Craft Beer UP 13.2%

Even when the economy is still struggling, the craft beer category grew by an amazing 13.2% in 2011 according to statistics just released by the Brewers Association.

That is an impressive number, and it pushes craft beer market share to just over 5%.

Meanwhile, the big mega-brewers declined slightly.

“While the overall beer market experienced a 1.32 percent volume decrease in 2011, craft brewing saw significant growth, surpassing five percent total market volume share for the first time,” said Paul Gatza, director, Brewers Association. “It’s becoming increasingly clear that with the variety of styles and flavors to choose from, Americans are developing a strong taste for high-quality, small-batch beer from independent brewers.”

See the full press release here.