U.S. Has Most Brewers in 100 Years
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) – which represents the interests of America’s 2,850 licensed, independent beer distributors – commends America’s craft brewers for their entrepreneurial spirit and creative spirit, which adds excitement to the American beer industry. The U.S. now has 1,525 registered breweries – more breweries than any other country in the world – according to a new report issued by the Brewers Association (BA).
“It’s amazing to think that the United States has more than 1,500 breweries today, when there were just a few dozen breweries in the 1970s,” said Craig Purser, president of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).
“America’s beer distributors are proud to be part of a system that offers the widest selection of beer anywhere in the world – nearly 13,000 labels of beer – to consumers from coast to coast,” continued Purser. “Distributors source beer from brewers of all kinds – large and small, domestic and international– unlocking the market for new beer brands, small breweries and innovative beverages. Beer distributors help craft brewers grow and compete by providing the infrastructure small brewers need to reach a wide network of retailers through a regulated system.”
Dozens of craft brewers will be showcasing their brews at the 72nd NBWA Annual Convention & Trade Show, September 22-25, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two-story Trade Show Floor will include a craft beer pavilion highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of America’s craft brewers.
America’s beer distributors – which are licensed by both the federal government and the states – source beer only from registered suppliers – including brewers and importers both domestic and international – and deliver beer only to licensed retailers, which then sell only to consumers of legal drinking age. This state-based regulatory system ensures that alcohol can be traced because it is sold through a transparent and accountable system, which helps ensure that only fresh, authentic beer is delivered to store shelves and bar taps. America’s beer distributors operate within state regulations that help ensure the efficient collection of taxes, the maintenance of an orderly marketplace and work to prevent alcohol including drunk driving and underage drinking.
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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of America’s 2,850 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution.