For years, craft beer was a niche — an emerging segment of a global industry that showed significant potential for disruption. Now, according to the Brewers Association, craft beer accounts for nearly 27 percent of the $100 billion United States beer market. What was once the exception on restaurant menus and bar tap lists has, in many cases, become the norm. The special suds get their own extensive aisle at the grocery store, and there’s still nowhere near enough space for all the different breweries competing to get their products out there.

So what does a maturing market mean for the craft breweries themselves? To find out, the Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, convened a panel of three local craft beer leaders — Scott Newman Bale, CEO of Short’s Brewing Company; Russell Springsteen, founder and owner of Right Brain Brewery; and Brian Confer, brewer and co-owner of Stormcloud Brewing — to talk trends, challenges, and opportunities. Just in time for Traverse City Beer Week, taking place November 11-18, check out out this week's Northern Express to learn more about the trends, challenges, and opportunities facing local breweries. The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy on newsstands at nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.