Latest Global and Japanese Craft Beer News 05-07-2025

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Riho

Beer Engineer

Sharing the craft beer experience through an IT engineer's perspective. As a certified beer judge in Japan, I participated in the 2024 JGBA competitions. Currently based in Seattle, I offer brewing process insights and reviews while comparing craft cultures between the US and Japan.

My mission is "creating a world where breweries' unique stories reach their audience." I support brewers by leveraging my IT skills through prompt engineering and web development. Feel free to reach out with any questions about beer and technology. Cheers! 🍻


Last Updated: May 7, 2025

Next Update Scheduled: May 21, 2025

US and Global Craft Beer Industry Latest News (Past Month)

US Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho)

May 2, 2025

Oregon and Washington Breweries Win Multiple Medals at World Beer Cup

Breweries in Oregon and Washington won numerous medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup.

May 4, 2025

Breakside Brewery Celebrates 15th Anniversary, Opens First Out-of-State Location in Vancouver, Washington

The popular brewery celebrates its 15th anniversary and begins its first expansion outside the state.

May 4, 2025

Reuben’s Brews to Close Fremont District Taproom in Seattle

The popular brewery plans to close its Fremont District taproom in Seattle on May 18.

California (San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco)

May 3, 2025

San Diego Beer News Awards 2025 Held

The San Diego Beer News Awards 2025 was held, with Seek Beer Company winning the Best Brewery Award.

May 2, 2025

San Diego Area Breweries Win Medals at 2025 World Beer Cup

Five breweries from the San Diego area and one brewery from Tijuana won medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup.

April 25, 2025

Stone Brewing Releases New Session West Coast IPA

Stone Brewing has released a new session West Coast IPA called “Dayfest IPA.”

Colorado (Denver, Boulder)

May 1, 2025

Colorado Breweries Win 21 Medals at 2025 World Beer Cup

Colorado breweries won a total of 21 medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup.

April 2, 2025

Two Established Colorado Breweries Merge

Established breweries Left Hand Brewing and Dry Dock Brewing have announced a merger.

Upcoming Craft Beer Events (Next 3 Months)

US Events

May
9-16

Illinois Craft Beer Week


Various locations throughout Illinois
8 days

A week-long event celebrating Illinois craft beer. More than 80 breweries will participate.

See Details →

May
9

Beer Under Glass


Chicago, Millennium Park
1 day

The kickoff event for Illinois Craft Beer Week, featuring more than 80 breweries.

See Details →

May
31

Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival


Paso Robles, California
1 day

A prestigious festival bringing together more than 65 selected breweries from around the world.

See Details →

Global Events

May
17-18

GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest (Sydney)


Sydney, Australia
2 days

The 15th anniversary of this world-famous beer festival, featuring more than 500 beverages.

See Details →

May
23-24

Copenhagen Beer Festival


Copenhagen, Denmark
2 days

An annual event hosted by the Danish Beer Enthusiasts Association, with more than 9,000 participants.

See Details →

Notable Beers (New or Highly Rated)

US Notable Beers

Dayfest IPA

Stone Brewing
West Coast IPA

A 4.5% ABV session IPA characterized by orange and tropical fruit flavors. Gaining attention as a new release for Spring 2025.

Source: BrewPublic
See Details

Summer Ale

Samuel Adams
American Wheat Ale

A summer seasonal beer featuring lemon peel and grains of paradise spice. A classic summer beer with a refreshing taste that has been loved for many years.

Source: Boston Beer Company
See Details

Fresh Funk Wild IPA

Deschutes Brewery
Mixed Culture IPA

Complex flavors from citrus and tropical notes combined with Brettanomyces yeast, 6.2% ABV. An innovative IPA that received high ratings at the World Beer Cup.

Source: Deschutes Brewery
See Details

Brewery Rankings

Untappd US Brewery Rankings (Top 20)

Rank Brewery Name Location Type Rating Check-ins
1 Willow Park Brewing Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Nano Brewery 4.62 3,338
2 nebuleus Portland, Oregon Nano Brewery 4.47 7,393
3 Lyric Brewing Company Denver, Colorado Nano Brewery 4.44 2,632
4 Floodland Brewing Seattle, Washington Micro Brewery 4.43 60,221
5 Side Project Brewing St. Louis, Missouri Micro Brewery 4.43 609,804
6 ill will brewing Columbiana, Ohio Nano Brewery 4.43 18,942
7 Private Press Brewing Santa Cruz, California Nano Brewery 4.42 35,567
8 Brujos Brewing Portland, Oregon Nano Brewery 4.42 69,202
9 Troon Brewing Hopewell, New Jersey Nano Brewery 4.39 160,068
10 Fidens Brewing Co Albany, New York Micro Brewery 4.38 467,556
11 Mindful Ales Jersey City, New Jersey Nano Brewery 4.38 2,039
12 TEST Kings County, New York Nano Brewery 4.37 17,912
13 Smooj Ann Arbor, Michigan Micro Brewery 4.36 56,041
14 Horus Aged Ales Oceanside, California Micro Brewery 4.36 110,240
15 Freak Folk Bier Waterbury Village Historic District, Vermont Micro Brewery 4.35 47,911
16 Weaver Hollow Brewery Andes, New York Micro Brewery 4.35 4,899
17 Root + Branch Brewing Copiague, New York Micro Brewery 4.34 239,672
18 Funktastic Beer Midlothian, Virginia Nano Brewery 4.33 1,486
19 Casey Brewing & Blending Glenwood Springs, Colorado Micro Brewery 4.32 268,673
20 The Alchemist Stowe, Vermont Regional Brewery 4.32 Hidden
Data Source: Untappd, as of May 2025

Craft Beer Trend Analysis

US Market Trends

Market Situation

2024 production volume decreased by 3.9% to 23.1 million barrels, but retail value increased by 3% to $28.9 billion. Demand is shifting to higher-priced craft beers.

Number of Breweries

For the first time in 2024, closures (529) outnumbered openings (430), with 9,861 active breweries. Signs of market maturation and increased competition.

American Rice Lager

Check-ins for the “Lager – Japanese Rice” style on Untappd increased by 63% over four years. Japanese beer styles are gaining popularity in America.

Non-Alcoholic Beer

NA (Non-Alcoholic) beer sales increased by more than 30% year-over-year. Growing health consciousness is driving demand for high-quality NA beers.

Global Market Trends (Excluding Japan)

Global Market Growth

Worldwide
Annual Growth Rate 8.78%

The global craft beer market in 2024 was worth $107.28 billion, projected to grow to $242.79 billion by 2033. The Asia-Pacific region has the highest growth rate.

Source: Market Research Report, 2025

European Non-Alcoholic Revolution

Europe
1 in 15 beers is non-alcoholic

In Europe, 1 in 15 beers is non-alcoholic, 4 times the global average. Particularly popular in the German, Spanish, and Czech markets, with quality improvements driving adoption.

Source: European Beer Industry Report, 2025

Asia-Pacific Region Growth

Asia-Pacific
31.9% of Total Revenue

This region accounted for 31.9% of global craft beer revenue in 2023. Craft breweries in Vietnam and Thailand are growing rapidly and increasing their presence in international markets.

Source: Market Research Report, 2025

Japan-Related Import/Export Information

Craft Beer Imports to Japan

Japan’s craft beer market has been growing rapidly in recent years, and demand for imported beers is also increasing. Imports from craft breweries in Europe and the United States are particularly notable.

Item Details Source
Import Volume More than 42 million liters of beer imported to Japan in 2023 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2024
Import Value 2023 import value was approximately 9.7 billion yen (about 62 million USD), slightly up from the previous year Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2024
Major Importing Countries South Korea, Germany, China Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2024
Popular Imported Craft Breweries Sierra Nevada, Anchor Brewing, The Bruery, BrewDog, Mikkeller Multiple Importer Data

Craft Beer Exports from Japan

Export Value and Growth


Annual Growth Rate Over 15%
2023 Export Value
Approximately 18 billion yen (about 112 million USD)

Japanese craft beer exports are growing steadily, with demand expanding particularly in Asian and North American markets.

Major Exporting Breweries


Top 5 Exporting Breweries
Popular Breweries
Kiuchi Brewery (Hitachino Nest Beer), Yoho Brewing, Coedo Brewery, Baird Brewing, Minoh Brewery

These breweries actively pursue overseas expansion and receive international recognition. Their unique beer styles using Japanese ingredients are particularly noteworthy.

Popular Exported Beer Styles


Differentiation in International Markets
Major Styles
Rice Lager, IPAs with Japanese ingredients, Session Ales, Yuzu/Citrus Beers, Matcha/Green Tea Beers

Unique beers using Japanese ingredients and techniques are differentiating factors in international markets. Beers using sake yeast are also attracting attention.

Information Sources and References:

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