In 2023, the number of breweries grew to an all-time high of 9,683, directly employing 191,421 people. Despite the year being challenging for the craft beer industry—overall production declined by 1.0% from 2022—brewery openings outpaced closures, though the rate of openings has slowed dramatically in recent years. Because craft beer is priced at a premium, sales dollars grew in 2023, despite the small decline in volume.