US Brewery Count Continues to Spike as Craft Industry Matures

28 Jul 2016 --- According to the latest statistics from the US Brewers Association, craft brewers are still going strong with volume increases during the first half of 2016.

The non-for-profit trade association acting for small and independent American brewers has released its mid-year metrics which shows the craft beer sector is doing well and reporting an eight percent increase in volume.

“While the craft beer industry is entering a period of maturation, most markets are not near saturation,” said Bart Watson, chief economist of the Brewers Association. “As craft’s base gets larger, as with any industry, it becomes more difficult for it to grow at the same percentage rate. Yet there is still tremendous dynamism reflected in eight percent growth for craft.”

“Production growth of small and independent craft brewers continues to be one of the main bright spots for domestic beer in the US.”

“Even in a more competitive market, for the vast majority of small and independent brewers, opportunities still exist.”

The brewery count in the US has reached an “historic high”. From June 30, a record high of 4,656 breweries were opening in the US, an increase of 917 breweries over the same period of the previous year. In addition there were around 2,200 breweries in the planning stage.

The craft beer sector currently employs an estimated 121,843 full time and part time workers across a variety of roles and is considered a significant contributing sector to the US economy.

“The opening rate compared to closing rate for breweries remains incredibly strong, with a historic number of breweries opening in the US. As long as there is growing consumer demand, beer lovers’ thirst will continue to advance the category of craft brewed beer from small and independent producers,” adds Watson.

The definition of an American craft brewer is small, independent, traditional and with an annual production of six million barrels of beer or less.