The Numbers
Number · Shanken News Daily · Oct 14, 2026
U.S. craft spirits sales fell 3.7% in 2025 to $7.3 billion, on volume down 8% to 11.7
U.S. craft spirits sales fell 3.7% in 2025 to $7.3 billion, on volume down 8% to 11.7 million 9-liter cases, the third straight annual decline, per the American Craft Spirits Association reported by Shanken News Daily (October 7, 2026). It ran in the newsletter on October 14, 2026.
What it means for you
Active craft distillers fell to 2,131 as of August 2026, the first year closures outpaced openings, so backbar and shelf slots are quietly freeing up for whoever calls on the account.
Source
Craft Spirits In Decline Amid Persistent Headwinds, Shanken News Daily