The recent release of 2021 Brewers Association’s data shows volume growth was up 7.9%, with approximately 24.8 million barrels produced, with craft beer’s growth numbers outpacing the entire American beer market’s growth of 1%. After posting its first-ever decline in volume, down 9% in 2020 when the pandemic’s impact brought closures and social distancing measures, the data showed a bright spot for brewers. Small and independent brewers collectively increased craft’s overall beer market share by volume to 13.1%, up from 12.2% the previous year. Retail dollar value was estimated at $26.9 billion, representing 26.8% market share and 21% growth over 2020. The growth is stronger than volume primarily due to the channel shift back to on-premise from previous pandemic years. Craft brewers provided more than 172,643 direct jobs, a 25% increase over 2020. Operating craft breweries grew in 2021, reaching an all-time high of 9,118 (1,886 microbreweries, 3,307 brewpubs, 3,702 taproom breweries and 223 regional craft breweries). Throughout 2021, 646 new breweries opened and 178 closed.