The latest data from the Brewers Association (BA) in the US, shows double digit growth for craft brewers, which now represent 12 per cent market share of the overall beer industry.
In 2015, craft brewers produced 24.5 million barrels and saw a 13 per cent rise in volume and a 16 per cent increase in retail dollar value. The retail dollar value was estimated at $22.3 billion, representing 21 per cent market share.
“For the past decade, craft brewers have charged into the market, seeing double digit growth for eight of those years,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “There are still a lot of opportunities and areas for additional growth. An important focus will remain on quality as small and independent brewers continue to lead the local, full-flavored beer movement.”
Last year the number of operating breweries in the US grew 15 per cent, totalling 4,269 breweries—the most at any time in American history.
Small and independent breweries account for 99 per cent of the breweries in operation, broken down as follows: 2,397 microbreweries, 1,650 brewpubs and 178 regional craft breweries. Throughout the year, there were 620 new brewery openings and only 68 closings. One of the fastest growing regions was the South, where four states—Virginia, North Carolina, Florida and Texas—each saw a net increase of more than 20 breweries, establishing a strong base for future growth in the region.
“Small and independent brewers are a beacon for beer and our economy,” added Watson. “As breweries continue to open and volume increases, there is a strong need for workers to fill a whole host of positions at these small and growing businesses.”
