U.S. Craft Beer Sales Up 12% in 2010

In March we reported that craft beer sales soared in 2009. Today we report more good news from the Brewers Association, the organization that represents the majority of the nation's breweries. In the first half of 2010, craft beers sales increased by 12% in terms of dollar sales.

Here is today's press release from the Brewers Association:

Dollar growth up 12% in first six months of 2010; U.S. brewery count climbs by 100 in last year

Boulder, CO • August 2, 2010 – The Brewers Association, the trade association representing the majority of U.S. brewing companies, today released strong mid-year numbers for America's small and independent craft brewers. Dollar sales were up 12 percent in the first half of 2010, compared to 9 percent growth during the same period in 2009. Volume of craft brewed beer sold grew 9 percent for the first six months in 2010, compared to 5 percent growth in the first half of 2009.

Craft breweries continue to grow despite many challenges, and currently provide an estimated 100,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the U.S. economy. Barrels sold by craft brewers for the first half of the year are an estimated 4.6 million, compared to 4.2 million barrels sold in the first half of 2010.

Read the complete story on the Washington Beer Blog, click here.