Top 10 craft lager breweries expanding globally

Robert Gultig

10 May 2025

Top 10 craft lager breweries expanding globally

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Written by Robert Gultig

10 May 2025

Introduction

Craft lagers have been gaining popularity globally due to their unique flavors, quality ingredients, and artisanal brewing techniques. As the demand for craft beer continues to rise, many breweries are expanding their operations internationally to reach a wider audience. In this report, we will explore the top 10 craft lager breweries that are making waves in the global market.

1. BrewDog

Overview

BrewDog, a Scottish craft brewery founded in 2007, has become one of the most well-known names in the craft beer industry. Known for their bold and innovative beers, BrewDog has expanded its presence globally with breweries in the UK, USA, and Australia. In 2020, BrewDog reported a revenue of £238 million, making it one of the largest craft breweries in the world.

Expansion

BrewDog has been aggressively expanding its international presence, with plans to open new breweries in China, Germany, and France. The brewery has also launched several successful crowdfunding campaigns to fund its expansion efforts, allowing beer enthusiasts to become shareholders in the company.

2. Stone Brewing

Overview

Stone Brewing, based in California, is known for its high-quality craft lagers and ales. The brewery was founded in 1996 and has since grown to become one of the largest craft breweries in the US. In 2020, Stone Brewing reported a revenue of $135 million, solidifying its position in the global craft beer market.

Expansion

Stone Brewing has been expanding globally, with breweries in Germany and China. The brewery has also partnered with local distributors to bring its beers to markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Stone Brewing’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it establish a strong presence in the international craft beer scene.

3. Founders Brewing Co.

Overview

Founders Brewing Co., based in Michigan, is known for its award-winning craft lagers and ales. The brewery was founded in 1997 and has experienced rapid growth in recent years. In 2020, Founders Brewing Co. reported a revenue of $80 million, making it one of the top craft breweries in the US.

Expansion

Founders Brewing Co. has been expanding its international presence, with distribution in over 30 countries worldwide. The brewery has focused on building strong partnerships with local distributors and retailers to ensure its beers are widely available. Founders Brewing Co.’s commitment to quality and consistency has helped it attract a global following of craft beer enthusiasts.

4. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Overview

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., based in California, is one of the oldest craft breweries in the US. Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada is known for its iconic Pale Ale and innovative craft lagers. In 2020, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. reported a revenue of $200 million, making it one of the top craft breweries in the world.

Expansion

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has been expanding its international distribution, with a focus on markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The brewery has also opened a second brewery in North Carolina to meet growing demand in the US. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has helped it attract a global following of beer lovers.

5. Lagunitas Brewing Company

Overview

Lagunitas Brewing Company, based in California, is known for its bold and flavorful craft lagers. The brewery was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become one of the top craft breweries in the US. In 2020, Lagunitas Brewing Company reported a revenue of $250 million, solidifying its position in the global craft beer market.

Expansion

Lagunitas Brewing Company has been expanding its international distribution, with a focus on markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The brewery has also partnered with local distributors and retailers to ensure its beers are widely available. Lagunitas Brewing Company’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it attract a global following of craft beer enthusiasts.

6. Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Overview

Firestone Walker Brewing Company, based in California, is known for its award-winning craft lagers and ales. The brewery was founded in 1996 and has since grown to become one of the top craft breweries in the US. In 2020, Firestone Walker Brewing Company reported a revenue of $115 million, solidifying its position in the global craft beer market.

Expansion

Firestone Walker Brewing Company has been expanding its international distribution, with a focus on markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The brewery has also opened a second brewery in California to meet growing demand in the US. Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it attract a global following of craft beer enthusiasts.

7. Brooklyn Brewery

Overview

Brooklyn Brewery, based in New York, is known for its innovative craft lagers and ales. The brewery was founded in 1988 and has since grown to become one of the top craft breweries in the US. In 2020, Brooklyn Brewery reported a revenue of $100 million, solidifying its position in the global craft beer market.

Expansion

Brooklyn Brewery has been expanding its international distribution, with a focus on markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The brewery has also partnered with local distributors and retailers to ensure its beers are widely available. Brooklyn Brewery’s commitment to quality and sustainability has helped it attract a global following of craft beer enthusiasts.

8. Oskar Blues Brewery

Overview

Oskar Blues Brewery, based in Colorado, is known for its flavorful craft lagers and ales. The brewery was founded in 1997 and has since grown to become one of the top craft breweries in the US. In 2020, Oskar Blues Brewery reported a revenue of $80 million, solidifying its position in the global craft beer market.

Expansion

Oskar Blues Brewery has been expanding its international distribution, with a focus on markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The brewery has also opened a second brewery in North Carolina to meet growing demand in the US. Oskar Blues Brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it attract a global following of craft beer enthusiasts.

9. North Coast Brewing Co.

Overview

North Coast Brewing Co., based in California, is known for its award-winning craft lagers and ales. The brewery was founded in 1988 and has since grown to become one of the top craft breweries in the US. In 2020, North Coast Brewing Co. reported a revenue of $50 million, solidifying its position in the global craft beer market.

Expansion

North Coast Brewing Co. has been expanding its international distribution, with a focus on markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The brewery has also partnered with local distributors and retailers to ensure its beers are widely available. North Coast Brewing Co.’s commitment to quality and sustainability has helped it attract a global following of craft beer enthusiasts.

10. Victory Brewing Company

Overview

Victory Brewing Company, based in Pennsylvania, is known for its bold and flavorful craft lagers. The brewery was founded in 1996 and has since grown to become one of the top craft breweries in the US. In 2020, Victory Brewing Company reported a revenue of $70 million, solidifying its position in the global craft beer market.

Expansion

Victory Brewing Company has been expanding its international distribution, with a focus on markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The brewery has also opened a second brewery in Pennsylvania to meet growing demand in the US. Victory Brewing Company’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it attract a global following of craft beer enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 10 craft lager breweries expanding globally are making significant strides in the craft beer industry. With innovative flavors, quality ingredients, and a commitment to sustainability, these breweries are attracting a global following of craft beer enthusiasts. As the demand for craft beer continues to rise, we can expect to see even more growth and expansion from these top breweries in the years to come.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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