Craft Beer Exports Reach Record High in 2012

If you’ve been to Portland, you know how hard it is to find Washington craft beer. Portland just doesn’t seem very interested in our beer. Tokyo and Stockholm, on the other hand, well that’s a different story.

Airways Brewing Company (blog sponsor) recently shipped some beer to Japan. The other day, the beers made their Tokyo debut. Airways posted some pictures on Facebook from the Tokyo debut event. We know that Two Beers Brewing (blog sponsor) has also shipped beer to South East Asia. So has Scuttlebutt Brewing. Not long ago, we reported that Spokane’s No-Li Brewhouse is now exporting beer to Sweden. No doubt there are others. Exporting American craft beer to overseas markets is a growing trend.

In 2012, American craft beer exports increased by a whopping 72 percent. This news comes from the The Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent craft brewers. A recently-completed industry survey shows that craft beer export volume reached an all-time high last year, with a value estimated at $49.1 million.

Canada remained the industry’s largest export market. Sweden and the United Kingdom remained the next two largest markets. Total exports decreased in both countries compared to 2011, but the decline was offset by increased shipments to other European markets. In total, Western Europe accounted for 56,204 barrels valued at $14.6 million in 2012, a 5.6 percent increase over 2011.


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Elsewhere, American craft beer exports to the Asia-Pacific region increased substantially. Shipments to Japan jumped 57 percent by volume and American breweries made strong gains in Australia, China, Hong Kong and emerging markets such as Thailand, Japan, Australia and China are now the industry’s fourth, fifth and sixth largest export markets, respectively.

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Here is the press release from the Brewers Association:

American Craft Beer Exports Set New Records in 2012

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Exports climb 72 percent from previous year

Boulder, CO • March 12, 2013—The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent craft brewers—today reported that the American craft beer industry set a new record for exports in 2012. Based on results from a recently-completed industry survey, craft beer export volume increased by an astounding 72 percent compared to 2011, with a value estimated at $49.1 million.

Canada remained the industry’s largest export market, with shipments increasing 140 percent by volume (up to 68,180 barrels) in 2012. Significant gains have been made in Ontario and British Columbia, and American craft beers are now gaining distribution in other provinces.

Sweden and the United Kingdom remained the next two largest markets. Though total exports decreased in both countries compared to 2011, the decline was offset by increased shipments to other European markets. In total, Western Europe accounted for 56,204 barrels valued at $14.6 million in 2012, a 5.6 percent increase over 2011.

Elsewhere, American craft beer exports to the Asia-Pacific region increased substantially. Shipments to Japan jumped 57 percent by volume and American breweries made strong gains in Australia, China, Hong Kong and emerging markets such as Thailand, Japan, Australia and China are now the industry’s fourth, fifth and sixth largest export markets, respectively.

“The BA 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 BA supports exports through its Export Development Program which was initiated in 2004 with funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Market Access Program (USDA MAP). The Export Development Program generates exposure for American craft beer through trade shows, festivals, seminars, media outreach and competitions, among other activities.

“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.”

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status.  The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

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