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Brewing
breweries . The total US operating brewery count was 9709 , up from 9384 in 2021 . Throughout the year , there were 549 new brewery openings and 319 closings . Openings decreased for a second consecutive year , with the continued decline reflecting a more mature market . The closing rate increased in 2022 but continued to remain relatively low , at approximately three percent .
“ The relatively low closure rate reflects both the solid demand for fuller flavored local beer as well as the versatility and flexibility of small brewers ,” added Bart .
In addition , the Brewers Association also released its annual list of the top 50 producing craft brewing companies and overall brewing companies in the US , based on beer sales volume . Of the top 50 overall brewing companies in 2022 , 40 were small and independent craft brewing companies .
“ Breweries that managed to move up the list organically are often those that are adding incremental growth to the category ,” said Bart . “ Both beer and craft need to create new occasions and new beer lovers to find growth .” ■
For a list of the sources in this article , please contact the editor .
The Brewers Association www . brewersassociation . org
“ 2022 presented small brewers with a number of challenges , including rising operating and material costs and increasing competition , particularly in distribution ,” said Bart Watson , Chief Economist , Brewers Association . “ In this maturing and competitive market , collective growth for the category is hard to come by .”
The number of operating craft breweries continued to climb in 2022 , reaching an all-time high of 9552 , including 2035 microbreweries , 3418 brewpubs , 3838 taproom breweries , and 261 regional craft
The Brewers Association is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers , their beers , and the community of brewing enthusiasts . It represents 5600-plus US breweries . The Brewers Association ’ s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers from small and independent craft brewers . The association organizes events including the World Beer Cup , Great American Beer Festival , Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America , SAVOR : An American Craft Beer & Food Experience , Homebrew Con , National Homebrew Competition , and American Craft Beer Week . It also publishes The New Brewer magazine , and Brewers Publications is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the US .
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