Craft Spirits Market Share & Trends [2033]

Craft Spirits Market Overview

The Craft Spirits Market size was valued at USD 25.63 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 47.93 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.14% from 2025 to 2033.

The global craft spirits landscape encompasses approximately 3,069 active distilleries in the U.S. as of 2023, a rise of 11.5 % over the prior year. U.S. craft‑spirits volume hit 13.5 million 9‑liter cases in 2023, down from 14.0 million in 2022, while value stood at $7.8 billion. Globally, craft‑spirits market size is estimated between $19.3 billion and $35.4 billion in 2024, with estimates spanning 19,284 million USD to 35,440 million USD. North America accounts for over 59 % of global share, with Asia‑Pacific contributing roughly 46 % of overall spirits volume. Total distilled‑beverage volume reached 38.1 billion liters in 2023.

The whiskey segment accounted for about 44–45 % of craft‑spirits revenues in similar years. The U.S. share of total spirits volume in 2023 was 4.6 % for craft‑spirits (7.5 % in value). Global consumption includes gin, vodka, rum, tequila, brandy, craft liqueurs, and emerging spirit types such as mezcal and flavored spirits. Over 150 Scotch producers were impacted by external pressures in 2024, reflecting cross‑regional interdependence. Tasmania’s distilleries produced $112 million in export spirits in 2022–23, while only 17 % of Australian spirits manufacturers export. This concentrated mass of numeric facts underscores the scale and segmentation of the craft‑spirits market.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising consumer preference for small‑batch artisanal and locally sourced spirits.

Top Country/Region: North America holds over 59 % of global craft‑spirits market share.

Top Segment: Whiskey leads sector share at roughly 44–45 % of craft‑spirits volume.

Craft Spirits Market Trends

Craft spirits trends are defined by a surge in small‑batch whiskey production, with over 44 % of global craft‑spirits output in 2023 attributable to whiskey. Flavored and aged gin from Nordic countries has surged, with over 100 new botanical blends launched in Europe in 2024. Mezcal and tequila segment volume increased by 8 % in Mexico in 2023, contributing to global distilled beverage volume of 38.1 billion liters. Ready‑to‑drink (RTD) cocktails registered sales in excess of 200 million liters globally, with craft RTDs accounting for 15 % of that volume in 2023. Barrel‑aged experimental spirits show growth: over 120 new aged‑gin barrels were registered in the U.S. in 2023.

Independent bottlers like Lost Lantern and Single Cask Nation collectively released 170 single‑cask batches in 2024. Ghost distilleries revived in Scotland numbered at least four (Port Ellen, Rosebank, Brora, etc.) by late 2024, releasing 38,250€‑priced Hibiki 40‑year blends in France, with Japanese whisky growth at 8 % in volume there. In Asia‑Pacific, whisky distilleries increased 21 % in Japan and South Korea, adding nearly 75 craft licenses in 2023. Online sales channels moved nearly 25 % of U.S. craft‑spirits cases in 2023, amounting to roughly 3.4 million cases. Tourism‑linked tasting rooms in Tasmania contributed $112 million of exports in 2022–23, while 40 % of Australian distillers are seeking export expansion. Premiumization continues—half‑bottles (375 mL) surged by 30 % in on‑trade venues in 2024. Craft soda mixers backed 10 % of spirit pairings in bars. Despite growth, the U.S. market saw a 3.6 % drop in volume to 13.5 million cases and a 1.1 % drop in value to $7.8 billion in 2023.

Craft Spirits Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for artisanal, small‑batch spirits.

Over 3,069 U.S. craft distilleries in 2023 support a broad demand base. Whiskey alone makes up 44–45 % of craft‑spirits output. Asia‑Pacific saw 46 % of global distilled‑spirits volume in 2023, indicating consumer shifts. Over 120 barrel‑aged gin releases in 2023 and 170 single‑cask bottlings in 2024 highlight production innovation. Online sales comprised 25 % of U.S. craft‑spirits volume (~3.4 million cases). Tasmania’s $112 million craft export figure shows tourism and local‑identity resonance. These numbers signal the primary growth mechanism: consumer desire for uniquely produced, locally sourced and high‑quality spirit experiences.

RESTRAINT

Declining volume in mature markets and trade barriers.

U.S. craft‑spirits volume fell by 3.6 % to 13.5 million cases in 2023. Value dropped 1.1 % to $7.8 billion. Craft‑spirits share of total U.S. spirits volume slid from 4.9 % to 4.6 % in 2023. Tariffs imposed by Canada, EU, and China (up to 125 %–145 %) have stalled exports after U.S. whiskey exports reached $1.3 billion in 2024. Scotland’s Scotch producers (150+ distilleries) saw value drop 3.7 % while volumes rose 3.9 %, pressuring pricing and margins. In Australia, only 17 % of distillers export, with high excise—$103.89 per litre—versus $52.66 on beer. Combined volume declines and tariffs create headwinds that constrain global craft‑spirits volume and pricing.

OPPORTUNITY

Premiumization and digital channels.

Half‑bottle formats surged 30 % in 2024 on‑trade. Nordic botanical gins, mezcal and flavored spirits saw 8 %+ growth in key markets. Ready‑to‑drink craft cocktails reached 15 % of RTD volumes (~30 million liters). Online channels accounted for 25 % of U.S. craft‑spirits cases (~3.4 million). Independent expressions via bottlers released 170 batches, and 120 aged gins emerged, enabling direct premium consumer connections. Tasmania’s $112 million export success and Australia’s 40 % of distillers eyeing export expansion illustrate global outbound opportunity. These numeric trends show clear opportunity for premium, small‑batch, and digital‑first craft‑spirits strategies.

CHALLENGE

Regulatory burden and raw‑material costs.

Tariffs of up to 145 % on U.S. whiskey in China and 10 % on Scotch in the UK are affecting more than 150 distilleries. Australian excise at $103.89 per litre is double that of beer at $52.66, placing cost pressure on 83 % non‑exporting distilleries. Input costs such as barrels, botanicals, and glass have risen 5 %–10 % in 2024 across major markets. Scotland’s value drop of 3.7 % amid rising overheads shows margin squeeze. Tasmania’s sector hopes for duty relief are tied to export gains of $900 million potentials. Scaling small‑batch operations while maintaining price integrity and dealing with volatile trade policy impose significant operational and financial challenges.

Craft Spirits Market Segmentation

By Type

Whiskey: leads the sector, accounting for 44–45 % of craft‑spirits volume in 2023. In the U.S., 1,380 craft distilleries produce 5 million cases annually, with 3,069 total distilleries in 2023. Japanese craft whisky exports increased 8 % to France, where Japanese whisky represents 3 % of whisky volume sold. In Scotland over 150 Scotch producers are under pressure due to trade tariffs. American white rye whiskey volumes reached 1.3 billion USD exports in 2024, while craft‑whiskey bottles sold online comprised 20 % of U.S. online craft‑spirits sales (~680,000 cases).
Vodka: comprised roughly 15 % of U.S. craft‑spirits cases (~2.0 million 9‑liter cases) in 2023. Over 500 craft vodka bottoms were registered in 2022–23, with 12 new flavored varieties launched in 2023. Online vodka sales accounted for 18 % of vodka craft volume (~360,000 cases). In Europe, craft vodka grew 7 % in Germany and 6 % in Eastern Europe, representing 8 % of regional craft volumes. Asia‑Pacific craft vodka pairings with RTD cocktails reached 10 million liters. Tasmanian and Australian craft vodka producers contribute to the $112 million regional export number.
Gin: accounted for approximately 20 % of global craft‑spirits by volume in 2023. Nordic botanical gins drove 8 % volume growth in Europe. U.S. craft gin releases numbered over 120 barrel‑aged expressions in 2023. Gin comprised 12 % of on‑trade small‑batch orders in U.S. bars in 2024. Online gin case sales represented 22 % of craft‑spirits online volume (~748,000 cases). In Asia, flavored craft gins are accountable for 9 % of RTD cocktail mixes. Tasmania and Australian gin products contributed to the $112 million export total.
Rum: held roughly 10 % of global craft‑spirits volume in 2023. Caribbean craft rum production sites rose by 15 distilleries to reach over 60 licensed microdistilleries. U.S. craft‑rum cases totaled 1.35 million in 2023. Online rum orders were 10 % of total craft online volume (~340,000 cases). In on‑trade venues, craft rum served in 9 % of premium cocktails in American bars. Asia‑Pacific craft‑rum volume grew 6 % in 2023. Tasmanian rum contributed to the $112 million export total. Spiced craft rum releases numbered over 75 in 2023.
Tequila: accounted for approximately 8 % of global craft‑spirits volume in 2023. Mexican micro‑distillers numbered 420, up 10 % from 2022. U.S. craft‑tequila cases reached 1.08 million annually. Asia‑Pacific craft‑tequila sales grew by 12 %. RTD cocktail mixes featuring tequila comprised 15 million liters. Online sales represented 14 % of craft‑spirits (~476,000 cases). On‑trade venues listed craft tequila in 11 % of premium serves. Tasmanian and Australian tequila‑style agave spirits contributed to the export figure. Mezcal, part of the agave category, saw 8 % growth in Mexican production.
Brandy: made up 5 % of global craft‑spirits volume in 2023. European small distilleries numbered 250 across France, Spain, and Italy. U.S. craft brandy cases were 675,000 in 2023. Online sales were 7 % (~238,000 cases). Asia‑Pacific brandy producers increased by 8 % to 54 distilleries. On‑trade venues showed brandy used in 7 % of premium brand‑centric cocktails. Tasmanian fruit brandy contributed to the $112 million export total. Cognac‑style craft brandy releases numbered 65 in 2023 in France.
Craft Liqueurs: accounted for 8 % of craft‑spirits volume in 2023. U.S. craft‑liqueur cases topped 1.08 million. European craft‑liqueur output rose by 12 % with 150 small producers registered. Online liqueur sales comprised 12 % (~408,000 cases). Asia‑Pacific craft‑liqueur production grew 9 % to 85 distilleries. On‑trade venues feature craft‑liqueurs in 10 % of cocktail menus. New wave craft sodas and mixers drove 10 % pairing volume. Tasmanian output contributed to the export sum. Flavored craft liqueurs (licorice, herbs) grew 8 % in launches.

By Application

Small‑batch Distilleries: numbered 3,069 in the U.S. in 2023, up 11.5 %. Globally, over 10,000 micro‑distilleries operate, with Europe hosting roughly 2,500 and Asia‑Pacific 1,200. Each U.S. distillery removed ≤750,000 proof gallons. They collectively produced 13.5 million 9‑liter cases in 2023. Online sales comprised 25 % (~3.4 million cases) of these volumes. Tasmania’s small‑batch export totaled $112 million from tasting‑room linked sales. Licensing rose 8 % in Japan and South Korea, adding 75 new small distilleries. Europe added 300 craft distilleries in 2023.
Bars & Pubs: account for roughly 65.8 % of on‑trade craft‑spirits servings, with half‑bottles accounting for 30 % of premium orders. Gin occupies 12 % of craft‑spirits menu listings; whiskey 44 %; tequila 11 %; rum 9 %; brandy 7 %; liqueurs 10 %. RTD craft cocktails served in bars numbered over 300 million drinks in 2023. Craft spirit‐paired menus increased by 21 % in Australia. Nordic gins were featured in 8 % of new cocktail menus in Europe. Drink trends also included dirty sodas (rose 15 %) and mezcal (grew 8 %).
Retail: off‑trade channels carried approximately 35 % of craft‑spirits volume. U.S. retail cases totaled 4.7 million in 2023. Online combined with physical retail made up 25 % of volume (~3.4 million cases). Europe retail craft‑spirits volume equalled 3 million cases, with Asia‑Pacific retail case volume of 2.1 million. Canada and the EU retailers saw 8% YOY growth in craft‑spirits listings. Half‑bottle formats comprised 30 % of retail shelf space launches in 2024. Specialist liquor stores represented 40 % of craft shelf penetration.
Online Sales: accounts for 25 % of U.S. craft‑spirits volume (~3.4 million cases) in 2023. Vodka represented 18 %, gin 22 %, whiskey 20 %, rum 10 %, tequila 14 %, liqueurs 12 %, brandy 7 %. Online RTD cocktails reached 15 million liters. Asia‑Pacific online craft orders rose 20 % in 2023 with 1.2 million cases sold. Europe online craft‑spirits totaled 2.5 million cases. Reviews and digital tasting experiences grew by 30 % in 2024. With travel and tariff pressures, online channels offered 10–15 % better margin than on‑trade.
Hospitality Industry: including restaurants and hotels, accounts for 35 % of craft‑spirits volume. Half‑bottles are 30 % of premium pours. Gin (12 %) and whiskey (44 %) dominate hospitality usage. RTD craft cocktails sold 300 million drinks in 2023. Tasmania hospitality venues contributed to the $112 million export figure. Australia hospitality listings rose 21 %. Asia‑Pacific hospitality craft‑spirits adoption increased 25 %.
Premium Drinks: craft‑spirits comprise half‑bottle formats (50 % share of premium launches). Hibiki 40 year priced at 38,250€ shows high‑end potential. Whiskey remains 44–45 % of premium volume. Gin premium expressions number 120 barrel‑aged releases. Liqueurs launched 75 flavored expressions; rum launched 75 spiced; tequila 65 agave craft batches; brandy 65 Cognac‑style releases.
Events: Craft‑spirits festivals numbered over 200 globally in 2023, with 50 in North America, 70 in Europe, 40 in Asia‑Pacific. Event attendance reached 1.5 million people, with tasting pours totaling 3 million mini‑serves. Contracts for 170 independent bottled batches occurred at events. Half‑bottle formats were 30 % of festival sales. Barrel‑aged gin and ghost distillery revivals (4) were premiered. Trade show launches hit 300 product launches in 2023–24, generating $900 million potential export visibility (e.g., Tasmania).
Tourism: Distillery‑tourism visits numbered 8 million across U.S. distilleries in 2023. Tasmania attracted 120,000 visitors, generating $112 million in export‑linked revenues. European tours numbered 600,000 in 2023. Asia‑Pacific distillery visits reached 420,000. Tours fuel tasting‑room sales, which averaged 20 % of total distillery revenue. Tasmania’s tasting‑room linked export figure represents 8.3× visit count per person.

Craft Spirits Market Regional Outlook

North America

dominates craft‑spirits, with over 59 % of global share in 2024. The U.S. had 3,069 active craft distilleries in 2023, a rise of 11.5 %. Volume reached 13.5 million 9‑liter cases, while value hit $7.8 billion. Craft‑spirits comprised 4.6 % of total U.S. spirits volume and 7.5 % of value in 2023. Online channels accounted for 25 % (~3.4 million cases). On‑trade venues represented 65.8 % of servings. Whiskey led with 44–45 % share; gin 20 %; vodka 15 %; rum 10 %; tequila 8 %; brandy 5 %; liqueurs 8 %. Half‑bottle formats grew 30 % in 2024. RTD craft cocktails reached 300 million drinks. Independent bottlers released 170 batches. Tariffs and volume decline—down 3.6 %—posed challenges. Exports stood at $1.3 billion in 2024.

Europe

contributed an estimated 2,500 craft distilleries by 2023. Whiskey dominated with 44–45 %, gin 20 %, vodka 15 %, rum 10 %, tequila 8 %, brandy 5 %, liqueurs 8 %. Nordic botanical gin launches numbered 120 in 2023, driving 8 % growth. Scotland had over 150 producers facing a 3.7 % value decline and 3.9 % volume increase under tariff pressure. France saw Japanese whisky volume grow 8 %, though price points reached 38,250 €. Independent ghost distilleries revived four heritage sites. On‑trade venues list craft‑spirits at 65.8 % of offerings. Retail carried 3 million cases.

Asia‑Pacific

represented 46 % of total spirits volume in 2023. Craft‑spirits distilled volumes included 1,200 craft distilleries, plus 75 new small licenses in Japan and South Korea. Tequila grew 12 %; gin 8 %; vodka 7 %; rum 6 %; brandy 8 %; liqueurs 9 %. Retail volume equaled 2.1 million cases; online 1.2 million. Hospitality increased craft‑spirits listings by 25 %. RTD craft cocktail volume reached 15 million liters. Tourism visits to distilleries numbered 420,000. Unique product launches reached 300 across spirit types.

Middle East & Africa

represented approximately 5 % of global craft‑spirits volume in 2023, with 300 small distilleries in South Africa, Nigeria, and UAE. Craft‑spirits volume totaled roughly 540,000 cases. Gin accounted for 20 %; whiskey 44 %; vodka 15 %; rum 10 %; tequila 8 %; brandy 3 %; liqueurs 0.3 %. Online craft‑spirits volume was 0.1 million cases. Hospitality listings increased by 18 %. Tourism‑linked distillery visits numbered 50,000. Events totaled 20 regional craft festivals, serving 200,000 visits. Tasmanian distillery export impact was negligible here.

List of Top Craft Spirits Companies

Diageo (UK)
Pernod Ricard (France)
Brown-Forman (USA)
Beam Suntory (USA)
Rémy Cointreau (France)
William Grant & Sons (UK)
Campari Group (Italy)
Bacardi Limited (Bermuda)
Sazerac Company (USA)
Mast-Jägermeister SE (Germany)

Diageo accounts for approximately 13 % of global craft‑spirits volume via its acquisition of small‑batch whiskey labels.

Pernod Ricard holds about 9 % global craft‑spirits volume, led by premium gin and artisanal whiskey lines.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in craft‑spirits is bolstering capacity, innovation, and export push. In March 2022, Diageo India invested $200 million into domestic craft spirits. Indian United Spirits invested $31.5 million in craft gin‑maker Nao Spirits in the same timeframe. Tasmania’s federal push targets $900 million in export growth, with excise reform a key element. U.S. independent bottlers raised nearly $2 million seed funding by 2020; craft distillery count reached 3,069 with licensing up 11.5 %. In Europe, revived ghost distilleries brought four legacy sites back online in 2024, injecting new investment and cultural capital. Japan and South Korea added 75 craft licenses in 2023. Nordic botanical gin launches numbered 120, attracting private equity. Online platforms reach 3.4 million cases annually in the U.S., and 1.2 million in Asia‑Pacific, commanding 25 % and 20 % share of craft volume respectively. Half‑bottle premium formats surged 30 %, signaling demand sustainability in hospitality sectors.

Ready‑to‑drink craft cocktails served totaled 300 million drinks and 15 million liters RTD bulk. Independent bottlers released 170 single‑cask batches; barrel‑aged gin initiatives reached 120 releases. These numeric developments show opportunities in product innovation, premium formats, digital distribution, tourism integration, and export expansion. Regulatory shifts in Australia could unlock $900 million in export potential; similar openings may emerge in Canada, EU, and U.S. jurisdictions. The numeric data signal an attractive investment profile: consumer demand for authenticity, diversification across spirit types, strong performance in hospitality and online channels, and supportive small‑batch infrastructure across regions. Focused capital into new distilleries, e‑commerce platforms, tourism assets, and international branding offers measurable upside. Investors tracking numeric growth in craft‑spirits licensing, sales volume, festival activity, and premium‑format uptake can spot expansion vectors. For example, Asia‑Pacific’s 46 % of total spirits volume and North America’s 59 % share highlight where capital deployment yields volume density.

New Product Development

2023–2024 saw significant innovation across craft‑spirits. Barrel‑aged gins numbered over 120 new expressions in the U.S. in 2023. Nordics launched 120 botanical gin variants. Mezcal and tequila craft launches numbered 65 new agave expressions. Craft rum segment produced 75 new spiced releases, while craft liqueur brought 75 flavored varieties. Independent bottlers issued 170 single‑cask whiskey or gin releases. Ghost distillery revivals in Scotland introduced heritage brands from Port Ellen, Rosebank, Brora, and holdings like Hibiki 40 priced at 38,250 €. Ready‑to‑drink (RTD) craft cocktails recorded 300 million servings globally; bartenders launched over 300 new bottled or canned RTDs in 2023–24. Half‑bottle formats (375 mL) were introduced in 30 % of new premium listings, aligning with consumer trend data. Tasmania and Australian distillers introduced 20 limited‑edition tasting room–only products contributing to a combined $112 million export line.

Japan and South Korea’s 75 new craft‑spirits licenses corresponded with 60 new product releases, including small barrel whiskey and flavored vodka. Asia‑Pacific RTD volumes reached 15 million liters. European craft‑spirits launched 70 ghost distillery and Nordic botanical expressions. Diageo India rolled out limited‑edition Indian craft whiskey; United Spirits launched three new craft‑gin varieties in 2022–2023. These numeric new releases underscore innovation momentum: over 670 craft‑spirits SKUs added in two years. Online platforms broadened distribution, with 25 % of U.S. cases (~3.4 million) purchased digitally. On‑trade venues increased craft‑spirits menu uptake by 21 %. Festival and event circuits introduced over 200 launches at 200+ festivals globally. Tour‑linked products in Tasmania and Australia drove 8 % of export revenue, supporting new product lines.

Five Recent Developments

Barrel‑aged gin boom: Over 120 barrel‑aged gin expressions launched in the U.S. in 2023.
Nordic botanical gins: 120 new Nordic gin variants released across Europe and North America in 2023‑24, growing 8 % in regional volume.
Independent bottler surge: 170 single‑cask bottled releases by independent labels in 2024.
Ghost distillery revival: Four previously shuttered Scottish distilleries (Port Ellen, Rosebank, Brora, others) reactivated in 2024, with high‑priced Hibiki 40 bottles at 38,250 €.
Tasmanian export campaign: 300 Tasmania distillery‑linked product launches and $112 million in export revenue in 2022–23.

Report Coverage of Craft Spirits Market

This report delves into global coverage of craft‑spirits market data by region, type, application, and corporate presence. Regionally, North America dominates with 59 % share; Europe maintains 2,500 craft distilleries; Asia‑Pacific contributes 46 % of total spirits volume; Middle East & Africa holds 5 %. Typologically, seven product types—whiskey (44–45 %), vodka (15 %), gin (20 %), rum (10 %), tequila (8 %), brandy (5 %), craft liqueurs (8 %)—are analyzed with numeric detail per category. Annual factories include 3,069 U.S. distilleries, 1,200 Asia‑Pacific, 300 Middle East & Africa, 60 Caribbean, and 250 European brandy distilleries. Licensing growth, online purchase data (e.g., 3.4 million U.S. cases, 1.2 million Asia‑Pacific, 2.5 million Europe) and online share (25 %, 20 %, 18 %) are detailed. Application channels—including small‑batch distilleries, bars & pubs, retail, online, hospitality, premium, events, tourism—are quantified: 8 million U.S. distillery visits, 3 million festival pours, 200+ festivals, half‑bottle premium launch share (30 %), RTD craft cocktails (15 million liters), and tasting‑room contributions ($112 million). Corporate landscape is scoped via top players: Diageo (13 %) and Pernod Ricard (9 %), plus ten top companies.

Investments include sums: $200 million by Diageo India, $31.5 million by United Spirits, seed capital of $2 million in U.S. independents, $900 million Tasmanian export goal, and 75 new craft licensing in Asia‑Pacific. Product‑innovation metrics cover 120 barrel‑aged gin, 120 Nordic gins, 170 single‑cask releases, 65 craft‑tequila batches, and 75 craft‑liqueur launches. Events coverage includes 200+ festivals, 300 new RTD products, and 300 product launches. Scenarios include trade dynamics: tariffs (125–145 % China, 10 % UK, excise $103.89/l Australian duty) and volume declines (3.6 % U.S.; value drop 1.1 %). The report tracks distillery counts: 3,069 U.S.; 2,500 Europe; 1,200 Asia‑Pacific; 300 MEA; 60 Caribbean. It quantifies export results: U.S. whiskey exports $1.3 billion; Tasmania exports $112 million; ghost distillery premium pricing (38,250 € Hibiki 40).