Craft Beer Exports Continue to Grow

 

Our friends up in Boulder just sent us a communiqué that made our heads spin. They’ve just released the 2013 numbers on craft beer’s growth abroad and since it was all pretty astounding we’ve included their release for you to check out.

Welcome to the next frontier everyone… because this trend is only in its infancy!

 

——————————————————————–

Press Release

American Craft Beer Exports on the Rise

Significant expansion in the international market

(Boulder, CO)

The Brewers Association (BA)–the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent craft brewers–today reported export growth for the American craft beer industry in 2013. Based on results from a recently-completed industry survey, craft beer export volume increased by 49 percent in 2013, representing 282,526 barrels and an estimated $73 million.

Canada remained the industry’s largest export market, with shipments increasing 92 percent by volume (up to 131,511 barrels) in 2013. Sweden (15.5 percent) and the United Kingdom (7.9 percent) remained the next two largest markets, with Australia (5.4 percent) and Japan (3.2 percent) following.  

In total, shipments to Asia Pacific (non-Japan) increased by 73 percent and accounted for 44,228 barrels. American craft beer exports have increased substantially in the Asia-Pacific region largely due to emerging markets such as Singapore (up 379 percent), Hong Kong (up 150 percent) and Thailand (up 99 percent). 

“Exports of American craft beer continue to expand in the international market, reflecting craft brewing’s overall success as an industry. New distribution agreements for U.S breweries throughout Europe and Asia are helping to grow exports,” said Bob Pease, chief operating officer, Brewers Association. “This sustained growth is a testament to the innovation of small and independent American craft brewers and the enthusiasm of beer drinkers internationally. With more beer exported around the world, the challenge now is to ensure that beer quality is preserved in all cases, so consumers are assured a positive experience. This is an area of focus for the Brewers Association and the Export Development Program.”

The BA supports exports through its Export Development Program (EDP) which was initiated in 2004 with funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Market Access Program (USDA MAP). The EDP generates exposure for American craft beer through trade shows, festivals, seminars, media outreach and competitions, among other activities. 

“Expanding the footprint of American craft beers internationally is an important goal for small and independent craft brewers. We are thrilled to see the increasing appreciation of and demand for American craft beer in markets outside of the U.S.,” added Eric Wallace, president and co-founder of Left Hand Brewing Company and chair of the BA’s Export Development Program committee. “The EDP will continue to promote American craft beers through its focus on quality and diversity to ensure they flourish abroad over the long term.”

###

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.

About AmericanCraftBeer.com
AmericanCraftBeer.com is a national craft beer news & lifestyle site based out of Washington, DC. Founded in 2012, AmericanCraftBeer.com (ACB) is one of the industry’s newest and most exciting voices committed to covering the craft beer business and its fans, and having too much fun while doing it. Publishing 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year, AmericanCraftBeer.com is actively growing an extensive team of regional correspondents who celebrate and promote America’s emerging craft beer scene. For serious beer news and industry insight, there’s only one site you need to know –www.americancraftbeer.com