Craft beer volumes grew double digit in 2014

That calls for a celebratory beer: For the first time ever, in 2014, American craft brewers reached double digit (11 percent, no less) volume share of the U.S. beer market, the Brewers Association reported on 16 March 2015.

Last year, craft brewers produced a total of 22.2 million barrels (26 million hl) beer, and saw an 18 percent rise in volumes and a 22 percent increase in retail dollar value. Retail dollar value was estimated at USD 19.6 billion, representing a 19.3 percent market share.

“With the total beer market up only 0.5 percent in 2014, craft brewers are key in keeping the overall industry innovative and growing. This steady growth shows that craft brewing is part of a profound shift in American beer culture—a shift that will help craft brewers achieve their ambitious goal of 20 percent market share by 2020,” said Bart Watson, Chief Economist of the Brewers Association.

Additionally, the number of operating breweries in the U.S. in 2014 grew

19 percent, totaling 3,464 breweries, with 3,418 considered craft. The number consists of: 1,871 microbreweries, 1,412 brewpubs and 135 regional craft breweries. Throughout the year, there were 615 new brewery openings and only 46 closings.

Combined with already existing and established breweries and brewpubs, craft brewers provided 115,469 jobs, an increase of almost 5,000 from the previous year, the Brewers Association said.