Ohio brewers buck parts of craft beer's national decline
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The craft beer market continued its decline in 2025, but there is room for optimism at a few craft breweries in Ohio.
Why it matters: The persistent downward trend is startling the once-booming industry and forcing brewers to rethink their business models and expand into non-beer beverages.
State of beer: The total number of craft breweries fell to 9,578, a 2.9% net decline from 2024, as openings declined sharply and 481 closed in 2025, a report released by the Brewers Association reveals.
- The industry saw a 5% decrease in production last year, a new low outside the pandemic, and followed a 4% slump in 2024.
Between the lines: 60% of breweries reported reductions in beermaking, while the remainder saw modest growth.
What they're saying: "While it's probably premature to say the industry has settled into a 'new normal,' there are many indications that we are moving in that direction," Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association, said in a statement.
The other side: Craft beer outperformed the broader beer market, which declined 5.7%.
- Pennsylvania-based Yuengling remains the nation's largest craft brewery, followed by Sierra Nevada and Boston Beer Co.
Zoom in: Columbus-based Garage Beer Co., which is co-owned by Cleveland Heights natives Jason and Travis Kelce, has become Ohio's largest craft brewery by volume and ranks No. 12 nationwide.
- Cleveland's Great Lakes Brewing (No. 26) and Fat Head's in Middleburg Heights (No. 50) also ranked in the top 50.
What we're watching: The report suggests breweries with strong brands and differentiated offerings are holding steady or expanding.
- More breweries are moving in that direction, serving hard seltzers, canned cocktails and adding food to appeal to a broader consumer base.
The bottom line: "The industry outlook points towards cautious optimism, as shifting trends offer hope for a more stable path forward after several challenging years," Gacioch said.