Craft Beer in 2017: New Report Offers Fresh Numbers

2017 was a strong year for the American craft beer movement according to a new year-end report from the Brewers Association.

The Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent brewers — and publishers of CraftBeer.com — released its annual year-end report recapping the segment’s growth along with highlights of the beer industry in 2017.

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There are now more than 6,000 breweries operating in the United States; that’s an increase from 5,500 recorded for the mid-year report. The BA says 98 percent of the currently-operating U.S. breweries are small and independent.

The number of breweries alone doesn’t tell the whole story of independent beer in 2017.

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The BA gives a nod to several defining factors this year. One was the summer release of the independent craft brewer seal, a new icon that serves as a visual signal so beer lovers know when they’re buying beer made by independent brewers. You’re already seeing the logo — an upside-down beer bottle (left) — on cans, packaging, window decals and more. More than 2,700 independent craft brewers have adopted the independent brewer seal, which represents more than 75 percent of craft beer produced in the U.S. You can see a running count of breweries on our page about the seal.

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The BA also notes beer tourism as a highlight in 2017. Beer tourism — or “beercations” — is growing, with the average craft beer drinker visiting 3.5 breweries near their homes and 2.5 breweries within two hours’ driving distance. (Pro Tip: Plan your next beercation by checking out our CraftBeer.com travel guides.)

“Craft brewers continue to thrive, if at a slower pace, fueled by a passionate community dedicated to bringing innovation, jobs and beer across America,” says Bart Watson, the chief economist at the Brewers Association.

You can see more stats from the BA year-end report, including pledges from the Take Craft Back crowdfunding campaign to “buy” beer maker Anheuser-Busch InBev, in this infographic at BrewersAssociation.org.

Jess Baker

Jess Baker walked into a beer fest in 2010 and realized beer had come a long way from what her dad had been drinking since the 70s. She served as editor-in-chief of CraftBeer.com from spring 2016 to spring 2020, bringing you stories about the people who are the heartbeat behind U.S. craft brewing. She's a runner, a die-hard Springsteen fan, a mom who is always scouting family-friendly breweries, and always in search of a darn good porter.

CraftBeer.com is fully dedicated to small and independent U.S. breweries. We are published by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Stories and opinions shared on CraftBeer.com do not imply endorsement by or positions taken by the Brewers Association or its members.