Craft Brewers: The Packaging Revolution Is Here

Shelf space is shrinking. Distribution is down. The pressure on craft brewers to adapt has never been greater. But buried in the 2025 PMMI Beverage Packaging Trends Report is a roadmap for survival—and growth.

Key Takeaway: 68% of beverage companies plan to increase their packaging equipment investments in the next 2–3 years. Fillers, cappers, labelers, palletizers—these are the systems helping brands respond to new formats, materials, and SKUs.

For craft brewers, this means:

• Invest in packaging flexibility

• Reconsider labeling and printing as a brand weapon

• Partner with co-packers equipped for small runs and fast pivots

• Explore sustainable materials like paperboard carriers or slim cans

• Think beyond beer—RTDs, hybrids, and NA options are exploding

As someone who’s worked hands-on with packaging automation and vision inspection systems across the U.S. beverage market, I see this report as a wake-up call. The winners in this slow-growth market will be those who outmaneuver—not outspend—the competition.

Full article via Craft Brewing Business: What craft brewers can learn from PMMI’s 2025 Packaging Trends

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