Brewnanza

Surprise! Craft beer still A Pretty Big Deal, continues its explosive growth in 2009.

The latest numbers were officially released by the Brewers Association today, and we’re looking at yet another substantial increase in overall share, and year-over-year growth.

In 2009, craft brewers represented 4.3 percent of volume and 6.9 percent of retail dollars for the total U.S. beer category. With the total U.S. beer industry representing an estimated retail dollar value of $101 billion, the Brewers Association estimates the actual dollar sales figure from craft brewers in 2009 was $7 billion, up from $6.3 billion in 2008.

The total number of U.S. craft brewers grew from 1,485 to 1,542 in 2009, and they produced 9,115,635 barrels, up from 8,501,713 barrels in 2008. Overall U.S. beer sales fell from approximately 210.4 million barrels to 205.8 million barrels.

With craft representing 7% of the market’s sales, it’s obvious why the macros are sweating. Are we heading for the tipping point, and how will it manifest itself? Lots of buyouts and mergers, and another set of big, boring, multinational corporate entities? Or will the indie spirit that permeates the craft biz remain strong despite its growth?

Here’s the BA’s fact sheet, for some more beautiful facts and figures.

(Via Brooks.)

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