The craft segment of the spirits category in the US grew its market share last year, according to recent figures, although the number of craft distillers operating in the country rose at a faster rate.
The latest annual report from the American Craft Spirits Association’s ‘Craft Spirits Data Project’, published earlier this month, stated that share of the spirits market in the country hit 4.9% in volume terms and 7.5% in value. The figures compare favourably, just, to 2020’s 4.7% and 7.1%, respectively.
To August this year, the total of active craft distillers jumped by 17.3% year-on-year to 2,687. California is the busiest state with 225 distilleries [+18.4% on the 12 months to August 2021] followed by New York with 199 [+10.6%].
The segment's total US sales for 2021 were calculated to have hit US$7.5bn, up 12.2%.
Going forward, the trade organisation encouraged the segment to continue investing. "Despite economic headwinds, craft producers have consistently found value in reinvesting in their businesses," the ACSA said. "The primary motivation for investment listed by those surveyed was for additional production to meet demand, followed by construction to increase visitor space."
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