E-Malt.com News article: USA, CO: American Homebrewers Association reports a 26 percent growth of homebrewers in 2012

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) released the results of its fourth annual Homebrew Supply Shop Survey, detailing the current state of the home beer and wine supply retail industry. The results indicate that the community of homebrewing enthusiasts is growing, brewbound.com reported on June, 11.

Reviewing data from 275 shops spanning 47 states - a 32 percent increase in participants from last year’s survey - the survey found that on average, participants saw gross revenue increase by 26 percent in 2012. For shops that primarily sell homebrew supplies, gross revenue increased on average by 29 percent. This is 2 percent higher than last year’s results and 10 percent higher than results from the first AHA supply shop survey conducted in 2009.

“As home brewing continues to grow, retail shops are responding accordingly, satisfying the needs of their increasing customer base,” said Gary Glass, director of the American Homebrewers Association. “Homebrew supply shops serve as the heart of local home brewing communities. The success of a local shop will ensure a thriving community of home brewers.”

The majority of shops (80 percent) experienced increased sales of beginner homebrew equipment kits, signifying a considerable boost in interest in the hobby. The largest segment of people buying the beginner kits were individuals 30 to 39 years old.

In 2013, 43 percent of responding shops said they have been open for three years or less, up from 34 percent in 2012, indicating considerable growth in new shop openings.


14 June, 2013