BOULDER, Colo. -- The continuing growth of craft beer entered double-digit territory in 2006, with sales by craft brewers up 11.7 percent by volume for the year. This comes on top of strong growth in each of the prior three years and illustrates the ongoing surge of consumer interest in craft beers.

“American tastes are clearly changing thus the demand for more flavorful and diverse beers is exploding,” Paul Gatza, director of the Brewers Association, said in a press release. The association tabulates industry growth data.

The Brewers Association estimates 2006 sales by craft brewers at more than 6.6 million barrels (one barrel equals 31 U.S. gallons), up from an adjusted total of just under 6 million barrels in 2005. The increase totals more than 690,000 barrels or 9.5 million case-equivalents. For 2006, craft beer posted a retail sales figure of $4.2 billion.

A strong area of distribution for craft beer is grocery, convenience, drug and liquor stores. According to Information Resources Inc., “The beer category reaped growth from import (up 10.9 percent) and micro-brew (up 16.9 percent) products, while suffering losses across domestic and non-alcoholic varieties.”

“Craft beer has become a great American success story and today U.S. craft brewers are being watched, emulated and celebrated globally,” Julia Herz, director of craft beer marketing for the Brewers Association, said in a press release. “Demand has become contagious. Craft beer is satisfying the thirst and beer enthusiasm of a continuously growing number of beer drinkers who are seeking flavor, diversity and value.”