Craft breweries are kickin’ major tail
in first
half of 2014
What’s up!!!
As usual, when
the Brewers Association sends me news about our cherished craft
breweries, I take notice! The press release below emphasizes how small and independent
brewers have sold 1.6 million more barrels in the first half of 2014 compared
to last year’s—an astounding 18 percent hike! Last year, 9 million were sold
between January and the end of June. Gangster, right? Read on and also memorize
the official definition of a craft brewer as if it was a national anthem at the
end. I love the last line: “Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not considered
beers.” Now which beverages could they be talking about? Hmmmm…
My favorite quote
comes from Bart Watson, chief economist of the Brewers Association: “The
sustained double-digit growth of the craft category shows the solidity of
demand for fuller flavored beer in a variety of styles from small and independent
American producers. Craft brewers are providing world-class, innovative
products that continue to excite beer lovers and energize the industry.”
I can dig it!
Keep sippin’ the
good stuff!
Ale
Small and independent
brewers see increase in first half of 2014
Boulder, CO • July 28, 2014—Small
and independent craft brewers enjoyed continued growth in the first half of
2014, according to new mid-year data released by the Brewers
Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade association that represents the
majority of U.S. breweries. American craft beer production volume increased 18
percent during the first half of the year.
From January through the end of June 2014, approximately
10.6 million barrels of beer were sold by craft brewers, up from 9.0 million
barrels over the first half of 2013. (Note: The 18 percent growth rate is based
on the updated craft brewer definition1 and derived from
comparable barrel total from the first half of 2013. Mid-year figures first
reported in 2013 were based on the previous craft brewer definition).
“The sustained double-digit growth of the craft category
shows the solidity of demand for fuller flavored beer in a variety of styles
from small and independent American producers,” said Bart Watson, chief
economist, Brewers Association. “Craft brewers are providing world-class,
innovative products that continue to excite beer lovers and energize the
industry.”
As of June 30, 2014, 3,040 breweries were operating in
the U.S., 99 percent of which were small and independent craft breweries.
Additionally, there were 1,929 breweries in planning. Craft brewers currently
employ an estimated 110,273 full-time and part-time workers, many of which are
manufacturing jobs, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.
The Definition of a Craft Brewer
Note: In
February 2014, the Brewers Association Board of Directors approved changes to
the craft brewer definition that go into effect with the 2014 craft brewing
data set.
1. An American craft brewer is small,
independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of
beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is
attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Independent: Less than
25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic
interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft
brewer. Traditional: A brewer that has a majority of its total beverage alcohol
volume in beers whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing
ingredients and their fermentation. Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not
considered beers.
