobs nationwide, fostering local economies and creating opportunities.

Economic Impact: Craft beer’s contribution to the U.S. economy reached an impressive $77.1 billion, demonstrating its vital role in the broader beverage market.

2024’s Hottest Market Trends

Non-Alcohol Beer Boom: With the growing demand for mindful drinking, non-alcohol beer sales soared (scan dollars up 30%+ year-over-year from January through October) as brewers refined their techniques to deliver flavor-packed options.
Focus: After years of unfettered innovation ruling the industry, brewers are focusing more on building off of products and models where they’ve found success.

Hospitality: Breweries embraced new ways to emphasize the customer experience, from offering diverse dining options, cocktails, and mindful drinking options to family-friendly activities such as menus for kids to color.
Major Events of 2024

Great American Beer Festival (GABF®): October’s GABF welcomed more than 40,000 attendees and featured 2,500+ beers from 500+ breweries, highlighting the best American craft beer, ciders, ready-to-drink cocktails, hard teas, and kombuchas.

World Beer Cup (WBC): Known as “The Olympics of Beer,” the 2024 WBC evaluated 9,300 entries with breweries from 37 countries vying for global recognition.

Beer Weeks: Communities across the U.S. celebrated American Craft Beer Week in May, strengthening the bond between breweries and their fans.

Looking Ahead
Heading into 2025, craft beer is staring down another tough year: flat or shrinking demand, rising costs, possible new tariffs, jittery retailers still trimming shelf sets, and the looming specter of stricter federal dietary guidelines on alcohol. Expect more brewery closures, mergers, creative alliances, and co-packing deals as everyone scrambles to share overhead and soak up excess tank space.

“Brewers are caught between skyrocketing costs and a market that’s stopped growing,” says Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association. “The ones who make it will be the ones who adapt fastest—brewing what actually sells, leaning harder into their taprooms, and finding fresh ways to remind drinkers why a local craft beer is worth a couple extra bucks when the macro lagers and flavored vodka seltzers are screaming for attention.”

In short: survive by out-hustling, out-storytelling, and out-brewing the competition. Same as it ever was—only the margin for error just got razor-thin.

 

 

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The 2023 Year in Beer

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Boulder, Colorado — The Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent American craft brewers, reflects on a tough 2023 marked by a competitive, mature market. A midyear survey revealed a production decline, the first outside of 2020, driven by slow growth across the beer industry. Factors like pricing, demographics, and marketing challenges contributed to beer’s ongoing loss of share within the beverage alcohol sector. Despite these hurdles, craft beer remains a powerhouse, with independent brewers accounting for one in eight beers sold in the U.S. and capturing one in four beer dollars, while supporting jobs and communities nationwide, according to Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association.

The Association continued advocating for fair market access, equitable tax rates, and modernized regulations at federal and state levels. Collaborating with state guilds, efforts focused on enabling direct-to-consumer craft beer shipping, reforming beer franchise laws, and securing self-distribution rights for small brewers. Watson emphasized that while legislative advocacy will persist, growth in 2024 will hinge on innovative strategies to engage new and existing customers with fresh flavors and new drinking occasions.

Supply chain pressures eased slightly in 2023, but climate change and disruptions posed ongoing challenges. The North American barley harvest improved from 2022 but fell below the five-year average, with quality issues in Canada and Montana due to low precipitation and high temperatures. U.S. hop acreage decreased due to high inventory, though yields were strong. In Europe, hop production remained significantly below average due to adverse weather. CO2 supply stabilized, but regional shortages persisted, adding complexity for brewers navigating an evolving landscape.

View the complete 2023 Year in Beer report.

For a deeper dive into 2023 and predictions for 2024, Brewers Association members are invited to attend the “Ten Points and Predictions for 2024” webinar on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10:00 a.m. MT with chief economist Bart Watson. Register here.

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