Number of US craft breweries rises to 7,000 in 2018

An extra 7,000 craft breweries have opened in the US since the start of 2018, according to figures from the Brewers Association.

The Association, which lobbies for and represents the business interests of America’s independent breweries, also found that 85% of adults over the age of 21 now live within 10 miles of a brewery.

Overall, sales of craft beer grew by 5% in volume in the year to June 2018, although the organisation noted that there are “signs of slightly slower growth in the second half of the year.”

The total craft beer market in the US is worth $76 billion ($60 billion).

In addition, more than 4,000 breweries have adopted the BA’s independent craft brewer seal, which was first rolled out in June 2017.

The seal, which indicates that a particular brewery complies with the BA’s guidelines for what qualifies as a “craft” business, is now used by 85% of the entire craft beer market in the US.

“The brewing landscape is shifting, yet small and independent breweries continue to find market success,” said Julia Herz, craft beer program director at the Brewers Association.

“Brewers are finding ways to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, become pillars of communities, and embrace new experiences and occasions to connect with beer lovers.”

Breweries are also on the rise in the UK, where the craft beer boom has led to a 20% surge in people registering trademarks for their products, according to City law firm RPC.