According to recent data from market research firm IRI Worldwide, craft beer growth failed to grow double-digits for the first time in more than a decade (since 2005). According to IRI’s report, craft beer dollar sales at US Supermarkets grew 6.9% in 2016 to more than $2.28 billion. Volume sales grew even slower at just 4 percent.
As a comparison, craft dollar sales at US Supermarkets grew more than 20% in 2015 with volume sales growing at 16 percent.
What does all of this mean? It may be too early to tell, but expect plenty of analysis and opinions in the coming weeks. And don’t forget–6.9% growth is still growth.
