Please enjoy the following summary from our latest newsletter reporting on the recent Export Development Program activities.
April 2010 Newsletter 
U.S. Craft Beer Exports Rise Again
U.S. craft beer exports have grown every year since the Brewers Association (BA) began its Export Develop¬ment Program (EDP) and 2009 was no different. Last year, U.S. craft beer exports grew 9% to over 1.4 million gallons (over 46,000 barrels). Export increases were achieved to all major markets.
U.S. Craft Beer Now Available in Brazil
In late 2009, two importers reached agreements with four U.S. breweries to begin importing their products to Brazil. These are the only brands now distributed to that South American country. These exports mark the culmination of efforts by the EDP over the past year to research the market, to identify key trade partners there, and to foster relationships between importers and U.S. industry members.
EDP Budget Increases for 2010
Though the BA is still awaiting word on its grant request to USDA’s Emerging Markets Program, its allocation from the Market Access Program (MAP) was received in early 2010. The BA obtained an MAP allocation of $397,555, representing a 12% increase over the previous year. This was a great result as it came in a year in which USDA had 2.7% less money to allocate from the MAP program.
Craft Brewers Conference Seminars Highlight Export Opportunities
The recently-concluded Craft Brewers Conference again offered the EDP an opportunity to highlight export opportunities for interested BA members. Seminars covered the Spanish, Chinese, and British Columbian markets.
Trade Lead – Spanish Importer Looking for American Craft Beer
As mentioned in the previous article, Condal Chef/Grup Galvez is looking to add another American craft beer brand to its portfolio for distribution in Spain, and perhaps elsewhere in Europe. A formal BA trade lead pertaining to this opportunity has been prepared and is being distributed by Mark Snyder.
American Beer and Wine to be Featured at July 4th Celebrations in the Caribbean
The BA was contacted recently by the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados regarding an opportunity to showcase American craft beer during events being planned for July 4th throughout the Caribbean.
EDP Booth Pleases Visitors to Fancy Food Show
On January 17-19, 2010, the EDP promoted American craft beers through a BA pavilion at the Fancy Food Winter Show in San Francisco. This event is in its 35th year and is sponsored by the National Association for Specialty Food Trade. It is one of the largest specialty food shows in the U.S. and although it takes place on U.S. soil, the show is eligible for consideration as part of the BA’s EDP program.
EDP Trade and Regulatory Database Expanded
The EDP has recently expanded its online trade and regulatory database to include six new countries (China, Japan, Brazil, Korea, Mexico, and Singa¬pore). The database already featured information on the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, and Canada.
Next Up – BeerFest Asia, GBBF, Salone, Hopscotch and More
The BA will soon be soliciting beer samples from EDP members interested in participating in the BeerFest Asia show and in the Great British Beer Festival. The BA will again assemble a delegation to visit the Salone del Gusto show in Turin and will support a booth at the Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival. In addition, in response to our member breweries, the EDP will support an American craft beer event for the first time in British Columbia.
