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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