For discerning beer drinkers, the quality of the flavor is worth paying for. According to data from the Brewers Association and other sources, many consumers are willing to pay more for the “affordable luxury” of craft beer, which is why the industry has grown steadily in 2014. That’s why craft beer and draft beer go hand in hand. If your business sells draft beer, you should learn about the craft beer statistics.
Industry Growth
- Craft beer showed the most growth in the overall beer industry. For the first time, craft beer reached double digits (11%) in volume share of the marketplace.
- Sales volume grew by 18% in 2013, and by 18% again in 2014.
- Retail dollar value of craft beer grew 20% in 2013 and 22% in 2014.
- The total beer market grew only 0.5% in 2014.
- Breweries are opening at a rate of 1.5 per day. Today 75% of all Americans now live within 10 miles of a craft brewery.
Who’s Drinking Craft Beer
- The fan base for craft beer is expanding and diversifying.
- In 2010 only 29% of households had bought a craft beer. In 2014 that increased to 38% of households.
- Women now consume almost 32% of craft beer volume, which is over the national average. Young women ages 21-34 now consume 15% of the total consumption craft beer.
- People from Hispanic backgrounds are increasingly interacting with craft beer as brewers and consumers. About two-fifths of Hispanics surveyed (43%) order a craft beer in a bar or restaurant at least once a month.
- Household income is the biggest determining factor for who buys craft beer. One third of respondents from households earning more than $150,000 annually drink craft products. If their household earn less than $25,000 that drops to just 11%.
Consumer Behavior
- Craft beer drinkers are more likely to try new products and share their experiences. Of surveyed drinkers, 40% say it is a source of pride to try as many different kinds of beer as they can. Brand loyalty is a non-issue.
- The bottom 60% of households in income now consume 40% of the country’s craft beer by volume. Over half of respondents (55%) report that they are willing to spend more money for craft beer.
- Beer earns 85% of beverage alcohol dollar sales. However, only 10% of those sales come from consumers who drink exclusively beer. That means 75% of dollar sales come from consumers drinking a combination of beer, along with wine and/or spirits. Craft beer gets the highest crossover from people that tend to enjoy wine and spirits because of its diversification of flavors.
Crowd Favorites
- Style determines purchase 51% time according to a survey.
- IPAs (India Pale Ales) remained the most favorite craft beer style. IPAs sales went up 47% by volume and 49% by dollar sales (accounting for 21% volume share of craft and 23% dollar share of off-premise beer sales).
- Session beers and sour beers have also gained traction and will likely continue to do so in 2015.
Craft beer is only worth the investment if you invest in the equipment you use to serve it. Experts at Clean Beer can ensure that your commercial beer tap system is properly cleaned and maintained to produce the finest quality and tasting draught beer. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about our services, or would like to schedule an appointment.