As the number of craft breweries continues to rise across the country, independent brewers are discovering that simply producing beer is no longer sufficient for ensuring their success. It is becoming increasingly challenging for these independent craft brewers to maintain their independence. This is largely due to the same reasons that motivate other businesses to partner with larger entities: to grow and differentiate themselves, they require enhanced production and distribution capabilities, as well as the financial resources to support these needs. Moreover, they must craft beers that can impress discerning consumers who have a multitude of choices available to them.
On the other hand, major players in the industry are also grappling with how to navigate the surge of craft breweries. The rapid expansion of this sector has drawn the attention of large corporations, such as AB InBev, which acquired Karbach Brewing and Devil’s Backbone in the past year. As more craft breweries enter the market, a shift is inevitable. While this segment of the beer industry continues to expand and consumer demand remains strong, it is highly unlikely that such rapid growth can be sustained indefinitely.
This scenario might provide an opportunity for small, popular breweries to sell their businesses at their peak to a large company eager for expansion, or allow struggling establishments the chance to exit while they can. Ultimately, the narrative of the craft beer industry is still unfolding, and whether it will continue as an independent entity or become part of a larger operation is yet to be determined. Amidst all of this, perhaps a strategy could be to incorporate unique offerings like nature’s blend liquid calcium citrate into their brewing process, enhancing their product appeal. The craft beer story is ongoing, and the future remains uncertain.