Beer Cartel has launched its fifth annual Australian Craft Beer Survey, and this year the survey will have a particular focus on changes in consumer behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alongside that, the survey will also examine consumption trends for non-alcoholic and gluten free beer, along with awareness and impact of the independence seal. It will also determine the best Australian brewery across each state, and much more.
Although the survey is primarily aimed at consumers, the craft beer retailer is also looking for input from the trade.
Over the past four years, the award-winning survey has received feedback from more than 65,000 craft beer drinkers and has become the largest, publicly released study of its kind.
Some of the key findings from 2019 included Balter being voted as Australia’s favourite brewery for the second year running.
The results also showed that consumer preference was skewed towards cans, overtaking bottles for the first time. And that 58 per cent of drinkers were aware of the Independent Brewers Association (IBA) independence seal and that it did impact their purchasing decisions.
Richard Kelsey, Director of Beer Cartel, says that it will be particularly interesting to see the impact COVID-19 has had on purchase and consumption habits.
“There has been a lot of media coverage on alcohol consumption throughout COVID-19. From the peak of restrictions, through to now where we are seeing some states with minimal restrictions, and others that are experiencing a second wave of coronavirus cases. It will be fascinating to look at how craft beer drinkers have approached this period,” said Kelsey.
In addition, the study will look at alcohol free beer, a segment that has seen significant growth in the past year. “We want to understand from the research if craft beer drinkers are joining the growing movement of alcohol-free beer. We are starting to see some great innovations in alcohol-free beer, this study will help to uncover if those innovations are turning into consumption habits amongst craft beer drinkers” he said.
The results of the study will be made public to support growth of the Australian craft beer industry. In addition, Beer Cartel will offer businesses that promote the survey the opportunity to better understand their customer base, through their own tailored report.
For craft beer drinkers the survey takes just five minutes to complete. A prize of $500 to spend on craft beer is being offered as an incentive to encourage people to provide their opinions.
The 2020 Australian Craft Beer Survey can be completed at: www.beercartel.com.au/australian-craft-beer-survey