Why The Brewery Industry Isn't Doom & Gloom in 2025
You might’ve caught wind of news that the brewery industry is dying, but the opposite is happening this year. It’s easy to blame market saturation and closures as the main culprits why a brewery isn’t a good business to begin with.
But the truth is, the industry is far from dying.
Rather, good breweries are growing as they learned that to thrive in an overly saturated market, they need to create memorable taproom experiences for customers.
Hence, if you’re an average brewery with nothing special to offer, expect some difficulties along the way. But if you focus on quality and experience, you can thrive and prosper amid harsh market conditions.
And yes, the brewery industry isn’t doom and gloom. It is merely shifting gears and favoring breweries that are setting the bar high. If you don’t want to be left behind, here are some reasons how you can stay with changing times.
Quality Beer Over Average Ones
The notion that the brewery market is “too saturated” can feel discouraging if you’re planning to start your own business. But let’s set the record straight: breweries that focus on crafting exceptional beer are not just surviving—they’re thriving. According to recent trends, 54% of surveyed breweries reported growth in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Therefore, customers aren’t turning away from breweries; they’re simply being more selective about where they spend their money. On top of that, low-alcohol or no-alcohol microbreweries are on the rise as more consumers are concerned about their health
Think of it this way: beer lovers will travel across town (or even farther) for something that stands out. Mediocre beer no longer cuts it, especially that consumers are craving for variety. This means prioritizing quality from day one is non-negotiable if you want to carve out your space in the market.
Taprooms That Entertain Keep Customers Coming Back
Starting a brewery is no longer just about the beer—it’s about the full experience you provide. Consumers want more than quality beer. They also crave for the experience such as a reason to connect, unwind, and have fun. In short, breweries aren’t just pit stops for beer anymore.
Successful breweries recognize this shift and go all-in on creating an atmosphere that invites people to stay longer, come back often, and tell their friends. Offering live music, trivia nights, food trucks, or even something as simple as board games can transform your brewery into a social hub.
The data backs this up: breweries that deliver a memorable taproom experience are outperforming those that don’t. You’re missing a massive opportunity if your taproom is just a space with tables and chairs. By investing in the overall experience, you’re not just pouring beer; you’re pouring joy, creating memories, and turning first-time visitors into loyal customers.
Innovation Can Keep You Going
What sets growing breweries apart is their ability to innovate and bring in new offerings to the table. Try experimenting with unique flavor profiles, tap into trends like low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers, or adopt sustainable practices. The market is harsh on those who don’t innovate, which is why it’s essential to be on the lookout for trends. So if you’re offering the best quality beers and unique experience, you can secure a spot for success.
Innovation doesn’t just stop at the product level because it expands to the whole business as well. Investing in creative marketing campaigns, collaborations with local businesses, and hosting events like beer pairings or brewery tours also keep customers engaged. The craft beer market is evolving, and businesses willing to adapt will find themselves ahead of the pack. It may seem like it’s dying but evolution can be a painful process. Breweries who can keep up will survive this shift.
Beers at Your Doorstep
Breweries are embracing direct-to-consumer (DtC) sales to reach beer enthusiasts beyond their local neighborhoods. This shift doesn’t just expand their customer base, but also creates a stronger bond between brands and their fans. There is growing interest in DtC beer shipping, both from breweries looking to scale and from customers eager for convenience and variety.
The pandemic acted as a major catalyst, pushing breweries to pivot to online sales when traditional sales channels faced disruptions. Research says that ecommerce growth and direct sales models have significantly boosted breweries’ ability to tap into new markets. By leveraging online platforms, breweries are not just selling beer—they’re also building loyal communities, one doorstep at a time. (Grand View Research)
That said, it’s not all smooth sailing. While demand for DtC beer shipping is high, regulatory roadblocks are holding some breweries back. Currently, 75% of states still prohibit direct beer shipments to consumers, which limits this channel’s full potential.
Brewing Beyond the Taproom
It’s not all the time that customers will keep on coming. There will be months where sales aren’t as good as the other months. That’s why a hybrid business model can help your brewery weather economic ups and downs. Different revenue streams give breweries a financial cushion when sales are not high. For instance, wholesale distribution can help bring in additional profits to your brewery, especially if you partner with retailers and restaurants. Aside from a new revenue stream, you’re spreading brand awareness as well.
Struggling with Your Brewery? Let’s Talk
It’s easy to be discouraged when you see breweries fail, making you think if it’s still worth continuing your business. A business is a risk no matter what. It comes with risks and rewards, but you can make the rewards sweeter and risks less daunting if only you have a solid plan.
At U-Nique Accounting, we help breweries get past stagnancy by providing expert-led advice, much like how you provide an excellent craft beer experience.
Schedule a discovery call and let’s brew a brighter future ahead!
By MATT CIANCIARULO
