Brewery Equipment Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Global Brewery Equipment Market Trends and Insights

Growing Number of Microbreweries

As the number of microbreweries surges, the brewery equipment market is evolving, increasingly favoring compact systems tailored for small-batch and diverse production. In 2024, the U.S. boasted 9,796 craft breweries, with 2,029 classified as microbreweries. The breakdown included 3,552 brewpubs, 3,936 taproom breweries, and 279 regional craft breweries, underscoring the dominance of small-scale producers ^{[1]Source: Brewers Association, “National Beer Statistics 2024,” brewersassociation.org}. This proliferation has heightened the demand for modular, space-efficient brewing systems, enabling swift transitions in both production volumes and beer styles. Similarly, China's craft beer scene is on the rise, with over 13,000 active enterprises as of 2023, signaling a burgeoning need for versatile equipment in these developing markets. Equipment manufacturers are taking note, introducing innovations like Krones’ Craftmate can filler, designed for smaller brewers seeking professional-grade automation without the expansive space or hefty budget. Given that microbreweries typically operate batch sizes between 100 to 15,000 liters, the diverse needs of this segment are propelling innovations in equipment and installations, driving the market's overall growth.

Increased Beer Tourism

Beer tourism is fueling the growth of the brewery equipment market, prompting onsite brewing facilities to expand and modernize in a bid to elevate visitor experiences. In 2023, craft breweries in states like Colorado and Oregon saw record footfall. Many operators responded by investing in visible brewing lines, pilot systems, and taproom-integrated fermenters, all aimed at offering immersive tours. The Brewers Association’s May 2025 Export Development Program report underscores this trend, noting international trade events attracted nearly 44,000 visitors, a 5% uptick from 2024 ^{[2]Source: Brewers Association, “Export Development Program News – May 2025,” brewersassociation.org}. The events featured 600 exhibitors, 130 buyers from 47 countries, and attendees hailing from 82 nations. This tourism boom is not only driving demand for core brewing systems but also for smaller, aesthetically designed equipment tailored for public-facing operations. In Europe, cities like Brussels and Prague are upgrading their brewery infrastructures in response to heightened tour bookings. Meanwhile, in India, emerging beer tourism hubs like Bengaluru are investing in visually appealing, space-efficient brewing systems for their brewpubs. Equipment manufacturers are rising to the occasion, crafting modular systems that seamlessly blend automation with design, catering to production needs while amplifying visitor engagement. 

Higher Demand for Premium and Craft Beer

As consumers increasingly prioritize flavor diversity and quality, breweries are turning to advanced systems that enable precise control over ingredients, fermentation, and batch customization. There is a shift toward unique flavor profiles that is driving producers to invest in equipment that supports a diverse range of beer styles while ensuring consistency and efficiency. In India, urban brewpubs in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are experiencing a premiumization trend. Operators are upgrading to modular brewhouses and automated filling lines, underscoring a demand for high-end brewing systems. Meanwhile, China's craft beer segment is witnessing rapid expansion, with local players investing in smart brewing equipment to align with shifting consumer tastes. Equipment manufacturers are stepping up, offering systems that emphasize batch flexibility, digital monitoring, and energy efficiency, appealing to producers aiming for premium differentiation. Furthermore, as premium beers typically have shorter shelf lives and demand meticulous handling, there's a rising need for cold-chain optimized storage and advanced kegging systems. The surging popularity of limited-edition and seasonal craft beers is driving breweries to pursue scalable, small-batch systems that facilitate swift formulation changes without disrupting overall operations.

Rising Need for Automation and Efficiency

Breweries are increasingly turning to automation to enhance operational efficiency, streamline production, cut labor costs, and ensure product consistency. In 2023, several mid-sized breweries across the U.S. adopted fully automated brewhouse systems. These systems come equipped with real-time monitoring, CIP (clean-in-place) automation, and predictive maintenance features, helping breweries tackle labor shortages and uphold quality standards. For instance, craft brewers in the Pacific Northwest noted a boost in throughput after they installed semi-automated fermentation controls, which curtailed batch errors and reduced downtime. In India, prominent urban brewpub chains are now using SCADA-based brewing systems. These systems not only optimize daily multi-batch production but also help in conserving energy and water. Meanwhile, breweries in China are harnessing AI-integrated sensors to oversee fermentation stages and automate pivotal decisions, leading to quicker turnaround times. In response, equipment suppliers are rolling out plug-and-play automation modules. These include robotic packaging lines and digital brewing dashboards, specifically designed for small to mid-scale producers. 

High Initial Investment Costs

Capital intensity poses a significant challenge for the brewery equipment market, particularly for smaller operators and newcomers in emerging markets. In 2024, Tilray's acquisition of four craft breweries from Molson Coors underscored the mounting pressures on independent brewers. Many now face the dilemma of scaling up or exiting the market, primarily due to soaring costs associated with equipment and operational upgrades. Adding to the strain, tariffs on steel and aluminum imports set at 25% and heightened in 2025, have led to a 15–20% surge in brewing equipment prices. This spike has tightened capital budgets for smaller players, who often lack the clout to negotiate bulk discounts. These financial strains aren't limited to equipment purchases. They also encompass installation, commissioning, and specialized maintenance, all of which demand skilled technicians and proprietary parts. Such requirements render entry or expansion a daunting financial hurdle for many startups and microbreweries. Furthermore, disparities in access to financing amplify these challenges. In many emerging markets, the absence of tailored brewery equipment loans or subsidies stalls infrastructure development and curtails equipment adoption.

Supply Chain Disruptions for Raw Materials

Volatility in raw material pricing and availability poses a significant challenge to the brewery equipment market, disrupting cost structures and delaying capital investments. In 2024, while global hop production saw an 11.5% uptick, total hop acreage shrank by 3.3% to 60,641 hectares. This discrepancy injects uncertainty into the brewing supply chain and complicates capacity planning for equipment manufacturers. Such a mismatch underscores the fragility of ingredient supply chains, especially in regions reliant on consistent hop quality and volume. At the same time, breweries are increasingly wary of chemical contaminants, ranging from biogenic amines and heavy metals to mycotoxins and pesticide residues. As a result, many are adopting HACCP-based quality control programs. These programs necessitate investments in specialized monitoring and testing equipment ^{[3]Source: Yanjun Zhang, “Chemical Risk Management in Brewing: Toxins and HACCP Implementation,” mdpi.com}. This not only heightens capital intensity but also limits purchasing options, particularly for smaller brewers in cost-sensitive markets. Collectively, these challenges hinder modernization efforts, extend equipment turnover cycles, and foster risk aversion among brewers, ultimately stunting market growth.

Segment Analysis

By Beer Type: Lager Dominance Drives Equipment Standardization

In 2024, lager beer secured a dominant 46.43% share of the global market, underscoring its widespread appeal and the efficiency of its production methods. This stronghold is primarily attributed to standardized brewing techniques. These methods optimize equipment use, especially by maintaining consistent fermentation temperatures and adhering to predictable processing timelines, which in turn boosts production output. Major brewers leverage economies of scale, utilizing uniform, high-capacity brewhouses and fermentation tanks specifically designed for lager production. This strategy not only solidifies their dominance in the beer market but also reinforces their leadership in the global beer equipment sector.

On the other hand, ale is on a rapid ascent, boasting an impressive 8.58% CAGR projected through 2030. This surge is driven by a growing consumer appetite for diverse flavors and the innovative spirit of craft breweries. Producing ale often necessitates higher fermentation temperatures and a variety of yeast strains. As a result, breweries are channeling investments into adaptable, small-batch fermenters and advanced control systems, enabling them to pivot with ease to frequent recipe modifications. While stout production remains a niche, it's witnessing growth, owing in part to the rising trend of nitro beers. This surge has led equipment manufacturers to craft specialized systems tailored for handling roasted malts and infusing nitrogen. 

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Equipment Type: Fermentation Technology Leads Market Evolution

In 2024, fermentation equipment captures a dominant 37.65% share of the market, highlighting its pivotal role in beer production and the ongoing adoption of sophisticated control technologies. These modern systems empower brewers to monitor vital parameters like oxygen levels, pH, gravity, pressure, and temperature in real time. Such capabilities not only enhance tank utilization and consistency but also minimize batch variability. These improvements are crucial for both craft and large-scale producers focused on boosting operational efficiency and ensuring top-notch product quality.

Packaging equipment is the standout performer, boasting a robust 7.52% CAGR through 2030. This surge is driven by breweries' growing embrace of automated solutions and a pronounced shift towards canned formats. To cater to the escalating consumer appetite for convenience and variety, high-speed, flexible fillers and automated changeover features are swiftly becoming the norm. Concurrently, mashing equipment is evolving, now supporting extract efficiency and high-gravity brewing. This evolution empowers brewers to amplify output without sacrificing quality. The "Others" category encompasses vital systems like automated cleaning units, quality control instruments, and process automation tools.

By Brewery Type: Microbrewery Segment Shapes Equipment Innovation

In 2024, microbreweries command a dominant 66.75% share of the brewery market, buoyed by a global surge in small-scale brewing ventures. This dominance has spurred a heightened demand for compact and adaptable brewing systems, specifically designed for batch sizes ranging from 100 to 15,000 liters. In response, equipment manufacturers are rolling out solutions that cater to these smaller spaces and reduced volume outputs. Moreover, regulatory shifts, like Thailand's recent decision to lift production caps, are spurring investments in microbreweries, especially in the burgeoning markets of Southeast Asia.

Craft breweries are on a rapid ascent, boasting a 9.16% CAGR projected through 2030. As these operators ramp up capacity and weave in automated systems, they're ensuring quality and efficiency even at elevated volumes. Once seen as niche players, these breweries are now carving out competitive positions in regional markets, skillfully marrying innovation with scale. Equipment suppliers, recognizing this evolution, are providing modular and scalable brewing systems. These systems empower breweries to expand operations while preserving flexibility and distinct product differentiation. This evolution highlights a significant industry trend: as microbreweries mature, they are transitioning into craft-scale operations, all the while maintaining their nimbleness and unique market presence.

By Mode of Operation: Automation Dominance Reflects Efficiency Imperatives

In 2024, fully-automatic systems command a dominant 79.52% share of the operational mode market, and they're not just leading; they're growing at a brisk 6.78% CAGR, projected through 2030. This surge underscores a pronounced industry pivot towards automation, aiming to bolster efficiency, curtail labor reliance, and uphold product quality. By leveraging these systems, breweries can significantly reduce manual interventions, all while exercising stringent control over critical brewing parameters. This makes automation indispensable for large-scale, high-volume operations. On the other hand, semi-automatic systems still hold sway in smaller breweries and specialized niches, where there's a premium on flexibility and direct oversight. 

Across the board, from small to mid-sized and even regional craft breweries, the march towards full automation is unmistakable. These establishments are not just observing the trend; they're actively upgrading their equipment to stay in the game. They can swiftly identify and rectify process anomalies, leading to significant reductions in resource wastage and preempting quality pitfalls like contamination or oxidation. These advancements aren't just isolated; they're part of the larger Industry 4.0 movement. Breweries are now embracing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and AI-driven tools, seamlessly guiding production from the initial grain intake all the way to the final packaging. 

Geography Analysis

In 2024, Europe dominates the brewery equipment market, capturing 39.54% of the market share. This leadership is anchored in Europe's rich brewing traditions, a dense network of specialized breweries, and a well-established infrastructure. Germany stands out, showcasing established production practices, stringent quality standards, and a demand for advanced equipment catering to both premium and craft beer segments. Moreover, with rising regulatory pressures and a consumer push for sustainability, breweries are channeling investments into technologies that curtail water and energy use, solidifying Europe's stance as a brewing innovation leader.

Asia-Pacific emerges as the region with the most rapid growth, boasting an 8.47% CAGR projected through 2030. This surge is attributed to the rising allure of craft beer, bolstered disposable incomes, and favorable policy shifts in burgeoning economies. Take China, for example: the nation has seen a notable uptick in craft beer production, leading to significant investments in contemporary brewing systems to align with heightened consumer expectations. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, countries like Thailand are enacting regulatory reforms, now allowing microbrewery expansions, which in turn is spurring demand for modern brewing equipment.

North America, South America, and the Middle East and Africa are witnessing moderate to steady growth trajectories, influenced by regional market dynamics and strategic pivots. North American breweries, especially mid-sized and craft ones, are leaning into consolidation and automation upgrades, a response to mounting competitive pressures and inflationary costs. On the other hand, while South America and the Middle East grapple with challenges like regulatory hurdles and historically lower beer consumption rates, they are seeing a silver lining: urbanization and a surge in tourism are paving the way for burgeoning equipment opportunities.