- Press Release -

Rockville, Md. The global craft beer market is set to reach nearly US$ 20 Bn by 2022 on moderate growth, according to Fact.MR. One of the oldest and most fragmented corners of the beverage industry, it is built on independently owned microbreweries and regional craft brewers, and drinkers are willing to pay more for a traditionally produced brew.

Europe is the dominant region, American sour leads by fermenting style, and microbreweries are the most lucrative channel. Brown ales lead by product, while Asia Pacific excluding Japan is the fastest-growing region.

Styles, Products and Channels

American sour is the leading fermenting style at about a third of revenue, ahead of Belgian Gueuze. By product, brown ales are the most lucrative and set to exceed US$ 4 Bn by 2022, while bocks are the fastest-selling and pale ales sit in between on growth. On distribution, microbreweries are the most lucrative channel, with independent regional and contract brewing companies expanding in parallel.

Europe retains its dominance as American brews penetrate the region with rare, innovative and exotic flavours, while Asia Pacific excluding Japan posts the fastest growth of any region.

Premium Appeal Drives Demand

The market runs on authenticity and choice. As consumers gravitate toward traditionally produced, premium beer and brewers differentiate with clear value propositions, craft beer holds a competitive edge over other alcoholic drinks. Government promotion of new breweries in markets from Mexico and China to the UK, Belgium and Australia adds further momentum.

Suppliers and Their Playbook

The field spans independent craft brewers and large brewing groups.

• North American Breweries Inc., SweetWater Brewing Company, LLC, Bells brewery Inc., Duvel Moortgat NV, Heineken Holding N.V., Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co., D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., and The Boston Beer Company, Inc. are among the key players in the report.

Reading the Market for Decisions

For brewers, growth favours distinctive styles and strong microbrewery presence. Investors get a fragmented market with steady, premium-led demand. Procurement and retail teams can plan around microbreweries leading distribution, brown ales carrying volume, and Europe holding the largest share while Asia Pacific grows fastest through 2022.

About the Report

Fact.MR's study covers the global craft beer market for the 2017 to 2022 forecast period, with segmentation by fermenting style, product, distribution channel and region. It sizes each segment, maps the competitive field, and weighs the consumer forces shaping demand. Further detail is available in the craft beer market report.

About Fact.MR

Fact.MR is a market research and consulting agency with deep expertise in emerging market intelligence. The firm is known for its syndicated research, custom research and consulting solutions, helping clients make decisions on demand, competition, investment, procurement and future growth.