US Brewery Count Tops 3000!

The Brewer's Association announced this month that the number of breweries operating for all or part of the month of June 2014 reached 3040. This is likely the first time since the 1870's that our country can boast of such fermented diversity, and Scottsdale Beer Company is happy to be part of the movement towards pre-prohibition numbers. This statistic highlights many trends, the most important being a return to local beer production, as the Association states that 99% of the 3040 breweries are small and independent. They also note that while a return to the per capita ratio of 1873 is unlikely, as it would mean that over 30,000 breweries would be operating in the US today, there is plenty of room for growth and increased competition in most localities. How many of us can say that our neighborhood wouldn't benefit from an additional brewery, brewpub, or craft beer bar?

It stands to reason that the explosion of local options is supported largely by an increased appetite for craft beer among consumers. While the craft beer segment of the overall beer market has enjoyed steady growth for many years now, only in the last decade have we seen year-over-year double digit gains in growth and marketshare on a national level. We see measurable change in our country's food culture, as consumers closely examine ingredients and their sources and seek local options, and the same revelations are occurring to the craft beer consumer. Beer drinkers are waking up to the fact that there are hundreds of varieties and styles of beer at their fingertips, and they're realizing that those options are more enjoyable when fresh and local. Every time you dine or drink out, your dollar casts a vote, so visit your local brewpub today, sip a fresh pint, and be a conscious part of the change!

posted by Unknown @ 7:39 AM   0 Comments