The steady and sustained growth of American craft brewing continued during the first half of 2013, according to mid-year data released by the Brewers Association (BA).
The not-for-profit trade association, which represents the majority of US breweries, announced that during the first six months of 2013, American craft beer dollar sales and volume were up 15% and 13%, respectively.
Over the same period last year, dollar sales jumped 14% and volume increased 12%.
During the first half of 2013, approximately 7.3 million barrels of beer were sold by small and independent craft brewers, up from 6.4 million barrels over the first half of 2012.
American craft beer continues to grow despite decreased overall beer sales, which were down 2% through the first six months of the year.
“Demand for beer produced by small and independent brewers has never been higher, as evidenced by increased production and the hundreds of new breweries joining the playing field each year,” said Paul Gatza, director of the Brewers Association.
“Beer drinkers nationwide are responding positively to high-quality, full-flavored, diverse offerings from American craft brewing companies that continue to innovate and push the envelope.”
