A Quick Overview of the Trends in the Craft Beer Market 2020-2023

Hey there, fellow brew aficionados! If you’ve been brewing, selling, or just enjoying craft beer, you’ve likely noticed some exciting shifts in the market over the past few years. Thanks to data sourced from Ekos Brewery Management software, we can dive into the brewing trends from 2020 to 2023 and decipher what these trends might mean for craft beer producers like yourselves. 

The Resilient Reign of IPAs

First up, let’s talk about the undying love for IPAs. From the robust American IPAs to the bold Double IPAs and the regal Imperial IPAs, this category has not just survived; it’s thrived. Over the years, we’ve seen:

• A substantial 17.6% growth from 2020 to 2021.
• A solid 10.9% increase from 2021 to 2022.
• A modest yet steady 3.8% uptick from 2022 to 2023.

What this means for you: No surprise, IPAs continue to dominate the craft beer scene. The growth rate might be slowing, but the demand is far from dipping. If you’re brewing IPAs, keep innovating with new flavors and hop combinations to keep the IPA lovers returning for more.

 The Pilsner Popularity Surge

Pilsners, oh my! This style has been quietly making a comeback:

• Jumping 47.1% from 2020 to 2021.
• Growing another 22.7% from 2021 to 2022.
• And still going strong with a 9.6% increase in 2023.

What this means for you: There’s a growing thirst for lighter, crisper beers like pilsners. This resurgence is a fantastic opportunity for craft brewers to introduce well-crafted pilsners that can attract both traditional beer lovers and new drinkers.

 The Stout Struggle

On a darker note (pun intended), stouts have seen some tumultuous times. Known for their rich and creamy profiles, stouts have unfortunately not fared as well in the market:

• A dramatic decrease of -56.8% between 2020 and 2021.
• A slight recovery with a 7.8% increase in 2022.
• Followed by a decline again by -14.8% in 2023.

What this means for you: The stout market is challenging, but consider this a creative challenge. Maybe it’s time to rethink how stouts are marketed or explore niche innovations that could appeal to a broader audience. 

Wrap-up 

So, what’s the take-home message for all the crafty brewers out there? Stay nimble and keep your fingers on the pulse of these trends. Whether you double down on IPAs, revamp your stout strategy, or ride the rising wave of pilsners, understanding these trends can help steer your brewing and marketing strategies in the right direction. The craft brewing world is exciting and full of creative opportunities. How do you plan on seizing them? Let us know if we can help.