American craft beer exports to UK up 7.1%

Leading the way in demand for US craft beer are UK consumers. Some 10.5% of all exports from the US are sent to the UK, and those exports grew by 7.1% in 2017.

The total amount of beer exported by US breweries annually now has a value of $125.4m.  The Brewers Association credits its export development programme (EDP) as being key in supporting the growth of those exports.

Impressive growth 

“The UK grew [beer imports] by 7.1% in 2017 to maintain its position as the second biggest export market after Canada,” commented Steve Parr, export development programme manager for the Brewers Association. “This growth is impressive when set against the thriving domestic brewing scene the UK is currently undergoing. 

“It proves that the UK’s taste for full-flavoured, high-quality, diverse American craft beer is far from waning and shows that American craft beer is continuing to break new boundaries. From innovative styles to international distribution, the Brewers Association export development programme is able to take the success of local brewers and showcase them on a global scale.”

Canned beers lead the way

Speaking to The Morning Advertiser​ at Craft Beer Rising earlier this year, Parr predicted that​ canned beer would continue to grow in popularity in the UK, following the example of brewers from the US.

“Sustainability is now a massive thing for breweries in the US, and cans are much more easily recyclable which makes them highly desirable for craft brewers,” he said. ”They’re also lighter, more portable and less prone to light and oxygen inclusion, which can damage the finished product and produce off flavours.”

Canned beer sales now make up 16.7% of total craft production and 28.5% of all packaged product in the US, according to The Brewers Association.