As the year draws to a close, the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—recounts a year filled with varied growth, continued supply chain disruptions, and increased competition. Despite headwinds, more than 9,500 breweries operated in the United States in 2022. Around 200 breweries were forced to close this year. However, this contrasts with over 550 new startups.
Climate change and persisting supply and ingredient disruptions and shortages continued to plague brewers throughout the year. Although the 2022 barley harvest improved, the severe depletion of stocks in 2021 kept supplies tight and prices high in a dynamic and changing market. 2022 hop acreage declined slightly in the U.S., while the European harvest was the worst in decades. Disruptions in the supply of aluminum cans and CO2 continued to impede recovery.
“Riding through a challenging and competitive year, taprooms and brewpubs found ways to innovate and keep customers coming through the door, while brands with a retail presence continued to compete with other beverage alcohol choices for shelf space,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “2023 will be a reset for many brewers as they return to more conscious and thoughtful innovation to balance customer demand and adapt to supply chain fluctuations.”
Based on the 2022 findings, the Brewers Association predicts next year's brewery openings will be the lowest in more than a decade. In addition, distributed craft beer volume will not continue to grow.
Photo: AdobeStock - master1305
Source: Brewers Association
Climate change and persisting supply and ingredient disruptions and shortages continued to plague brewers throughout the year. Although the 2022 barley harvest improved, the severe depletion of stocks in 2021 kept supplies tight and prices high in a dynamic and changing market. 2022 hop acreage declined slightly in the U.S., while the European harvest was the worst in decades. Disruptions in the supply of aluminum cans and CO2 continued to impede recovery.
“Riding through a challenging and competitive year, taprooms and brewpubs found ways to innovate and keep customers coming through the door, while brands with a retail presence continued to compete with other beverage alcohol choices for shelf space,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “2023 will be a reset for many brewers as they return to more conscious and thoughtful innovation to balance customer demand and adapt to supply chain fluctuations.”
Based on the 2022 findings, the Brewers Association predicts next year's brewery openings will be the lowest in more than a decade. In addition, distributed craft beer volume will not continue to grow.
Photo: AdobeStock - master1305
Source: Brewers Association
