The Brewers Association’s Year in Review

BOULDER, Colo. -- Reflecting on the significant effect of small and independent craft breweries, the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—looked back on the defining beer moments of 2016.

“In the face of numerous opportunities and challenges in 2016, small and independent craft brewers continue to thrive,” said Bart Watson, chief economist for the Brewers Association. “This community should be very proud of what it has accomplished and how far it has come.”

Of note in 2016 ...

There are now 5,005 breweries in the United States compared to 10,000 wineries. Almost all (99%) are small and independent craft brewers.

By midyear, small and independent breweries grew by 8%, reflecting dynamism and a bright spot for the domestic beer market.

IPAs continue to hop up, now accounting for one-quarter of craft volume. More sessionable styles, including golden ales, pilseners and pale lagers, are up 33%, totaling nearly 5% of craft. 

As the world’s two largest brewers—AB InBev and SABMiller—merged into a multinational conglomerate two and a half times the size of the U.S. beer market, the Brewers Association 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% of craft beer lovers said they are drinking more craft specifically because it offers more variety.

The National Homebrew Competition continues to be the world's largest beer competition with 7,962 entries, according to the association. A recent measurement of homebrewing found that its 1.2 million participants created more than 11,000 jobs, resulting in more than $1 billion in spending and more than $700 million in revenue.

Recognizing a rising interest in beer tourism, Travelocity enlisted the expertise of the Beer Association to find the country's best beer destinations and create the very first Beer Tourism Index. Additionally, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA)—a leading community for homebrewers—unveiled a list of cities across the United States where homebrewing is on the rise. 

Export volume of craft beer increased by 16.3%, 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.

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 Beer Association 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.

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.

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.

“Much of the dialogue in 2016 centered around the craft-brewer definition, who qualifies as a small and independent brewer, what independence means to beer lovers, beer quality and beer appreciation,” said Julia Herz, craft-beer program director for the Brewers Association. “We will renew our efforts in 2017 on behalf of our members and the beer drinkers around the world and continue to advance the amazing beverage of beer.”

Note: Figures are a compilation of data provided by the Brewers Association, IRI and Nielsen.