Last Updated: May 7, 2025
Next Update Scheduled: May 21, 2025
- US and Global Craft Beer Industry Latest News (Past Month)
- Global and Japanese Craft Beer News
- Regional Breakdown of WBC 2025 Results
- US Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho)
- Oregon and Washington Breweries Win Multiple Medals at World Beer Cup
- Breakside Brewery Celebrates 15th Anniversary, Opens First Out-of-State Location in Vancouver, Washington
- Reuben’s Brews to Close Fremont District Taproom in Seattle
- California (San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco)
- San Diego Beer News Awards 2025 Held
- San Diego Area Breweries Win Medals at 2025 World Beer Cup
- Stone Brewing Releases New Session West Coast IPA
- Colorado (Denver, Boulder)
- Colorado Breweries Win 21 Medals at 2025 World Beer Cup
- Two Established Colorado Breweries Merge
- Upcoming Craft Beer Events (Next 3 Months)
- Notable Beers (New or Highly Rated)
- Brewery Rankings
- Craft Beer Trend Analysis
- Japan-Related Import/Export Information
US and Global Craft Beer Industry Latest News (Past Month)
US Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Stone Brewing Releases New Session West Coast IPA
Stone Brewing has released a new session West Coast IPA called “Dayfest IPA.”
Colorado (Denver, Boulder)
Colorado Breweries Win 21 Medals at 2025 World Beer Cup
Colorado breweries won a total of 21 medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup.
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
Illinois Craft Beer Week
Various locations throughout Illinois
A week-long event celebrating Illinois craft beer. More than 80 breweries will participate.
Beer Under Glass
Chicago, Millennium Park
The kickoff event for Illinois Craft Beer Week, featuring more than 80 breweries.
Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival
Paso Robles, California
A prestigious festival bringing together more than 65 selected breweries from around the world.
Global Events
GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest (Sydney)
Sydney, Australia
The 15th anniversary of this world-famous beer festival, featuring more than 500 beverages.
Copenhagen Beer Festival
Copenhagen, Denmark
An annual event hosted by the Danish Beer Enthusiasts Association, with more than 9,000 participants.
Notable Beers (New or Highly Rated)
US Notable Beers
Dayfest 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
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
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 |
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
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
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.
Asia-Pacific Region Growth
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%
Japanese craft beer exports are growing steadily, with demand expanding particularly in Asian and North American markets.
Major Exporting Breweries
Top 5 Exporting Breweries
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
Unique beers using Japanese ingredients and techniques are differentiating factors in international markets. Beers using sake yeast are also attracting attention.
- Brewers Association: https://www.brewersassociation.org
- Untappd: https://untappd.com
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: https://www.maff.go.jp
- National Tax Agency: https://www.nta.go.jp
- JETRO: https://www.jetro.go.jp
- World Beer Cup: https://worldbeercup.org
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