As the weather heats up, many people are once again turning their attention to the state of the draft beer and craft beverage industry. Much of what unfolds this spring and summer will be shaped by key emerging trends, and understanding these shifts is essential for everyone from brewers to bar owners to those responsible for keeping shelves stocked and taps flowing.
Here are some important things to keep in mind heading into the summer beer season.
Challenges in the Beer Industry
Despite its reputation for resilience, the beer industry heads into summer 2025 facing a complex web of challenges that go far beyond the tap.
Declining sales and shifting preferences are reshaping the landscape, as consumers increasingly explore non-alcoholic and alternative beverages. The market is also feeling the effects of brand saturation. With too many players vying for limited shelf space—and consolidation among distributors and retailers—standing out is tougher than ever, especially with big beer brands aggressively entering the craft space.
At the same time, sustainability expectations continue to rise. Consumers now expect breweries to embrace eco-friendly packaging and operational transparency. And in today’s digital-first world, breweries must also adapt to new marketing technologies and retail channels to keep their products visible and their stories heard.
Craft Beer - Where It Is And Where It’s Going
Despite these headwinds, craft beer remains one of the most resilient and innovative segments of the beverage industry. It continues to evolve quickly to meet changing expectations and to introduce new drinkers to the world of small-batch brewing.
While extreme hops and intense profiles dominated the early 2020s, 2025 marks a noticeable pivot toward balance and approachability. Brewers are still experimenting, but the spotlight now shines on ingredients like matcha, yuzu, and even licorice to create complex yet approachable experiences.
At the same time, the local craft movement is gaining steam, with consumers showing more interest in how and where their beer is made. From neighborhood collaborations to regionally sourced ingredients, provenance is now part of the story and the brand.
Five 2025 Summer Beer Trends to Look for in Bars & Restaurants
A few trends are rising to the top this year, and they point to a more thoughtful, more personalized beer experience.
1) Consumers continue to care about values. They’re willing to spend more on products that align with their principles, especially when those purchases support local businesses, sustainable practices, or transparency in sourcing.
2) Ready-to-drink cocktails. Once considered just a convenience item, they are now high-end, bar-quality offerings. With premium ingredients, health-forward formulations (think low-ABV, low-calorie, or functional additions like adaptogens), and bold packaging, RTDs are not just competing with beer—they’re reshaping the market. The U.S. RTD cocktails market is projected to grow significantly, reflecting this shift in consumer preferences.
3) Non-alcoholic beer. N/A is no longer an afterthought. Sophisticated brewing techniques have made N/A options taste more like the real thing, and they’re claiming more shelf space as consumers embrace moderation without sacrificing flavor or experience. The global non-alcoholic beer market is expected to grow substantially, indicating a strong trend toward mindful drinking.
4) Packaging matters more than ever. From high-end print designs to eco-friendly, recyclable cardboard with integrated carrying handles, how a beer looks and is transported can be just as important as what’s inside. In the U.S., states like New Jersey are implementing laws requiring all packaging materials to be recyclable or compostable by 2034, pushing breweries to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions.
5) Yes, IPAs still have a place. But they're now part of a broader, more diverse menu. Consumers are open to new experiences and exploring lagers, sours, session beers, and more balanced flavor profiles that are easier to drink but still full of character.
Let Beer Math Help
With the weather warming up outside, it is important for beer providers to be prepared for the spring and summer rush. That is where our Beer Math calculator helps. Taking into account how much draft beer is poured every week, Beer Math combines it with information specific to the establishment and computes the total amount of beer that must be ordered. This can prevent establishments from over-ordering the wrong brands while still meeting the needs of customers. So you'll always have the right beer on tap, helping profits.
Are you ready to learn how Beer Math can help your beverage business? Click below to learn more!
