BOULDER, Colo. -- In its 2015 midyear report, the Brewers Association noted the "strong pace" of volume growth—up 16% in the first half of the year—for the craft-beer industry. Last year, the nonprofit group hailed the "tremendous dynamism reflected in 8% growth” for craft beer.
In 2017, the association is settling for "stable" growth as category sales growth continues to slow across all channels of retail.
“The growth pace for small and independent brewers has stabilized at a rate that still reflects progress but in a more mature market. Although more difficult to realize, growth still exists,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association, Boulder, Colo.
Craft-beer brewers saw 5% volume growth during the first half of 2017, according to the association, the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers.
“The beer world is highly competitive and there is certainly a mixed bag in terms of performance," Watson said. "Some breweries are continuing to grow, whereas others are having to evolve their position and nurture new opportunities to ensure they keep pace. Many brewers are benefiting from on-premises and taproom sales, and recent state-based reforms have the potential to help brewers in new regions capitalize on this growth.”
As of June 30, there were 5,562 operating breweries in the U.S., an increase of 906 from the same time period the previous year. Additionally, there were approximately 2,739 breweries in planning.
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