If you enjoy slipping down to Flounder Brewing, Village Brewing Company, Oakflower Brewing Company or Readington Brewery in the Somerset County area for a craft beer, know that you’re contributing to what has become the industry’s multi-million dollar economic impact in New Jersey.
There’s no better time to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of these establishments than during American Craft Beer Week, May 7-11.
In New Jersey, there were 168 breweries in 2024, ranking 20th nationally but placing 41st for breweries per capita at 2.4 per 100,000 adults, according to the Brewers Association, which represents the nation’s more than 9,000 breweries.
The industry generated an economic impact of about $1.579 million, or $227 per capita. Brewers in the state produced 180,541 barrels of craft beer annually, with production equating to 0.8 gallons per adult — 45th in the nation.
Breweries in the Somerset County area include:
The U.S. craft beer industry saw a “year of correction” in 2025, with production falling about 5.1 percent to roughly 21.9 million barrels as brewers faced softer demand and a challenging market, according to the Brewers Association’s 2025 annual report.
The number of breweries also declined, and most segments posted losses, though craft beer still outperformed the overall beer market and slightly increased its market share. Despite the downturn, the report pointed to early signs of stabilization, including fewer closures and continued resilience among some brewers, suggesting the industry may be nearing a more sustainable “new normal.”
What is your favorite Somerset County brewery? What beers make it special? Let’s have a conversation in the comments section.
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