America's Beer Distributors Applaud Craft Beer

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) is pleased America's craft beer segment continues to experience solid growth even during soft economic times. According to the Brewers Association (BA), craft volume increased by 6.5 percent and dollar growth increased by 11 percent in the first half of 2008.

"Craft brewers are entrepreneurs who are generating a new excitement in the beer market and elevating the image of the beer industry. Craft beer is generating a new energy because Americans are exploring new flavors and learning about new styles," said NBWA President Craig Purser. "The growing sales of craft beer show how much Americans of legal drinking age are experiencing the wide selection of flavors and styles of beer brands available across the country. America's 1,420 craft brewers are a vital part of the American beer industry, and America's beer distributors congratulate them for their continued success."

Nearly 13,000 labels of beer are available across the U.S., and America's 2,750 licensed beer distributors give those labels a vehicle to market and provide consumers with unparalleled choice. Distributors deliver beer from a wide variety of brewers - large and small, domestic and international - unlocking the market for new beer brands, small breweries and innovative beer. Specifically, beer distributors help craft brewers grow and compete by providing the infrastructure small brewers need to reach a wide network of retailers.

"America's consumers have the best beer selection any where in the world. No place else can you find such wide variety on a store shelf, restaurant list and bar tap," added Purser.