CRAFT EXPORTS HIT BIG NUMBERS

NO SECRET that craft beer is booming in the US but there’s a growing thirst for it overseas as well. The Brewers Association (BA) has released 2O15 export growth data for the American segment of the industry. Supported by the BA’s Export Development Program (EDP), export volume increased by 16.3 percent last year, totaling 446,151 barrels and worth $116 million. Expansion was seen in all major markets, notably in Western Europe which saw a 33.4 percent increase. Ireland, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Taiwan were the fastest growing markets. Canada was again the leading international market for American craft beer, accounting for 51 percent of exports. Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom each took a market share of approximately 1O percent. The top five was rounded out by Australia, which accounted for 4 percent of exports. The EDP, which generates exposure for American craft beer through trade shows, festivals, seminars, media outreach, and competitions – among other activities – was initiated in 2OO4 with funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Market Access Program. There are now approximately 😯 small and independent brewers exporting their beers.