Boulder, CO —The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has released the results of its fifth annual Homebrew Supply Shop Survey, detailing the current state of the home beer and wine supply retail industry. Examining data from 408 shops across 48 states, the survey—which had a 48 percent increase in participants from last year’s report—found that gross revenue grew for shops on average by 10 percent in 2013.
“Homebrewing is on the rise, both as a hobby and a business,” said American Homebrewers Association Director Gary Glass. “With the U.S. now home to some 1.2 million homebrewers, supply shops are experiencing solid growth. The growth in homebrew supply businesses means it is easier than ever for Americans to get into the hobby of homebrewing.”
Survey highlights include:
- Homebrew Beginners: There was a 24 percent increase in sales of beginner homebrew equipment kits. Beginner kits were most commonly purchased by 30-39 year olds.
- Revenue Brewing: For shops that primarily sell homebrew supplies, gross revenue grew on average by 10.5 percent in 2013. Additionally, the survey found that nearly 36 percent of businesses see homebrew/home winemaking supplies as a supplemental source of income, meaning a growing number of businesses are adding sales of home beer and wine making supplies to their existing portfolio.
- Opening Doors: There was considerable growth in new shop openings, with 37 percent of respondents indicating they have been open for three years or less. Furthermore, more than 60 percent of shops reported seeing a new shop open in their area in 2013.
- Beer vs. Wine: Sales of beer ingredients outpaced wine ingredients among home beverage supply retailers, with an average of 35 percent of retail revenue coming from beer ingredients versus 21 percent from wine ingredients.
The full report contains additional information on customer demographics, marketing and sales. Results demonstrated significant advancement in several areas monitored by the survey, including gross revenue, store openings and beginner equipment sales, indicating a growth in the industry. The AHA conducts this survey every year to provide homebrewers and supply retailers with the latest industry information.
About the American Homebrewers Association:
The American Homebrewers Association has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 43,000 homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) organizes events including the National Homebrewers Conference and National Homebrew Competition. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy magazine. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association, whose Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.
Beer lovers and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on Twitter, and join us on Facebook.
The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.