By Anette Shailer, editor Beer & Brewer
US craft beer production volume has increased 16 per cent during the first half of the year and almost 700 new breweries have opened in the past year, according to new mid-year data released by the Brewers Association (BA).
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 this year, 3,739 breweries were operating in the US, an increase of a whopping 699 breweries over the same time period of the previous year. That’s almost two breweries opening in the US every day. Additionally, there were 1,755 breweries in planning.
“More and more Americans are discovering the joys of enjoying fresh beer produced by their neighbourhood brewery. By supporting local, small and independent craft breweries, beer lovers are gradually returning the United States to the system of localised beer production that existed for much of our nation’s history,” said Watson.
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