Stat du jour: North Carolina's largest brewers
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Seven of North Carolina's 10 largest breweries had down years in 2024.
Why it matters: Last year was a tough year for the craft brewery industry in North Carolina, and this year is looking to be similar, as the industry navigates increasing prices and a slowdown in drinking among younger generations.
Zoom in: Artisanal Brewing Ventures, a Charlotte-based group that owns brands like Southern Tier and Victory, was by far the largest craft brewer in the state, though none of its brands were born in North Carolina.
- Asheville's Highland Brewing saw the biggest decline among the large craft brewers, with sales down 16%.
- Red Oak, located outside of Greensboro, however, reported sales growth of 8% last year.
State of play: North Carolina's craft beer market is increasingly dominated by breweries in the Charlotte market, with five of the 10 largest craft breweries located there.
- The only Triangle-area brewery to make the top 10 was Aviator Brewing, which is in Fuquay-Varina.