Craft Beer Growth Numbers for 2012 Released Today

 The Brewers Association released preliminary data today for 2012 growth on U.S. craft beer. The growth numbers are stronger than anticipated, with a 15% rise in volume and 17 percent increase in dollar growth representing a total barrel increase of almost 1.8 million.

The total U.S. beer market grew by one percent. Craft brewers reached 6.5 percent volume of the total U.S. beer market, up from 5.7 percent the previous year.

 “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 Paul Gatza, director, Brewers Association. “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.”

A more extensive analysis will be released during the Craft Brewers Conference in Washington, D.C. from March 26-29. 

Read Full Press Release here