News Summary

Eastern Market Brewing Co. (EMBC) in Detroit reports a remarkable 59% sales increase, making it the ninth-largest brewer in Michigan. This growth contrasts with a national decline in the craft beer industry, highlighting EMBC’s successful expansion strategies. Meanwhile, other major breweries in Michigan are facing challenges, but overall, new breweries continue to emerge in the state, suggesting a resilient craft beer market. Notably, Roar Brewing Co. will become Detroit’s first Black-owned brewery, aiming to create an inclusive community-focused atmosphere.

Detroit – Eastern Market Brewing Co. (EMBC), a craft brewery based in Detroit, reported a remarkable 59% increase in sales over the past year, making it the ninth-largest brewer in Michigan. This surge comes at a time when the overall beer industry in the state is experiencing a decline, underscoring the brewery’s effective growth strategies amidst broader economic challenges.

EMBC’s impressive sales growth is attributed to an aggressive expansion strategy initiated in recent years. The brewery’s founder noted that a new distribution deal with Imperial has further strengthened its position in the competitive craft beer market.

While EMBC is thriving, the craft beer industry on a national level is facing significant challenges, and Michigan’s renowned beer scene is not immune to these downturns. Major breweries in the region are also feeling the effects. For instance, Short’s Brewing Company, Michigan’s largest brewer, has reported a 6% decline in sales in 2024 compared to the previous year. In contrast, despite these challenges, more breweries opened in Michigan last year than closed, indicating a resilient industry.

Notably, Bell’s Brewery, another significant player in Michigan’s beer landscape, is not included in the state sales data due to its acquisition by an international company in 2021, which stripped it of its status as a craft brewer. This shift highlights the evolving dynamics within the industry.

The craft beer boom that characterized earlier years appears to be stabilizing, with some breweries effectively adapting to the changing market. Recently, Old Nation Brewing Co. from Williamston gained recognition by winning the inaugural Detroit News Michigan Craft Brewery Bracket Challenge, a competition featuring 63 independent craft breweries. Such contests are increasingly important for breweries seeking to assess customer satisfaction and gauge market performance.

Old Nation celebrated National Beer Day with the release of its popular Tart Strawberry M-43 beer, marking a significant event for the brewery. Established in 2015, Old Nation is committed to sourcing local ingredients, although it relies on out-of-state strawberries for specific beers.

Michigan’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with over 400 craft breweries established in the state, including more than 50 in the Detroit metro area. Exciting developments are on the horizon, as several new breweries and taprooms are set to open in the city, enhancing the diversity of the craft beer offerings available to the community.

Among these newcomers is Roar Brewing Co., the first Black-owned brewery in Detroit, which recently announced its upcoming soft opening. Roar Brewing Co. aims to provide a community-focused atmosphere, offering a range of beers, interactive tours, entertainment, and live music. The brewery’s name reflects the vibrant culture of Detroit, celebrating its spirit across sports, arts, and industry, and its opening is intentionally timed to coincide with a local parade, amplifying the sense of community engagement.

Roar Brewing’s mission extends beyond simply serving beer; it strives to make craft brewing approachable and inclusive, directly addressing the underrepresentation of Black-owned breweries within the industry. With these innovative efforts and the strategic expansions of existing breweries like EMBC, the Michigan craft beer industry is positioned for an intriguing future, balancing adaptation and growth in a challenging economic environment.