While total U.S. beer sales nudged 1% higher, craft brewers saw volume rise 15%, with a 17% increase in dollar sales in 2012, representing a total barrel increase of 1.8 million, according to recently released 2012 data on United States craft brewing growth from the Brewers Association (BA).With production at 13,235,917 barrels in 2012, craft brewers reached 6.5% volume of the total U.S. beer market, up from 5.7% in 2011. Craft dollar share of the total U.S. beer market also reached 10.2% in 2012, as retail dollar value from craft brewers was estimated at $10.2 billion, up from $8.7 billion in 2011.
“Beer is a $99 billion industry to which craft brewers are making a significant contribution, with retail sales share hitting double digits for the first time in 2012," said Brewers Association Director Paul Gatza. “Small and independent brewers are consistently innovating and producing high quality, flavor-forward craft brewed beer. Americans are not only responding to greater access to these products, but also to the stories and people behind them."
According to the association, 2012 saw an 18% increase in the number of United States operating breweries, with the total reaching 2,403, including 409 new brewery openings and 43 closings.
“On average, we are seeing slightly more than one craft brewery per day opening somewhere in the U.S. and we anticipate even more in the coming year. There is clearly a thirst in the marketplace for craft brewed beer, as indicated by the continued growth year after year," Gatza said. “These small breweries are doing great things for their local communities, the greater community of craft brewers, our food arts culture and the overall economy."
