Here is one of the facts I received from the
Brewers Association's 2016 review which happens to be my favorite beer style.
Cheers Y’all!
I am always about
spreading good news when it comes to craft beer, and at the Brewers Association
sent me a lot of it with their defining moments, facts and figures regarding
the world’s best beverage for 2016. Go here for the direct link to their Web
post discussing everything from the best beer city (Portland, OR) to the impressive
percentage of people who are now pairing their beers with what they eat when
dining out!
In the official press release, Brewers Association Chief
Economist Bart Watson says, “In the face of numerous opportunities and challenges in 2016,
small and independent craft brewers continue to thrive. This community should
be very proud of what it has accomplished and how far it has come.”
Shout out to the Brewers Association for all they do! Read some of the major findings direct from their official release below. Also, here is a link to the awesome infographic stating some uplifting finds
small and independent breweries made happen this year.
Peep it:
In 2016…
● Brewery Count: Five
thousand strong and growing, there are now 5,005 breweries in the U.S. compared
to 10,000 wineries. Almost all (99%) are small and independent craft brewers.
● Continued Growth for
the Segment: By mid-year, small and independent breweries grew by eight percent, reflecting dynamism and a bright
spot for the domestic beer market.
● Never Go Out of Styles: IPAs
continue to hop up, now accounting for roughly one-quarter of craft
volume. More sessionable styles, including golden ales, pilseners and
pale lagers, are up 33 percent, totaling nearly five percent of craft.
● Freedom of Choice: As
the world’s two largest brewers merged into a multinational conglomerate two
and a half times the size of the U.S. beer market, the BA was at the center of
the discussion, advocating for fair competition for the nation’s small and
independent craft brewers and access to market ensuring beer enthusiasts get to
continue to choose from a vast variety of options. Approximately
65 percent of craft beer lovers said they are drinking more craft specifically
because it offers more variety.
● Homebrewing Impact: The
National Homebrew Competition continues to be the world's largest beer
competition with 7,962 entries. A recent measurement of homebrewing found that its 1.2 million participants
created over 11,000 jobs, resulting in more than $1 billion in spending and
over $700 million in revenues.
● Beer Destinations: Recognizing
a rising interest in beer tourism, Travelocity enlisted the expertise of the BA
to find the country's best beer destinations and create the very first Beer Tourism Index. Additionally, the American Homebrewers
Association (AHA)—the leading community for homebrewers—unveiled a list of
cities across the U.S. where homebrewing is on the rise.
● American Craft Beer
Abounds Abroad: Craft beer export volume increased by 16.3 percent,
totaling 446,151 barrels and worth $116 million. More than 100 small and
independent craft brewers export their beer internationally, spreading the
culture and community of craft beer and a growing recognition and respect for
American brewers.
● Bipartisan Beer Support: With
a craft brewery in nearly every congressional district in the country, more
than half of the U.S. Congress now supports the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. The BA has
been a key player in moving forward this bipartisan legislation that seeks to
recalibrate the current federal excise tax structure for the nation’s brewers
and reform burdensome laws regulating America’s brewing industry.
● History Has Its Eyes on
Beer: With support from the Brewers Association, the Smithsonian’s
National Museum of American History announced that it will launch a three-year initiative to collect, document and
preserve the history of brewing, craft brewers and the beer industry in
America. The job posting for a Historian to study brewing history was one of
the most viral beer stories of the year, an indicator of how much people care
about this vital industry.
● Perfect Pair: Beer
and food continue to find harmony on plates and palates. Seventy-three percent
of craft beer purchasers gave “complements my meal” as a very or somewhat
important selection criteria in their beer choice when dining out. Sixty-three
percent select beer based on the food item or meal they are planning to enjoy.
Note: Figures are a compilation of data
provided by the Brewers Association, IRI Group and Nielsen and do not represent
all craft beer sales. The Brewers Association will release a comprehensive
annual analysis of craft brewer production in March of 2017.
Happy Sippin'!
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