2010 U.S. craft beer exports increased 28 percent over 2009

In what is becoming a true success story, American craft beer exports grew again in 2010. The Brewers Association (BA) reports estimated international sales by independent craft brewers up 28 percent by volume for 2010, with some regions seeing export increases of more than 90 percent.

The Brewers Association’s recently-concluded annual export survey revealed that for the eighth consecutive year (representing all years for which data has been collected), U.S. craft beer exports increased substantially. In 2010, BA Export Development Program (EDP) subscribers exported more than 1.8 million gallons of beer, representing a 28 percent increase over total export volumes in 2009.

The increase in international sales is substantial in light of the lingering global economic recession. Despite decreasing purchasing power, consumer demand for American craft beers has remained strong and importers have continued to expand their portfolios of American craft beer brands. Canada, Sweden and the UK represent the largest markets for American craft beer.

“The 28 percent increase in the export of U.S. craft beers reflects the increasing consumer thirst across the globe for the world class beers that U.S. craft breweries are creating,” said Brett Joyce, CEO of Rogue Ales and EDP steering committee chair.