LAHAINA, MAUI, HI – Maui Brewing Co. (MBC) is proud to announce that it is now officially classified as a Regional Craft Brewery. The Brewers Association defines the craft beer industry by four distinct markets: Brewpubs, Microbreweries, Regional Craft Breweries and Contract Brewing Companies. A Regional Brewery is a brewery with an annual beer production of between 15,000 and 6,000,000 barrels. MBC is Hawaii’s only Regional Craft Brewery and is also Hawaii’s Largest Craft Brewery.
The Brewers Association reported strong mid-year numbers for US craft brewers, with sales up 15% the first half of 2011 and the volume of beer sold up 14% in the same period. Maui Brewing Co.’s year-end numbers show an upward trend compared to 2010.
“2011 was yet another significant growth year for our companies,” said Maui Brewing Founder Garrett Marrero. “New markets, and significant growth in existing markets were the primary growth contributors. We’re proud to see the continued support for our craft beers and becoming a Regional a side effect of brewing great beer. The brewery’s barrelage was up 61% to just shy of 18,000 barrels.”
Marrero also commented on the company’s lead brewpub brewer, Kim Lutz.
“Kim, our lead brewer at the Kahana Brewpub, is to be commended for her seasonal program attributing to an increase in brewing volume at the pub by 71%, and, of course, earning Maui Brewing Co. the only GABF medal for Hawaii for La Perouse White,” he said.
2011 was another exciting year for Maui Brewing Co. With April came distribution in Texas; Arizona and Nevada in May; and in October, Maryland became the first East Coast state to carry MBC products.
“Our Maryland distributor will serve as a distribution point for us along the East Coast as we grow capacity. Rest assured, all beer will continue to be brewed in Maui,” comments Anita Lum, Maui’s M.O.M.
In May, MBC produced a special onion beer for the Maui Onion Festival and also released their first canned special release, Flyin’ HI P Hay (a commemorative beer in tribute of Glen Hay Falconer).
“Our continued success has allowed us to further give back to the community as well as our employees. We’ve modified our 401k to include company matching and we’ve also added a profit sharing program.”
Spring 2012 will bring the release of MBC’s second canned seasonal – La Perouse White – honored with a silver medal at GABF last September.
“We’re stoked to announce our special release program. Every quarter through 2013 has a limited release can planned, and this will continue on as part of our commitment to innovation in our craft,” comments Garrett. “Distribution is expanding into the State of Virginia early this year as well. 2012 will prove to be pretty awesome.”
About:
Maui Brewing Co. is a truly local Hawaiian brewery, and proud to be wholly produced in Hawaii. Maui Brewing Co. Recognized as Hawaii’s #1 craft beer since 2005 and the company has a strong commitment to the local economy, and the environment. MBC craft beers are packaged with the most eco-friendly materials. Cans are manufactured on Oahu and designed by local Maui artists; they have the added bonus of better protecting the beer from both light and oxygen damage which can compromise the taste. Plastic rings are dangerous to marine life and therefore, a unique, recyclable plastic carrying device is used to hold the products. The spent grain from beer production is donated to local ranchers for cattle feed and composting. Maui Brewing Co. is also very active in several local Hawaii charities.
Founder Garrett Marrero and his wife, Melanie, operate a 7-barrel brewpub at the Kahana location as well as a 25-barrel production brewery and canning facility in Lahaina. Maui Brewing Co. is a truly local beer as 100% of their products are made in Hawaii.