American Craft Beer Making Waves in the UK

London based newspaper The Independent recently ran the article, "American Craft Ales: Brewed in the USA", discussing the resurgence of craft beer in America and it's current role in the global brewing community. The article featured Doug Odell and the story of Odell Brewing Company as well as the important role of the Brewers Association Export Development Program (EDP) in expanding the reach of American brewers into the international market.

The Independent, which reaches over 670,000 people, published the article as London prepares for The Great British Beer Festival, (August 3 – 10, 2010) The EDP has helped facilitate the delivery of over 180 craft beers for the event.  The UK is a market of interest to many EDP members, and the Brewers Association has strong ties to the GBBF and to GBBF host organization, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

"American craft beer exports to the UK are particularly strong," explained Bob Pease, Brewers Association's Chief Operating Officer: "Between 2008 and 2009, UK exports grew 14%, compared to a 9% growth in total export volumes during the same period."

Read the Brewers Association press release about the EDP's efforts at the Great British Beer Festival: American Craft Beers at the 2010 Great British Beer Festival.