Let’s Decode: The Rise And Rise of Microbreweries
Are mass-produced beers being replaced by craft beers? The surge of microbreweries across the world is indicating a shift in consumer demands. Beer happens to be the most consumed alcoholic drink globally and the third most consumed drink after water and tea, as per a study. Craft beer is beginning to form a considerable part of this market. This article unravels the phenomenon of the rise of craft breweries.
First, let's understand what a microbrewery is. Microbrewery or craft brewery produces small amounts of beer. It is usually independently owned and focuses on bringing out flavours through various brewing techniques.
The beer industry has a big market and supports about 23.1 million jobs worldwide. The global beer market is valued at $623 billion. Craft beer, as per the previously mentioned study, has a $22.2 billion retail value. The craft beer industry saw a boom in 2021 despite a slowdown during the pandemic years.
Decoding The Rising Popularity Of Microbreweries
Consumers, since the last few years, have been inclined towards businesses that have transparency, sustainable practices and support local producers, while experiencing inventive flavours. Microbreweries checks everything in this exhaustive list. They are commonly independently owned and more likely to be transparent, use local ingredients, have good labour codes, follow sustainable practices and adopt creative methods and develop inventive drinks. Thus, the conscious shift of consumers to support businesses with fair practices and sustainable methods has helped craft breweries mushroom across the world.
Most Americans now live within 10 miles of an indie brewer. In 2021, retail sales of craft beer rose a whopping 21% to $26.8 billion, or just under 27% of the $100 billion US beer market. In India, according to statistics, 500 more brewpubs are likely to open in the next five years.
In many cities and towns globally, craft beer has cultivated cult-like status. The younger generation particularly find the pub culture less relevant. Also, the rising cost prices are forcing bars and pubs to shut down, which has only risen post the pandemic.
The small scale of microbreweries increases its cost of production, but patrons are happy to pay a premium. This shows how popular craft beers have become among the public.
How Microbreweries Champion Sustainable Practices
The scale of business of microbreweries helps them re-evaluate, restructure and even innovate in order to ensure their operations are sustainable. Below are the ways craft beer breweries help in safeguarding the environment.
- Using upcycled water – on average it takes three barrels of water to make one barrel of beer
- Recovering carbon emissions from the fermentation cycle
- Using renewable energy sources to power machinery
- Using recyclable packing and storage
- Minimising carbon footprint by sourcing locally available ingredients
While it's great to learn about alcoholic beverages and establishments that serve them, it is important to also consume alcohol moderately. Remember to serve and drink responsibly to ensure you and your guests are healthy and out of harm's way. If you know anyone who has trouble controlling their alcohol intake, please refer them to a professional immediately.
