Yes, the US craft beer market is slowing. But that’s kinda like saying your Lamborghini that was traveling at 180mph is now only doing 100mph. On a side street. The engine is world class and you’re still passing everyone. Oregon is a perfect example. They just killed it at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival by exceeding expectations and they are, arguably, the greatest craft beer state in the US…besides Washington…naturally!
According to Josh Lehner of the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, the booming state of craft beer in Oregon is taking a turn. In his presentation on November 30th to the Oregon Brewers Guild he noted that there has been a decline of instate sales for Oregon’s largest breweries. His research showed that the five largest breweries have decreased their share of state sales to only 20%. He also pointed out that the state’s international sales will likely decline for the first time in 12 years.
But he argued that the future is bright for neighborhood breweries because they don’t have as much market saturation. This reflects the national outlook for the evolution of the craft brewery market.
For his full remarks, go here. His slides are below.
