Small and Independent American Brewers Excel at Increasing Demand Abroad
Boulder, CO • April 4, 2017—The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent craft brewers—today reported export growth data for the American craft beer industry in 2016. Supported by the BA’s Export Development Program (EDP), craft beer export volume increased by 4.4 percent in 2016, now totaling 465,617 barrels and worth $121 million.
Growth was seen in major markets, most notably in the Asia-Pacific region (not including Japan) which grew 12.9 percent. Japan, alone, increased by an astounding 22.6 percent.
Meanwhile, Canada was again the leading international market for American craft beer, accounting for 54.8 percent of total exports. Other leading importers were the United Kingdom, accounting for 10.1 percent; Sweden, 6.6 percent; Australia, with 4.6 percent; and China, with 3.2 percent of exports.
“This year’s export data demonstrates that demand is continuing to strengthen for small and independent craft brewers worldwide,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association. “We are proud to be able to open and expand international access to craft beer through the Export Development Program. Just as these brewers have succeeded in elevating craft beer in the U.S., they are now doing the same on a global scale—sharing America’s love for these diverse and innovative flavors the world over.”
The EDP, which generates exposure for American craft beer through trade shows, festivals, seminars, media outreach and competitions, among other activities, was initiated in 2004 with funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Market Access Program (USDA MAP). There are now approximately 100 small and independent brewers exporting their beers from the U.S., by EDP estimates.
Contact: Abby Cohen (on behalf of the Brewers Association) 646-695-7044
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About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The Brewers Association (BA) represents more than 70 percent of the brewing industry, and its members make more than 99 percent of the beer brewed in the U.S. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup℠, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR℠: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer magazine and its Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.
Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association and the free Brew Guru™ mobile app. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.