Data: Brewer's Association; Chart: Sara Wise/Axios
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.