The U.S. craft spirits category continued to face challenges in 2024, according to the 2025 Craft Spirits Data Project. While the market experienced its second consecutive volume decrease, craft distillers demonstrated resilience through strategic adaptation and continued investment in their operations, specifically in their home states. The number of active craft distillers in the U.S. now sits at 2,282.
Led by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Park Street, the Craft Spirits Data Project, introduced in 2016, is a pioneering research initiative quantifying the number, size, and impact of craft spirits producers in the United States. The report aims to provide a solid and reliable fact base for evaluating performance and trends in the U.S. craft spirits industry.
While the full-length report offers an in-depth analysis of the craft spirits industry, the key highlights from 2024 reveal an industry in transition, with producers adapting their strategies to focus on regional strengths and sustainable growth.
Key Findings and Highlights
- U.S. craft spirits market volume decreased by 6.1% to 12.7 million cases in 2024 (versus 13.5 million in 2023).
- In value terms, the market reached $7.58 billion in sales, experiencing a 3.3% growth rate. Craft spirits sales remain nearly evenly split between home state (48.5%) and other states (51.5%) in 2024.
- Craft producers continue to reinvest in their businesses, though at a slower rate than in previous years. The total investment by all craft producers declined for the first time, reaching $811 million in 2024, down from $885 million in 2023.
- Since 2021, home state sales have increased their share of total craft spirit sales (+1.1pp) while out-of-state sales have decreased as a percentage of total craft sales (-1.2pp).
- The strategic pivot toward home state sales reflects craft distillers’ adaptation to market conditions, leveraging local brand loyalty and reducing distribution costs during a challenging economic environment.