As hundreds of beer lovers descend on Washington this weekend for SAVOR — an American craft beer and food experience now in its fifth year — America’s beer distributors offer a toast to the excitement that America’s craft breweries bring to the beer industry.
Just 30 years ago, in the 1980s, there were fewer than 50 breweries operating in the United States. Today, there are more than 2,000 breweries across the country, and more are expected to open soon. This explosion of new breweries demonstrates consumers’ appreciation for the product and excitement over the tremendous range of flavors and styles beer offers.
From lambics and lagers to porters and stouts, there is a style and flavor for every beer drinker and occasion. The 98,000 men and women in the American beer distribution industry are proud to serve as partners with America’s craft brewers as the vehicles to market for many of these brands, delivering enormous choice and variety to consumers from coast to coast. In fact, there are now more than 13,000 labels of beer available to American consumers.
Today’s diverse selection of beer is due in large part to the effectiveness of the independent three-tier distribution system. As part of this system, brewers, distributors and retailers work hard to provide a tremendous variety of beer brands and styles to consumers.
America’s system of alcohol distribution balances control with competition and sets the gold standard for the rest of the world. An innovative brew master perfects his or her latest recipe; a distributor delivers those brews safely to retailers in local communities; and retailers offer consumers enormous selection. This distribution system, regulated by the states, provides a level playing field and the infrastructure craft brewers need to reach a wide network of retailers and consumers.
Whether it’s your favorite after-work beer or a new craft brand you can’t wait to try, the American distribution system allows new brewers to expand and grow. It’s because of this system that you can order a craft beer from states like California or Vermont off a menu in D.C. Beer is unparalleled when it comes to consumer product choice. Think about the beer aisle in your local store — there are probably more brands of beer than any other consumer product.
SAVOR gives us an opportunity to celebrate craft beer’s growth and its positive impact on local economies across the nation. This weekend, I challenge beer consumers (of legal drinking age) to pick up a beer they’ve never tasted and raise it to the future of America’s craft beer industry. Cheers!
Craig Purser is the president and CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association.
