In this article, we’ll explore the top big beer companies in America. If you’re only interested in the biggest names, you can skip the detailed analysis of the American beer industry’s growth, the impact of Covid-19, and the rise of craft beers to go straight to the list of the 5 Biggest Beer Brands in America.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, beer remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the U.S., with an annual per capita consumption of 23.5 gallons in 2021. The beer industry has become a major economic force, contributing over $409 billion to the national economy—about 1.6% of the GDP. This includes more than 2.4 million jobs, $132 billion in wages, and $63.8 billion in taxes. These figures represent a significant growth of 23.5% from the previous study, with an increase of $78 billion and 400,000 new jobs over the last two years.
The industry supports a wide range of sectors, including over 92,000 jobs in brewing and beer importing, nearly 78,000 in manufacturing, more than 137,000 in distribution, over 52,000 in agriculture, and close to 98,000 in retail. Each brewing job creates an additional 30 jobs across various sectors.
The pandemic had a severe impact on the beer industry due to lockdowns and the closure of bars and restaurants, which account for a significant portion of beer sales. The cancellation of live sports and entertainment also hurt sales, compounded by production constraints.
Craft beers, produced in smaller batches by independent breweries, have become a significant part of the market. Known for their innovation and high-quality ingredients, craft beers are gaining popularity. In 2022, craft beers accounted for 13.2% of the total beer sales volume in the U.S., with imported beers making up 22.2%. The Boston Beer Company, with its brands like Samuel Adams and Dogfish Head, is a notable player in this sector.
Globally, the craft beer market is expected to grow from $108.8 billion in 2023 to $232.6 billion by 2030, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate of 13.5%.
Top big beer companies in us
Guinness
Dollar Sales in 2021: $184.1 Million
Guinness, the renowned Irish dry stout, is produced by Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), a major player in the alcoholic beverage industry. Established in 1759, Guinness has become one of the most recognizable and successful brands globally. The introduction of nitrogen in 1959 revolutionized Guinness by giving it a creamier and smoother texture compared to traditional carbon dioxide. Diageo plc was formed in 1997 through the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan. In addition to Guinness, Diageo plc owns other prestigious alcohol brands, including Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Smirnoff, and Don Julio.
Pacifico
Dollar Sales in 2021: $208.2 Million
Cerveza Pacifico is a pilsner-style Mexican lager imported into the U.S. The name “Pacifico” reflects its origins, with the Pacifico Brewery situated by the Pacific Ocean in Sinaloa. First brewed in 1900 by three German founders in Mazatlán, this lager features a 4.5% ABV and is known for its crisp, refreshing flavor with hints of grass-citrus and Ocean Mist. Pacifico has experienced a 3.2% increase in dollar sales compared to the previous year.
Samuel Adams
Dollar Sales in 2021: $234.7 Million
Known as one of the most influential craft beers ever, the Samuel Adams Boston Lager, with a 5% ABV, epitomizes the rise of the American craft beer movement. Constellation Brands Inc., based in New York and founded in 1945, boasts a market capitalization of $42.6 billion.
Sierra Nevada
Dollar Sales in 2021: $317.7 Million
Sierra Nevada’s flagship Pale Ale is a 5.6% ABV brew renowned for its well-balanced hop profile and rich flavor. Crafted with Cascade hops and caramelized malt, this iconic craft beer achieves a perfect hop balance. Founded in 1979 in California, Sierra Nevada remains a family-owned and operated brewery, celebrated for its influential role in the craft beer industry.
New Belgium
Dollar Sales in 2021: $351.8 Million
New Belgium Brewing Company, based in Colorado, is a prominent craft brewery known for its flagship Fat Tire Amber Ale, Voodoo IPA, Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza, and more. Established in 1991, it was the first wind-powered brewery in the U.S. The Fat Tire recipe was inspired by a co-founder’s cycling tour through Belgium, sampling various beers. New Belgium experienced a notable 14.9% increase in dollar sales compared to the previous year.
Blue Moon
Dollar Sales in 2021: $370.9 Million
Introduced in 1995, Blue Moon is a 5.4% ABV Belgian-style wheat beer crafted by the Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP) in Colorado. Known for its distinctive citrus notes and subtle spice, thanks to coriander and orange peel, Blue Moon experienced a 7.8% decline in dollar sales compared to the previous year. In addition to Blue Moon, the brewery offers a range of other beers including Honey Moon, Full Moon, Pale Moon, Harvest Moon, and Rising Moon.
