At the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America trade show, held from April 28 to May 1 in Indianapolis, label companies showcased a variety of innovative solutions tailored to the craft brewing industry’s evolving needs.

The event brought together nearly 8,000 attendees from more than 61 countries. As the largest industry gathering for beverage alcohol producers in the US, it offered an invaluable opportunity for professionals to connect in person, share insights, and explore innovations and products, covering every step of the brewing journey from grain to glass – or labeled or shrink-sleeved cans and bottles.

Much like the wine and spirits markets, labels and packaging sell beer, being the tipping point for driving purchases from first-time buyers willing to try a new stout, lager, or pilsner.

There were numerous narrow web label converters exhibiting at the show, and for the most part they reported strong interest from independent craft beer brands walking the aisles. Label companies exhibiting included Brook + Wittle, Resource Label Group, Custom Label, Blue Label Packaging Co,, Stickers and More, Stomp, TLF Graphics, Century Label, Inovar Packaging Group, Leapin’ Lizard Labels, InTouch Labels & Packaging, Red Oak Label LLC, and Atlas Labels and Packaging.

These label suppliers to craft beer brand owners showcased a variety of colorful products aimed at driving purchases in a highly competitive market. Converters report strong interest in pressure sensitive labels affixed to aluminum cans, as well as shrink sleeve labels. Keg collars, stickers and other promotional printed products proved popular among beer brand owners.

There were other forms of brand decoration at the show presenting competition to PS labels and shrink sleeves, in particular from direct-to-can technology exhibitors. However, label converters far outnumbered them at BrewExpo America.

With a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, many of the narrow web label converter exhibitors presented eco-friendly options. These included labels made from recycled materials, biodegradable substrates, and adhesives designed for easier recycling processes. Such solutions align with the sustainability goals of modern craft breweries.

Digital Printing Front and Center

Advancements in digital printing were prominently featured, offering breweries the ability to produce high-quality labels with greater flexibility. Digital printing allows for shorter runs, quick turnaround times, and the capability to easily update designs, catering to seasonal brews or limited editions.

Label companies highlighted technologies that enable greater customization, such as variable data printing and specialty finishes. These techniques help breweries create distinctive labels that reflect their brand identity and appeal to consumers of all demographics.  

Standing out from the competition

Beyond functionality and sustainability, some label exhibitors emphasized how labels serve as a canvas for a brewery’s brand narrative. Interactive labels featuring QR codes, augmented reality, and NFC (near-field communication) tags are offering breweries novel ways to engage consumers and tell the story behind the beer.

As breweries proliferate, so too does the competition for consumer attention. Eye-catching, high-quality packaging is one of the fastest and most effective ways a beer brand can differentiate on the crowded retail shelf. Exhibitors recognize that brewers, whether new or established, are hungry for labeling solutions that deliver both visual impact and functional performance.

With such an impressive lineup of label converters at BrewExpo America 2025, it’s clear that labeling is no longer an afterthought for breweries — it’s an essential part of the brand experience. As brewers continue to innovate, their label partners are keeping pace, offering the creativity, technology, and support needed to turn great beers into iconic brands.

In 2026, the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America takes place April 20 – 23, at Pennsylvania Convention Center, in Philadelphia, PA.