ALEXANDRIA, VA — The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) — which represents the interests of America’s 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributors — applauds America’s craft brewers for their continued growth and entrepreneurial spirit, which adds energy and excitement to the American beer industry.
According to new data released by the Brewers Association (BA), in the first six months of 2012, small and independent American brewers saw volume of craft beer sold increase by 12 percent, representing a total of an estimated 6 million barrels sold. The BA reported growth in the number of U.S. breweries, an increase of 350 breweries since June 2011 for a total of 2,126 operating breweries. The BA also lists 1,252 breweries in planning today, compared to 725 a year ago.
“This tremendous growth in craft beer sales is remarkable in today’s soft economic climate,” said NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser. “This success is due in large part to the effectiveness of the independent distribution system that allows access to market for brewers of all sizes and a state-based regulatory system that works to level the playing field between brewers, distributors and retailers.”
“Beer distributors are proud to serve as partners with America’s craft brewers and to provide the infrastructure they need to reach a wide network of retailers,” continued Purser. “Distributors help introduce new beer brands and innovative beer styles to markets across the country, which is why American consumers are seeing more labels and styles of beer at their local stores, bars and restaurants. Today’s marketplace offers an unparalleled number of styles, varieties and flavors of beer to consumers from coast to coast, and American consumers are demonstrating they enjoy this vast variety.”
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of America’s 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. To learn more about America’s beer distributors, visit www.AmericasBeerDistributors.com. For additional updates from NBWA, follow @MrBeerGuy on Twitter and visit www.facebook.com/Mr.BeerGuy.