The objective of this paper is to evaluate how globalization of Slovak economy and its economic growth affected not only the structure of the traditional beer market in Slovakia but also the rise and expansion of craft breweries. The theory is focused on examining an interplay between the standardized and globalized traditional beer industry, development and dissemination of craft brewing technologies and changing of life styles. Results and main outcomes are based on a survey where 20 owners of craft breweries in Slovakia were interviewed using a focus group approach. We identified main factors affecting expansion of craft breweries as well as barriers to craft breweries expansion. The expansion is positively affected by increasing demand for diversified beer, different beer styles and the increase of income. The main barriers are the increasing consumption of substitutes, lack of qualified brewers and taxation policy. Main motivation factors to start a craft brewery are lack of diversified beer and good business opportunity.