2017 craft beer consumer survey results are out
Given that 17,000 craft beer consumers took part in the Beer Cartel’s consumer survey, craft beer’s popularity must be on the increase still.
The 2017 Australian Craft Beer Survey is the largest, publicly available, study of Australian craft beer drinking trends. It follows on from the 2016 version of the same study.
As says the author of the survey, Richard Kelsey of the Beer Cartel: “Craft beer is the only segment of the Australian beer market which is in continuous growth, with overall consumption of beer in decline. Our data provide an extremely accurate birds-eye view of this young and exciting industry.”
The Beer Cartel is Australia’s leading craft beer bottle shop and the organiser of the survey.
Key findings from the research include:
Brewery ownership is important: 64 percent of respondents want to know who owns the beer they’re drinking.
What’s more, there seems to be a strong preference for craft beer from independently-owned Australian breweries: 99 percent are happy to buy craft beer from an independent Australian-owned brewery. In comparison, just 23 percent are happy to buy craft beer from a large multi-national company and 32 percent from supermarket-owned brands.
That’s why there is strong interest for a seal to identify whether a beer is from an independent Australian brewery: 82 percent indicated that an independent brewers seal would have a medium-to-large impact on the craft beer that they purchase.
In terms of beer styles, Pale Ale rules as Australia’s most consumed craft beer. Pale Ale is enjoyed by 92 percent of craft beer drinkers.
And now, a sharp intake of breath: Aussies spend an enormous amount of money on beer. Average weekly spend on beer is consistent with 2016 (AUD 55/USD 44). Most consumers polled spend between AUD 26 and AUD 100 (USD 21 – USD 80) in total on beer a week via bars, bottleshops, restaurants and breweries.
