Boulder, Colorado. • April 14, 2020 — The Brewers Association (BA) – the trade association representing small and independent1 America’s Craft Brewers today released annual growth figures for the craft brewing industry in the United States.2 In 2019, small independent brewers collectively produced 26.3 million barrels of beer and achieved just under 4% total growth3bringing the overall craft beer market share by volume to 13.6%.
Retail dollar value was estimated at $29.3 billion, representing 25.2% market share and 6% growth from 2018. Growth for smaller independent brewers has occurred in an overall declining beer market, which fell 2% in volume in 2019. Craft brewers provided more than 160,000 direct jobs, up 7% from 2018.
“Small independent brewers continued to serve as job creators, powerful economic contributors and community beacons in 2019, while craftsmanship maintained a fairly steady growth rate in 2019 and continued to gain market share. beer market,” said Bart Watson, Chief Economist, Brewers Association.
There were 8,275 craft breweries in operation in 2019, including 2,058 microbreweries, 3,011 breweries, 2,966 craft breweries, and 240 regional craft breweries. Throughout the year, there were 942 new brewery openings and 294 closings.
“While craft brewers entered 2020 on a solid footing, the beer landscape is dramatically different today than it was just a few months ago. Breweries will face new realities due to of the pandemic with extended shutdowns, tight cash flow, societal shifts and other economic variables at play. These 2019 numbers will allow us to see just how much COVID-19 is affecting production and jobs for small brewers added Watson.
To note: The figures are preliminary. For additional insights from Bart Watson, visit Insights & Analysis on the Brewers Association website. The full 2019 industry analysis will be published in the May/June 2020 issue of The new brewerhighlighting regional trends and the production of each brewery.
1 An American craft brewer is a small independent brewer. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (about 3% of annual sales in the United States). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternate ownership. Independent: less than 25% of the craft brewer is owned or controlled (or an equivalent economic interest) by a member of the beverage alcohol industry who is not themselves a craft brewer. Brewer: Has a TTB brewer rating and makes beer.
2 Absolute numbers reflect the dynamic data set of craft brewers as specified by the definition of craft brewers. Growth figures are presented on a comparable basis. See the complete methodology.
3 Craft brewer volume represents total taxable production.
Contact: Jenelle Scott (on behalf of the Brewers Association) jenelle.scott@backbonemedia.net, 970.963.4873 x224
###
About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the nonprofit trade association dedicated to America’s small, independent brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents more than 5,600 American breweries. The BA Independent Craft Brewer Seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers from small independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the beer world cup®, Great American Oktoberfest®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, FLAVOR™: An American Craft Beer and Dining Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The new brewer® magazines, and Brewers publications® is the leading publisher of beer literature in the United States. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the vibrant world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and on homebrewing via BAs American Homebrew Association® and free Brewing Guru® mobile app. follow us on Facebook, Twitter and instagram.
The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, orientation or marital/family status. The BA complies with the provisions of Executive Order 13672 and relevant rules, regulations and orders of the Secretary of Labor.
