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Despite of the differencies between countries, we can say that worldwide craft beer is enjoying a decent time, albeit with exceptions. Apart from beer cultures on the rise (including the Italian one), the country that seems more attracted to the craft revolution is United States, where penetration of quality products has reached unexpected levels. As reported recently by Beernews, the Brewers Association has revealed that the market is always growing, constantly noting new records.

The most interesting is that with the arising of many small producers in recent years, the total number of breweries on national soil reached new peaks since the beginning of the twentieth century. The chart on this page is very clear: in the early 1900’s there were approximately 1,500 breweries, virtually disappeared around 1930 due to the start of prohibition; after the “bounce” caused by the liberalization of alcohol, the trend is back to drop dramatically until the 80’s. From this time the reinaissance began, leading to an explosion of new small producers and to the record of 2009.

Brewers Association reveals that dollar growth from craft brewers during the first half of 2009 increased 9%, down from 11% growth during the same period in 2008. Volume of craft brewed beer sold grew 5% for the first six months in 2009 (4.2 million barrels). This is the comment of Paul Gatza, director of the association:

At a time when many of the giant beer brands are declining, small and independent craft brewers are growing their share organically and slowly gaining shelf space and restaurant menu, one glass of craft beer at a time.

If the U.S. smile, even the United Kingdom shows encouraging signs. A recent post by Roger Protz on his blog reports that according to a study of SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers), the sale of regional beers grew last year of 11, 9%, showing a trend that elevates the brewing national situation. The arising of local ales is an important fact while traditional pubs close constantly, taxes on producers increase and new neoprohibitional acts appear.

Here’s how Julian Grocock, Chief Executive of SIBA, interpreted the data:

Local ales are in growth Because they satisfy consumer demand for food and drink with genuine provenance, low food miles and sustainable production. Despite the recession, the demand seems to be holding firm and an increasing number of pubs are realising that having at least one local ale on the bar is now a business ‘need to do’ rather than an optional ‘nice to do’.” “Despite the recession, the demand seems to be holding firm and an increasing number of pubs are realizing that having at least one local ale on the bar is now a business ‘need to do’ rather than an optional ‘nice to do’.

To ruin the romance we have to move to Germany, where instead beer sales has reached its lowest since reunification. According to reports, the reason lies in the prices increase, in the new prohibition of smoking in public places, and in the bad weather that has struck across the country. In the first half of 2009 49.3 million hectoliters of beer were sold, a decrease of 4.5% over the previous year.