Brewers Association Reports Continued Craft Beer Growth

The Brewers Association has released its mid-year report on the state of craft brewing, and once again, the numbers are good for craft. 

The number of barrels sold in the first half of 2015 rose to 12.2 million, a 16 percent increase from the 10.6 million barrels in 2014.

As of June 30, there were 3,739 operating craft breweries in the U.S. with an additional 1,755 in the planning stages.

Here is the release from the BA:

BOULDER, CO • JULY 27, 2015—The craft brewing industry has continued                                                                                                                                    a strong pace of growth in the first half of 2015, according to new
mid-year data released by the Brewers Association [1] (BA)—the
not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent
American craft brewers. American craft beer production volume increased
16 percent during the first half of the year.

From January through the end of June 2015, approximately 12.2 million
barrels of beer were sold by craft brewers, up from 10.6 million barrels
during the first half of 2014.

“Industry growth is occurring in all regions and stemming from a mix
of sources including various retail settings and a variety of unique
brewery business models,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers
Association. “The continued growth of small and independent brewers
illustrates that additional market opportunities and demand are
prevalent, although competition in the sector is certainly growing and
the need for brewers to differentiate and produce world class high
quality beer is more important than ever.”

As of June 30, 2015, 3,739 breweries were operating in the U.S, an
increase of 699 breweries over the same time period of the previous
year. Additionally, there were 1,755 breweries in planning. Craft
brewers currently employ an estimated 115,469 full-time and part-time
workers, many of which are manufacturing jobs, contributing
significantly to the U.S. economy.

“More and more Americans are discovering the joys of enjoying fresh
beer produced by their neighborhood brewery. By supporting local, small
and independent craft breweries, beer lovers are gradually returning the
United States to the system of localized beer production that existed
for much of our nation’s history,” added Watson.