American Craft Beer Resonating Overseas

American craft beer exports surged 72% last year to an all-time sales record.

March 14, 2013

BOULDER, CO - The Brewers Association announced earlier this week that the American craft beer industry set an export record last year, surging 72% to $49.1 million in sales.

Canada was the industry??s largest export market, purchasing 68,180 barrels, a 140% increase from 2011, with Ontario and British Columbia recording significant gains.

Sweden and the United Kingdom were the next two largest markets, while Western Europe as a whole accounted for $14.6 million in sales of 55,204 barrels, a 5.6% lift over 2011.

Meanwhile, exports to the Asia-Pacific region increased dramatically, with shipments to Japan up 57% by volume and sales to Australia, China, Hong Kong and Thailand all strong.

"The [Brewers Association] is very pleased with the continued growth in exports of American craft beer to markets around the world. Consumers continue to view American craft brewers as leaders in innovation and among the standard bearers for quality. Maintaining that perception is a priority for the craft brewing community," said Bob Pease, chief operating officer, Brewers Association.

The Brewers Association facilitates exports through its Export Development Program (EDP), which receives funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Market Access Program (USDA MAP).

"Each year the EDP makes considerable progress in accomplishing the BA??s goals," added Brett Joyce, Rogue Ales, chair of the BA??s Export Development Program committee. "Since its inception, we have worked to not only increase distribution, but educate international markets about the quality and diversity of products offered by American craft brewers. The results of our efforts in the international community have been extremely rewarding."

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