NORWALK, Conn. – Beer drinkers’ passion for imported and craft beers continued in 2006, pushing U.S. beer sales back in the black after three years in the doldrums,” according to the 2007 Adams Beer Handbook.

Growth among imports increased 12 percent to 397 million cases, making the subcategory responsible for nearly 14 percent of the total U.S. beer market, notes a press release. Craft beers and super-premium brews together grew 6.6 percent in 2006; without the super-premiums added in, craft beers rose 12 percent.

"All segments of imports are up and all crafts -- all flavors, styles and seasonals -- that's the big headline," said Eric Schmidt, manager of information services for the Adams Beverage Group, which publishes the annual Adams Beer Handbook.

Among imports, Mexican beers lead the way: the seven leading Mexican beers grew a minimum of 9.8 percent each in 2006, with Corona, the leading imported beer, now the sixth best-selling overall in the United States, up 9.8 percent. Other well-known imports -- Heineken, Guinness Stout, Newcastle Brown Ale, Labatt Blue Light and Stella Artois -- showed impressive growth.

Among craft beers, Yuengling grew 4.5 percewnt, Sierra Nevada by 1.5 percent, Fat Tire Amber Ale 10.6 percent and Widmer Hefeweizen 17.9 percent.

Among domestic premium brews, light beers -- the largest segment with now more than a 50 percent share of the U.S. beer market -- climbed 2.3 percent. Bud Light increased its lead over the next best seller, Budweiser, by more than 40 million cases, increasing 4.3 percent to top out at 560 million cases last year.