Some of Washington's top craft brewers saw sales slip in 2024
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Four of Washington state's 10 largest craft breweries reported falling sales in 2024, with another stuck at zero growth, according to Brewers Association data.
Why it matters: Even Washington's storied craft beer industry is struggling with shifting drinking habits, rising costs and crowded competition, echoing national challenges.
By the numbers: Silver City Brewery in Bremerton reported a 21% drop in sales last year, the largest decline among Washington's top 10 craft brewers.
- Ackley Brands, which bought Redmond-based Mac & Jack's Brewing Co. in 2023, saw a 12% decline.
- Bale Breaker Brewing Co. in Yakima had a 5% drop in sales, while Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg saw a 9% drop.
- Spokane's No-Li Brewhouse posted 0% growth.
Yes, but: It wasn't all gloomy news for big local brewers.
- Seattle's Georgetown Brewing Co. and Fremont Brewing saw their sales climb.
- So did Stoup Brewing, which has locations in Seattle and Kenmore, and Black Raven Brewing Co., which is based on the Eastside.
- Leavenworth's Icicle Brewing Co. saw the biggest increase: 28%.
What they're saying: Increased demand for nonalcoholic options and the proliferation of ready-to-drink cocktails are contributing to "challenging times" for local breweries in Washington and elsewhere, Daniel Olson, executive director of the Washington Brewers Guild, told Axios.
- That said, "we're faring better than most," Olson said.
- "We're seeing some really good breweries that are making some really good beer, and consumers are recognizing that," he said.
State of play: More craft breweries closed than opened in Washington in 2024, he said, mirroring a national trend.
- Olson said craft breweries have to contend with high costs of doing business in Washington, including soaring rents.
Between the lines: Many brewers are adding nonalcoholic options and other products like hard ciders to broaden their appeal, Olson said.
Case in point: Fremont Brewing introduced a nonalcoholic IPA in 2023, while Georgetown Brewing bought Timber City Ginger Beer late last year.
- Georgetown Brewing's owners said at the time that they were excited to introduce both hard ginger beer and nonalcoholic ginger beer to a broader audience.
What we're watching: In a December 2024 report, Bart Watson of the Brewers Association wrote that brewers were bracing for another challenging year in 2025, due in part to market pressures and potential tariff impacts.