Craft Beer By The Numbers

There’s an undeniable growing demand for craft beer in the U.S. While long-standing traditional brews are holding strong, more and more people are opting for craft brews.

The Brewers Association defines a craft brewery as a local, independently owned brewery with an annual production of less than 2 million barrels of beer. These craft breweries have become a preferred choice due to their unique flavors and brews, some of which include bold ingredients that aren’t found in your typical mass-produced beers. Craft beer often costs more upfront due to its unique characteristics, but it’s a cost that many people are willing to pay.

Now for the numbers. According to a report published by the Brewers Association, production of craft beer in the U.S. is up 18% through the first half of 2014 when compared to the first half of 2013. Surprisingly, shipments of all beers — craft and traditional — are down by 0.1% through May. that’s not a significant amount by any means, but it’s a signal that Americans are drinking more craft beer and less traditional beer.

So, how much craft beer was sold during the first half of 2014? The Brewers Association reports that 10.6 million barrels of the independently owned and locally operated beer was sold during this time. In June alone, there were over 500 new craft breweries which opened their doors for business. This brings the nation’s total number of craft breweries to around 3,040, with an additional 2,000 new craft breweries planned for the upcoming months.

“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,” said Bart Watson, chief economist of the Brewers Association.

Will the trend of craft beer continue? It’s impossible to predict how consumers in the U.S. will react to the increasing number of craft breweries, but if previous data is any indication of what’s to come, there’s a good chance we’ll see sales and production of craft beer continuing to rise. There’s just something uniquely enjoyable, and delicious, associated with craft beer. It’s this unique image that draws so many people to these delightful brews.

What are your thoughts on craft beer? Love it or hate it? Let us know in the comments section below!