Exports Aren't the Answer
The latest numbers point to why craft brands shouldn't aim to go abroad
The allure of international growth is strong, but for most craft spirit brands, exports are not the answer.
Here are the numbers, per the Craft Spirits Data Project 2025:
Total exports reached just 142,000 9L cases per the latest Craft Spirit Data Project. 🚢
With 2,282 active distillers, that averages out to about 62 cases exported per distillery—a little more than one pallet each.1 📦
Export case sales have seen a -8.9% CAGR (2022-2024). 📉
Why stretch resources across oceans for marginal returns?
Your most valuable, controllable market is your home market.
Build your backyard first. Master local and regional distribution, velocity, and brand loyalty before you chase the world.
A solid foundation close to home is the only thing that justifies the complexity of international expansion.
Not all distilleries export so the median will be higher.