The Rise of Independent Breweries
Brewers Association, a well-known trade group that endorses and defends independent and small brewers in the United States, presented a report that the sales of craft beers have doubled from $10.12 billion in 2011 to a staggering $23.5 billion in the year 2016. That represents almost a quarter of the entire beer market.
As of June 30, 2017, there are now 5,562 craft breweries that are operating in the United States. That is 906 breweries more than the midyear 2016 reports, which was deemed as a new all-time high number.
This bold impact on the market encouraged other entrepreneurs and startups to delve into the craft beer market. The contribution of independent brewers to the economy is the 129,000 full-time and part-time jobs that they have created in the US. Chief Economist of Brewers Association, Bart Watson, reveres this as something significant and invaluable.
Craft Breweries in the U.S. Making A Name for Themselves
The following are some of the small breweries in America that have fought their way to the top of the food chain:
3 Daughters Brewing – 3 Daughters Brewing is a well-known brewing company that creates handcrafted beers. The St. Petersburg, Florida-based company highlights their good-sized tasting room that offers games, music, and craft brews. Mike and Leigh Harting are the Owners, of 3Daughters Brewing, named after their 3 girls.
Bell’s Brewery – The Michigan-based brewery company has a lot of good things that are going on its way. It manufactures Bell’s brand of beer. Bell’s Brewery also has its very own brewpub, which is called Eccentric Café. Laura Bell is the CEO of the craft beer manufacturer. The brewery company has been in the industry of craft beer since 1983 and was at the forefront of the beer revolution in Michigan.
Basic City Beer – Brothers, Bart, Chris, and Joe Lanman are the ones who founded the well-known brewery company in Main Street, Waynesboro, Virginia. Basic City Beer is different from other breweries because of their aesthetic. It has a one-of-a-kind environment, placed in a historic industrial warehouse.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery – The Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is known for its experiments on craft beers. The Delaware-based company has been producing and supplying craft beers since 1995. Nick Benz is the CEO of the company.
Cape May Brewing Company – Cape May Brewing Company or CMBC is a microbrewery company that is located in Jersey Shore. The microbrewery started its operation in 2010 and since then has produced over 100 beers. Ryan Krill is the President and the Co-Founder of Cape May Brewing Company.
These are just some of the craft breweries across the United States that are making a bold impact on the beer industry. But what are the reasons for the impressive results?
Causes for the Sudden Increase of Craft Beer
According to Bart Watson, a Chief Economist of the Brewers Association, “The industry (craft beer) is a maturing industry. Having those growth rates in an industry of this size is impossible going forward.”
Despite having some negative feedback from experts, the market of small breweries continues to increase. Its volume has risen from 13% in 2015 to 18% in 2017. What more in 2018?
Watson even said, “The beer world is highly competitive and there is certainly a mixed bag in terms of performance. Some breweries are continuing to grow whereas others are having to evolve their position and nurture new opportunities to ensure they keep pace.”
One of the reasons why the number and sales of craft breweries began to rise is because many states in America have loosened their laws on craft beers. They are now allowing brewers to have a direct retail relationship to consumers. The law change has since then welcomed by beer makers and beer enthusiasts.
Impact of Tourism
Tourists are also one of the reasons for the sudden increase. There are many beer lovers from around the world who are visiting the United States. And they want to try something new, found in craft breweries from different states.
Small breweries are now much more compelling than the known industry heavyweights. Its market is definitely peaking at the right time and the society needs to prepare because the once deemed ‘new player’ is on its rise to popularity.
