Data: Brewer's Association; Note: Percentage change is unavailable for small brewing companies; Chart: Sara Wise/Axios
Seven of Pennsylvania's largest craft breweries saw sales dip in 2024, per an exclusive Axios analysis.
Why it matters: The figures show that not even the Commonwealth, which has one of the country's most impactful craft brewery scenes, is immune from the downturn plaguing the brewing industry.
State of play: Pottsville-based D.G. Yuengling and Sons — the oldest brewery in the U.S. — saw sales dip 8% in 2024 compared to the previous year, per our analysis of Brewers Association data.
Pottstown's Sly Fox and Ardmore's Tired Hands also experienced double-digit declines.
Tröegs Brewing Co. in Hershey and Williamsport's New Trail Brewing Co. were the only two that saw positive gains in the state.
The big picture: Craft beer is big business in the commonwealth, generating more than $5.4 billion in 2023, per state data.
Pennsylvania had roughly 530 craft breweries last year, including four that made the Brewers Association's 2024 list for the top 50 companies in terms of production.
Yes, but: At least 18 Pennsylvania breweries closed last year, per industry blog Breweries in Pennsylvania.