We are closing in on the last remaining days of 2016 and for the craft beer industry, it has been yet another year of stellar growth and record breaking numbers. The Brewers Association , the non- profit organization dedicated to America’s small & independent breweries, keeps a close eye on industry statistics and trends and has highlighted some of the important facts about 2016 and craft beer. Here are some important things worth noting:
- Brewery Count: The 2016 year has, once again, proven a great year for startup breweries. Based on official data, there are now 5,005 breweries in the U.S. and for those who think the market is becoming saturated, keep in mind that there are approximately 10,000 wineries. About 99% of the 5,005 are small and independent craft brewers.
- Continued Growth for the Segment: America’s craft breweries didn’t explode in sales and shipments like in previous years, but the industry still grew by eight percent. This growth figure is exemplary for any industry and it proves the craft beer revolution is still going strong.
- Never Go Out of Styles: IPAs are still the craft beer of choice, accounting for about 25 percent of all craft beer volume. The greatest growth, however, is with golden ales, pilseners and pale lagers. These more traditional, sessionable styles are up 33 percent compared to last year and account for almost five percent of craft.
- Freedom of Choice: The world’s two largest breweries grew even larger by merging earlier this year. The Brewers Association has kept a close eye on this activity and advocated strongly for fair competition for the nation’s small and independent craft brewers, better ensuring that craft beer makes it into stores, taverns, and restaurants so that consumers have greater options.
- Homebrewing Impact: Homebrewing continues its quest for higher economic ground. The National Homebrew Competition this past year tallied 7,962 entries. And according to official data, there are now 1.2 million homebrewing participants, responsible for creating over 11,000 jobs with an economic impact of more than $1 billion in spending and over $700 million in revenues.
- Beer Destinations: Craft beer has led to success in other industries, most notably tourism. Travelocity worked with the Brewers Association earlier this year to create a Beer Tourism Index, identifying the best cities for craft beer based on multiple factors. The American Homebrewers Association got in on the action as well, releasing a list of cities where homebrewing is on the rise.
- American Craft Beer Abounds Abroad: When something is great, it is only a matter of time until the rest of the world catches on. The worldwide interest in American beer has led to a Craft beer export volume increase of 16.3 percent, which equates to 446,151 barrels of beer with a value of $116 million. More than 100 American craft breweries export their beer to other countries.
- Bipartisan Beer Support: Advocating the importance of competitive fairness, the Brewers Association has been pushing for passage of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. Since beer is loved by so many and is generally non- political, it is one of the few things in the modern political age that seems to be supported across party lines. This is certainly true of this important piece of legislation, as it continues to win bipartisan support and will hopefully become law very soon.
- History Has Its Eyes on Beer: There is no denying the impact and importance of beer on American history and as a result, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is launching a three-year initiative to collect various information, documentation, and history relating to brewing in the USA. The history of beer is a storied one and to have a prestigious institution like the Smithsonian take up a task such as this proves once again the dynamic nature of the industry and its importance to the economy and culture.
- Perfect Pair: Beer and food have always made for a compatible marriage but this trend is even more pronounced today. Once the domain of wine, dinners that focus on alcoholic beverages are more frequently turning to beer as the beverage of choice for a memorable, multi- course meal.
2016 has been a great year, indeed. Julia Herz, craft beer program director for the Brewers Association, says 2016 was a banner year and she looks forward to even greater successes in 2017.
“This has been an exponentially exciting year as the beer community continues to grow and evolve. It is incredible to watch local brewers innovate and validate the new way the world views the U.S. beer scene,” said Herz. “Much of the dialogue in 2016 centered around the craft brewer definition, who qualifies as a small and independent brewer, what independence means to beer lovers, beer quality and beer appreciation. We will renew our efforts in 2017 on behalf of our members and the beer drinkers around the world and continue to advance the amazing beverage of beer.”
We at Great Beer Now look forward to another outstanding year in 2017 as the craft beer industry continues its quest to brew better beer and bring its artisan creations to more and more people. The 2016 year presented its share of challenges, but the craft beer industry has shown again and again its resilience and ability to triumph in the face of adversity.
Cheers to all and here’s to an even more prosperous craft beer year in 2017.
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