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Craft Beer Declines Accelerate Through Early September, Circana Data Shows

Published 23 September 2026 · WBI Industry News
Craft Beer Declines Accelerate Through Early September, Circana Data Shows
Image: Brewbound

Craft beer sales declines worsened through August and into early September, including over Labor Day weekend, according to market research firm Circana.

Declines in the craft beer segment continued to accelerate through August and into early September, including over the Labor Day weekend, according to a report from market research firm Circana. The Chicago-based firm's latest monthly scan data highlights ongoing performance challenges for craft brewers during the late-summer trading period. Although overall segment declines worsened, Circana noted that 11 top craft brands demonstrated improved trends compared to August. This development matters to the beverage industry as it underscores persistent retail sales headwinds for craft producers during critical holiday trading windows.

Key facts

  • Craft beer declines accelerated through August and into early September, including Labor Day weekend.
  • Information is based on the latest monthly scans report from Chicago-based Circana.
  • Despite overall craft declines, 11 top craft brands showed improved performance trends compared to August.

Why it matters

The data signals ongoing retail sales headwinds for craft beer producers during key seasonal volume periods like Labor Day weekend.

Craft Beer Circana Beer Trends Retail Sales Market Research

Sources
  • Brewbound — 2026-09-18: “Circana: Craft Beer Declines Accelerate Thru Early September; 11 Top Brands Improve Trends vs. August”

This article was prepared by WBI.org from the sources listed above with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a WBI editor before publication. Information is attributed to its original sources.

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