Over 5,000 craft breweries in 2016 – and rising

All those hopefuls. According to the Brewers Association (BA), there were 5,005 breweries in the US in operation in December 2016, compared to 10,000 wineries. Almost all are small and independent craft brewers.

Perhaps it’s due to this explosion in numbers that growth in the craft beer segment has slowed to 8 percent by mid-year, after enjoying double digit growth for many years.

In terms of craft beer styles, IPAs continue to hop up, now accounting for roughly 25 percent of craft beer volume. More sessionable styles, including golden ales, pilseners and pale lagers, are up 33 percent, totalling nearly 5 percent of the segment, the BA reports.

US craft beer is also raising its head abroad. Export volumes increased by 16.3 percent, reaching 446,151 barrels (522,000 hl) and representing a value of USD 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.

“This has been an exponentially exciting year as the beer community continues to grow and evolve. It is incredible to watch local brewers innovate and validate the new way the world views the US beer scene,” said Julia Herz, who is the Craft Beer Programme Director at the BA. Much of the dialogue in 2016 centred on the craft brewer definition, who qualifies as a small and independent brewer, what independence means to beer lovers, beer quality and beer appreciation, Ms Herz added and promised that “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.”

The BA will release its final 2016 analysis of craft brewer production in March 2017.