CRAFT BEER YEAR IN REVIEW

REFLECTING ON THE significant impact of small and independent craft breweries in 2O16, the Brewers Association looked back on the defining beer moments of 2O16. Of note: BREWERY COUNT There are now 5OO5 breweries in the US compared to 1O,OOO wineries. Almost all (99%) are small and independent craft brewers. CONTINUED GROWTH FOR THE SEGMENT By mid-year, small and independent breweries grew by eight percent, reflecting dynamism and a bright spot for the domestic beer market. NEVER GO OUT OF STYLES IPAs continue to hop up, now accounting for roughly one-quarter of craft volume. More sessionable styles, including golden ales, pilseners and pale lagers, are up 33 percent, totaling nearly five percent of craft. FREEDOM OF CHOICE As the world’s two largest brewers merged into a multinational conglomerate two and a half times the size of the US beer market, the BA was at the center of the discussion, advocating for fair competition for the nation’s small and independent craft brewers. Approximately 65 percent of craft beer lovers said they are drinking more craft specifically because it offers more variety. HOMEBREWING IMPACT The National Homebrew Competition continues to be the world’s largest beer competition with 7962 entries. A recent measurement of homebrewing found that its 1.2 million participants created over 11,OOO jobs, resulting in more than $1 billion in spending and over $7OO million in revenues. BEER DESTINATIONS Recognizing a rising interest in beer tourism, Travelocity enlisted the expertise of the BA to find the country’s best beer destinations and create the very first Beer Tourism Index. Additionally, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) – the leading community for homebrewers – unveiled a list of cities across the US where homebrewing is on the rise.

NOTE: Figures are a compilation of data provided by the Brewers Association, IRI Group and Nielsen and do not represent all craft beer sales. The Brewers Association will release a comprehensive annual analysis of craft brewer production in March of 2O17.