Seven of the state’s largest breweries saw sales dip last year.
The brewing industry across the United States is facing a downturn. The Brewers Association said 2024 was the first year in nearly two decades when the U.S. saw more craft breweries close than open.
In Pennsylvania, seven of the Commonwealth’s largest breweries reflected this trend of decreasing sales in 2024.
Recent analysis shows D.G. Yuengling and Sons, based in Pottsville and the oldest brewery in the country, suffered an 8% decrease in sales from 2023 to 2024.
Ardmore’s Tired Hands Brewing Co. saw a steep decrease in sales at 24% lower than 2023.
Pottstown’s Sly Fox Brewing also had a sharp decrease, losing 13% in sales last year.
The only two breweries in Pennsylvania to see an increase in sales were Tröegs Brewing Co. of Hershey and New Trail Brewing Co. of Williamsport.
The brewing industry is a critical economic force in Pennsylvania, generating $5.4 billion in sales in 2023.
In 2024, analysis shows Pennsylvania had about 530 craft breweries across the state. Four of those breweries made the Brewers Association’s 2024 list for the top 50 companies in terms of production.
According to some sources, at least 18 craft breweries in the Commonwealth ceased operations and closed down in 2024.
Brewers in Pennsylvania have cited high costs, post-pandemic recovery, and rising popularity in nonalcoholic beer as some reasons for closure.
