A lot has changed for craft brewers and beer enthusiasts since the first American Craft Beer Week (ACBW) in 2006. Chances are, in the past few years, your choices for local, regional and national craft beer in your town have increased. You may have even seen one or more craft breweries take up residence in your community.
While the claim made by CNBC in “It’s official, Craft brewers are now beating big beer,” may be a bit overstated, there is certainly cause for celebration this ACBW (May 16-22).
During ACBW, we’ll be toasting the country’s craft beer renaissance, which now boasts more than 4,200 breweries—the most in over a century. Beer produced in the United States today has gained international respect, and the innovative styles have bridged Old World traditions with New World flavors.
Despite the ground swell of support and attention small and independent craft brewers are receiving, it might shock you to know that craft beer only accounts for around 12 percent by volume of the country’s beer production.
Challenges to Craft Brewers
- Access to market: Step one is making world class craft beer. Step two is figuring out how to get it into the hands of customers.
- Access to ingredients: Small brewers don’t have the purchasing power that larger brewers do. Securing a supply of ingredients can be a struggle.
- Sustained commitment to quality.
- Business challenges: Connecting with customers and finding a niche within the industry.
- Legislative and regulatory issues: Beer is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world.
This ACBW, you should have plenty of beers from American’s small and independent producers to choose from, and that’s definitely something to celebrate!
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