The Brewers Association today released 2014 data on U.S. craft brewing growth, and for the first-time ever, craft brewers reached double-digit volume share of the U.S. beer marketplace, at 11%.
In 2014, craft brewers produced 22.2 million barrels, and saw an 18 percent rise in volume and a 22 percent increase in retail dollar value. Retail dollar value was estimated at $19.6 billion representing 19.3 percent market share.
Additionally, the number of operating U.S. breweries grew 19 percent in 2014, totaling 3,464. Throughout the year, there were 615 new brewery openings and only 46 closings.
Three new breweries opened in 2014 in Columbus: Land-Grant Brewing Company, Temperance Row Brewing Company and Zaftig Brewing Company. Pigskin Brewing and Knotty Pine Brewing have opened since, with Lineage Brewing coming soon and several already-open breweries planning expansions.
