2024 was a difficult year for craft brewers as costs rose, demand evolved, and competition stiffened. And yet, more than a few breweries found a way to not only survive, but to churn out their strongest year ever. This seminar considers those successes and works backwards to explain why certain consumer-focused business decisions helped turn challenges into opportunities. Leaning on a wide body of industry research and beyond, Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association, looks at how consumers are engaging with brands at the start of 2025.