When the pandemic shut down on-premise outlets throughout the United States last year, craft brewers felt the pinch as they lost sales from traditional on-premise outlets as well as their own taprooms.
“Craft brewers experienced significant challenges amid the pandemic, as many, particularly nascent craft brewers, are reliant on on-premise sales, either at in-house bars or local food service establishments,” says Chris Lombardo, team lead and senior analyst for New York-based IBISWorld. “With these channels restricted, craft brewers have been forced to adapt quickly, with many offering on-site pick-up options or attempting to establish local off-premise channels. Many have been successful with such tactics, especially as consumers seek out different alcoholic beverages or reallocate money they would have spent at bars and restaurants on more expensive beverages.”