Small Beer Brewers Gaining Popularity in US
A few large beer breweries have controlled much of the beer market in the United States since the 1950s. But in recent years, the number of small “craft” breweries has grown sharply. The small manufacturers have changed the way Americans drink beer.
The United States has more than 3,200 breweries. But the country was home to only 40 breweries in 1985. Those numbers come from the Brewers Association, an organization working in support of small and independent American beer manufacturers.
The association says craft breweries make up most of the new U.S. breweries. Yet the small manufacturers produce fewer than six million barrels of beer a year. A fluid barrel represents almost 120 liters.
The amount of beer sold nationwide dropped by about two percent in 2013, compared to one year earlier.Yet craft beer sales rose by more than 17 percent over the period.
Katie Marisic is with the Brewers Association. She thinks the increased sales resulted from drinkers seeking beer with a different taste.
America’s largest breweries produce beers that they believe many people will drink. Most of these products have a mild flavor and little alcohol. Craft brewers make beers with stronger flavors and higher levels of alcohol.
The Brewers Association predicts sales of craft beer will continue to grow. In 1997, craft beers made up three percent of sales. That has increased to ten percent today.
