Though it seems contradictory in the age of political upheaval we live in, US beer sales dropped to their lowest level since 1999 this year, falling below the 200 million barrel mark, NBC News reports, but the major brewers are still reaping profits thanks to price increases that outpaced inflation. The homophobe boycott of Bud Light notwithstanding, the worldwide beer market continues to expand, but the US market it getting segmented by premixed spirit drinks and alcoholic offers from energy drink brands and other non-beer manufacturers.
Analysts also noticed that while people may still drink beer, consumers are opting for less consumption of more expensive craft and small-batch beers from both the major breweries and local shops, rather than higher consumption of popular beer brands. Another impacting factor: people giving up alcohol altogether, either opting for sobriety or choosing newly-legalized marijuana in states across the country.