Craft beer is booming, and the numbers prove it’s not just a passing trend. The global craft beer market is experiencing rapid growth, nearly doubling from $92.2 billion in 2023 to a projected $178.6 billion by 2030, representing a robust 9.9% annual growth rate.

The key drivers behind this surge in hoppy beers include consumers’ thirst for unique flavors and a growing appetite for health-conscious options, such as low-alcohol and non-alcoholic brews. The share of alcohol-free beer is still growing rapidly, but so are plenty of other, older, classic beer styles, such as pilsners, wheat beers, stouts, and sour beers. All the while, king IPA continues to win over markets.

Asia Pacific is leading the charge as the largest revenue-generating region, with a reach of USD 57.77 billion by 2030.

This market expansion reflects a fundamental shift in drinking culture, where quality, craftsmanship, and experiential consumption are overtaking mass-market beer preferences. The craft beer revolution isn’t slowing down – it’s accelerating into a $178+ billion industry within the decade, creating an exciting event for beer enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• Craft beer now represents 24.7% of the beer market in the United States, reflecting a growing consumer preference for unique flavors and local brewing experiences.
• In Canada, the market reached 1.8 million hectoliters, generating $1,475 million in value and sustaining up to 8,800 jobs.
• The European craft beer market reached $40.2 billion in 2024. In Western Europe, beer is increasingly outshining wine as a beverage of choice. Off-trade channels are nearly 59% of the market as consumers buy their booze in physical or online supermarkets.
• Asia Pacific is the top source of growth in the global craft beer market with a revenue share of 31.9% in 2023, driven by younger generations’ growing appetite for diverse flavor profiles and premium brewing experiences.
• South America’s craft beer market is experiencing rapid growth, with Brazil leading the region, though specific market size data varies by source – I’d need additional research to provide an exact statistic for this region.

The Rise of Craft Beer

The craft beer movement has surged in popularity, now accounting for 24.7% of the U.S. beer market in terms of retail dollar sales, compared to a more modest 10% in Canada. What began as a local British revolt around London by traditional « ale » snobs has become a global phenomenon, with cascading effects in gastronomy, local business, and tourism (more on that later).

Consumers are increasingly drawn to the unique flavors and local brewing experiences that craft beers offer, reflecting their passion for quality. This shift towards craft beer reflects a broader trend of seeking authenticity and quality, attracting a diverse demographic of beer drinkers who appreciate the craftsmanship behind each brew.

Where are craft beer festivals in Canada?

Ontario Beer Festivals – 2025

Festivals de la bière au Québec – 2025

Craft Beer in the U.S.: A Market Maturing Under Pressure

The U.S. craft beer industry in 2024 reflects a sector grappling with maturity. While overall beer production and imports declined by 1%, the craft segment fared worse, with a 4% drop in volume sales. This decline lowered the market share of small and independent brewers to 13.3% by volume, down slightly, but symbolically significant for an industry that once seemed destined for endless growth. Yet, there is a paradox: retail dollar sales increased by 3%, reaching $28.8 billion.

Though craft beer’s dollar share rose to 24.7% of the $117 billion U.S. beer market, this growth doesn’t reflect increased consumer demand so much as a shift in consumption behavior. Customers are increasingly drinking less, but spending more per pint, favoring higher-priced, experience-driven venues like brewpubs over distributed retail sales.

One of the most persistent misperceptions about the U.S. craft beer market is the number of active breweries. While the Brewers Association reports nearly 10,000, a detailed examination—such as a recent audit of Oregon’s brewery listings—suggests that as many as 30% may be inactive, duplicative, or never opened.

The implication is clear: we are operating under bloated metrics that distort market size and exaggerate potential. If these discrepancies are mirrored nationwide, the true number of functioning breweries may be closer to 7,000.

Canadian Craft Beer: A Market Settling Into Adulthood

Canada’s craft beer industry has spent the past two decades riding a wave of creativity and expansion—but in 2024, signs point to a market reaching maturity. While overall beer consumption in Canada continues its gradual decline—reflecting broader shifts in alcohol consumption habits—craft beer has managed to hold its ground, though not without difficulty.

Industry insiders report slowing growth rates, especially in urban centers where the market is saturated, and small brewers are increasingly vulnerable to cost pressures, supply chain volatility, and competition from ready-to-drink beverages (RTDs) and non-alcoholic alternatives.

With over 1,200 breweries operating across Canada—roughly triple the number from a decade ago—the craft segment now represents about 10%–12% of total beer sales by volume, and closer to 15%–20% by retail dollar value, depending on the province. However, growth has been uneven. British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec remain the dominant provinces for craft production.

Fresh Local Food Pairings

Pairing craft beer with fresh local food is a trend that enhances dinner experiences by marrying the flavors of regional cuisine with the distinctive profiles of craft beer. This method promotes regional culinary traditions and elevates the dining experience, creating a harmonious relationship between food and drink.

Exploring Beer Varieties

The craft beer market is renowned for its vast array of beer styles, each offering distinct flavors and characteristics. In Canada and the U.S., popular styles the following (click on each link for details)

• IPAs
• Stouts
• Sour beers
• Pilsners
• Wheat beers

Seasonal Brews

Seasonal beers are crafted to align with specific times of the year, often featuring flavors that reflect seasonal ingredients. These beers might include spices or fruits unique to the season, such as pumpkin flavors in the fall or fresh fruits in the summer, enhancing their appeal and connection to the time of year.

From June through August, seasonal craft offerings take center stage across Canada. Expect a refreshing lineup of fruity sour beers, crisp and subtly floral kölsches, malty dry pilsners, and easy-drinking Mexican lagers. Come fall, it’s all about Oktoberfest-style märzens and the arrival of heftier contenders like Scotch ales and robust porters.

But seasoned craft beer fans know the real magic happens in winter. That’s when brewers bring out the heavy artillery: barrel-aged imperial stouts, stock ales, and other slow-sipping titans. These are beers built for long nights and deep conversations—complex, warming, and strong enough to put your sangiovese to shame.

Specialty Ingredients

Craft beers often stand out due to their use of unique and unconventional ingredients like herbs, spices, and exotic fruits. These specialty ingredients help create distinctive flavor profiles that differentiate craft beers from their mass-produced counterparts.

The use of locally sourced grains has become a staple of Canadian craft beer tradition. When you orderr your next pint in Eastern Canada, chances are you’ll be drinking from hops grown in Quebec with Ontario malts.

Home-grown hops and malts are also increasingly common out West, too, with more and more calls to drink from Canadian-owned breweries amid tariff wars with the U.S. Many Canadian microbreweries responded by brewing their witty comeback on the aluminum tariffs.

Craft Beer Market Accross Canada

The craft beer market has significantly shaped the beer industry, accounting for nearly 24% of U.S. beer sales, showcasing its growing influence despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the market share for small and independent craft brewers has experienced slight fluctuations, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry.

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Calgary

Calgary’s craft beer scene is booming, bold, and impossible to ignore. With more than 40 breweries and growing, the city has transformed into a full-fledged beer destination. Local brewers aren’t afraid to experiment, and their taprooms double as friendly community spaces where conversation flows as easily as the pints. Thanks to the city’s brewery clusters, it’s also ideal for brewery-hopping, whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-on beer geek.

If you’re into hop-forward styles, you’ll feel right at home with Calgary’s NEIPA game. Establishment Brewing is a standout — their hazy offerings are top-tier, and even when they branch into other styles, the results are consistently excellent.

Born Brewing, Cabin, and 88 Brewing are also favourites among NEIPA fans, while Born’s Earl Grey Pale Ale adds a refreshing twist for tea lovers. For German-style purists, Fahr Brewery might just outshine some actual imports — and Township Brewing’s crisp Kölsch from nearby Chestermere is well worth the short trip.

Toronto

Ask any Ontario craft beer enthusiast and they will tell you: Toronto is the number one beer hub in Canada. With over 50 microbreweries, there is enough hop in town to keep you entertained for a long time.

Popular spots like The Craft Brasserie and Bar Hop offer extensive beer lists and a dynamic atmosphere, cementing Toronto’s reputation as a leader in the craft beer movement in Canada.

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Vancouver

With over 70 breweries, Vancouver is celebrated is righty one of Canada’s shiniest beer hubs. The first thing we recommend is checking out the Yeast Van for a full rundown of recommendations. Downtown Vancouver has few breweries, aside from one in Stanley Park. For IPAs, head to Superflux in East Van, near Luppolo, Threefold, Strange Fellows, and Powell. Another walkable cluster includes 33 Acres, R&B, Faculty, and Brassneck. If time allows, visit the Port Moody strip with six breweries along the Burrard Inlet.

Port Moody’s Murray Street is home to a cluster of breweries, easily accessible from Moody Centre SkyTrain. Dageraad is near Production Way, and Steel & Oak is close to New West station. Around Hastings and Clarke, you’ll find Superflux and others; for take-home beers, visit Brewery Creek: https://brewcreek.ca/.

Montreal

Montreal is a world champion when it comes to beer. Sitting at the brewing crossroads of French, Belgian, Canadian, and American influence, this vibrant city boasts over 30 craft breweries, making it a paradise for beer lovers of all kinds. From the crisp, perfectly executed lagers at Mellön to the rich, robust stouts at Beauregard, the variety on offer is both impressive and rewarding. Fans of trendy, hop-forward brews will feel right at home at Messorem, known for its juicy IPAs, sours, and gose.

For those who enjoy a balanced beer with a great atmosphere, Réservoir and Siboire are excellent picks, offering delicious food and well-crafted pints in stylish settings. No beer pilgrimage to Montreal would be complete without visiting the legendary Dieu du Ciel, a cornerstone of the city’s craft scene, especially if you stop by for brunch.

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Ottawa

Ottawa sits pretty as the craft beer capital’s sweet spot, strategically positioned to raid the hoppy treasures of both Ontario and Quebec like some sort of sudsy border town. The local brewing scene has exploded with such fervor that you’d think hops were the new gold rush—there are so many new breweries popping up that it feels like the market should collapse under its own weight, yet somehow they all keep chugging along like the Little Engine That Could, but with better branding and IPAs.

Of course, perhaps the most popular craft beer pub is the one appropriately called the Craft Beer Market. Located on Sparks, the Craft Beer Market is a restaurant with over 100 beers on tap, located in Ottawa’s Glebe and Byward Market neighbourhoods. If you are in the market for a pint from far beyond, that’s your spot!

Top 10 Craft Breweries in Ottawa

Charity Partnerships

Charity partnerships have become increasingly popular in the craft beer industry, allowing breweries to raise funds for local charities while fostering a sense of community engagement. One key initiative is the continent-spanning Beer Babe Family, an non-profit organization that aims to support women involved in the brewing sector.

Community Engagement

Craft breweries play a vital role in their local communities by supporting various initiatives and promoting equity. For example, The Mitten Brewing Company focuses on impacting the local community by supporting schools and other educational initiatives.

These efforts help build stronger, more resilient communities and demonstrate the breweries’ dedication to making a positive difference beyond just producing great beer.

Careers in the Craft Beer Industry

The craft beer industry offers diverse career paths that encompass various roles, including:

• Brewing
• Marketing
• Sales
• Hospitality

Whether you have a passion for the brewing process or an interest in promoting craft beer, there are numerous opportunities to find a fulfilling career in this dynamic industry. The sector’s emphasis on innovation and creativity makes it an exciting field for those looking to combine their love of beer with professional growth.

From production to marketing, the craft beer market provides a wide range of career paths. Each role plays a crucial part in the overall success and growth of the industry, offering opportunities for those at different stages of their careers to contribute and thrive.

Job Roles

The craft beer industry offers various job roles, including:

• Brewers
• Bartenders
• Quality control inspectors
• Event planners

Each position plays a distinct and important role in brewery operations, ensuring that the beer produced meets high standards of quality and that customers have an enjoyable experience.

Sales representatives must possess in-depth knowledge of the three-tier distribution system, while marketing roles focus on crafting campaigns that resonate with the target audience.

Skill Requirements

Success in the craft beer industry requires a range of skills, including knowledge of brewing processes, marketing strategies, customer service, and quality assurance. Attention to detail is crucial in various tasks, such as brewing, inventory management, and quality control.

Problem-solving abilities are also essential, as employees often face unexpected challenges that require quick and innovative solutions.

Career Growth

The craft beer industry offers significant potential for career advancement, with numerous paths for upward mobility. Employees can advance to roles like brewery manager or director of public relations, benefiting from continuous learning and adapting to new trends.

Many breweries also offer internal development programs and mentorship opportunities, fostering career growth and professional development within the industry.

Craft Beer Bars and Taprooms

Just over 50% of microbreweries are brewpubs with a taproom. Whereas microbreweries are a larger production capable of bringing sales to retailers and restaurants, taprooms only sell directly on-site. It is estimated that Canada has roughly 1200 independent craft breweries, roughly half of which are brewpubs. In the U.S., that number rises to roughly 7000, according to independent measures.

Craft beer bars and taprooms are pivotal in promoting the culture of craft beer by offering spaces where enthusiasts can gather, taste a variety of local brews, and engage with the community. These venues often encourage reservations to manage customer flow during peak hours and ensure a seamless experience for their guests.

Where are the Best Craft Beer Markets in Ottawa?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do craft breweries impact local communities?

Craft breweries significantly enhance local communities by generating jobs, supporting local agriculture, and revitalizing economies through tourism and increased foot traffic. Their presence fosters community engagement and economic development.

According to the Canadian Craft Brewers Association, a study by MNP found that craft beer tourism generates $1.475 billion in economic output and supports up to 8,800 jobs.

Travel operators now offer beer-focused packages, and regions like Ontario and B.C. have developed popular « beer trails. » These curated experiences help promote local breweries while contributing to cultural and economic growth.

What are some popular craft beer bars in Toronto?

Some popular craft beer bars in Toronto are The Craft Brasserie and Bar Hop, both praised for their extensive beer selections and lively atmospheres.

How can I make a reservation at a craft beer venue?

To make a reservation at a craft beer venue, you can use their online reservation system to select your preferences or simply call the venue directly. Walk-in options may also be available if you prefer to check availability on-site.

What types of events do craft beer venues host?

Craft beer venues typically host events like beer tastings, brewery tours, themed beer nights, and fundraising activities. These gatherings enhance the community experience and promote local causes, often featuring delicious food .

Cheers to a great craft brew! If you are interested in other topics, let us hear from you !

Key Websites to Learn More about Craft Beer Markets

If you have questions about craft beer in Canada and want to hear from us, contact us!

Pierre-Olivier Bussières : Editor-in-Chief of Le Temps d’une Bière and producer of Hoppy History. For the past two years, Pierre has been writing on the history of alcohol from antiquity to modern times, with a special focus on the role of craft breweries in North America.