In the past few years, the popularity of craft beer has skyrocketed. The global market for craft beer is now worth around $25 billion and continues to grow at a rapid pace. It’s no wonder why everyone is talking about microbreweries and independent breweries. Whether you call it artisanal, local, independent, or something else entirely – drinking locally produced beer has become a global phenomenon. So why has this happened? Let’s take a look at the reasons behind this rise of craft breweries and their booming market.
A Short History Of Craft Breweries
Beer has been around for thousands of years and has long been the most popular spirit worldwide. In fact, the history of beer is so long that it is difficult to even pinpoint the exact time or place where it first appeared. Today, beer is the most distributed alcoholic beverage in the world, with over 100 billion litres produced annually. Beer can be produced anywhere and with any ingredients, but is most closely associated with a handful of specific regions. Europe has long been the center of beer production. In the Americas, beer was also produced in large quantities, but mostly consumed within the confines of the country where it was produced. This is because before the advent of modern shipping and refrigeration techniques, most beer could not be shipped long distances because it would spoil.
The Rise Of Beer Franchises
In the past, beer was mostly produced on a local scale. This meant that the brewery would produce beer for the surrounding community, or even just for the local neighbourhood. Beer was made with the ingredients that were locally available and was very much a product of the season. In the past few decades, we have seen a rise in the number of beer franchises. These are large-scale beer producers that produce their beer in one location and then distribute it across the globe. This means that every can of beer is the same, no matter where you are in the world. While this may sound like a bad thing, it has actually helped increase the popularity of beer.
Food Culture Is Shifting
For centuries, beer was seen as a beverage fit for every occasion. In fact, in many places around the world, beer is still the drink of choice for any social gathering or special occasion. However, in certain cultures, beer’s reputation has not been as stellar. In places like Africa and South America, beer has been seen as something consumed by the poor, or even as a ‘dirty’ drink due to the fact that it is often not brewed hygienically. Now, we are seeing a shift in this opinion. Consumers around the world are beginning to see beer as a beverage worthy of being enjoyed on any occasion and at any time of day. In South America, for example, we are seeing a rise in the number of consumers opting to drink beer instead of soft drinks when they are thirsty.
Environmental Awareness Is Increasing
Beer is made with a number of ingredients that are not exactly environmentally friendly. Most beer producers, however, are aware of this and are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes reducing their use of fossil fuels, reducing their water usage and, in some cases, even sourcing their ingredients sustainably. We are also seeing a rise in the number of consumers who are opting to drink beer produced with entirely renewable energy. In some places, this is actually now mandatory. These eco-friendly and sustainable practices don’t just apply to breweries. Brewers and beer drinkers alike are also making an effort to reduce their use of plastic. A phenomenon known as ‘Brewsters’ is growing in popularity, where the consumer refuses to have their beer in a plastic bottle.
Consumers Want To Know Where Their Food Comes From
For years, beer was seen as an entirely local product. This meant that consumers could walk into any beer store in their neighbourhood and purchase beer that was brewed nearby. This is still the case today, but with an added twist. Consumers today want to know exactly where the ingredients in their beer come from. This demand for transparency has led to the rise of craft breweries that make use of locally grown or locally sourced ingredients. In some cases, breweries have even gone a step further, brewing beer that is entirely gluten-free or vegan and therefore suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions. This new focus on the provenance of beer has also led to the rise of beer festivals where consumers can try different types of beer and speak with their brewers.
Summing up
Beer has a long and rich history and is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world. Modern beer is different from the beer brewed in the past due to advances in technology and an increase in consumer demand. The rise of franchises has led to an increase in the distribution of beer and has made it more accessible to a broad range of consumers. Food culture has also shifted and people are beginning to view beer as more of a culinary product and a drink worth enjoying at any hour of the day. Consumers are also becoming more aware of their dietary restrictions and are therefore looking for gluten-free and vegan options.
