USA, MD&WI: Craft brewers look local for untapped demand

Some craft brewers are growing by shrinking, The Associated Press reported on August, 3.

Beer makers such as Flying Dog Brewery of Frederick, MD say they're dropping out of distant markets to focus on selling more beer at home.

The strategy reflects the growing thirst everywhere for boutique beers made by breweries that simply can't make enough to meet the demand.

Instead of shipping beer across the country, these companies are following the lead of New Glarus Brewing Co. of Wisconsin. President Deb Carey says they decided in the late 1990s to pull out of Chicago and sell beer only in their home state. It was a smart move. She says sales have grown annually, sometimes by double digits. And she sees vast numbers of Miller Light drinkers still to be won over in the Dairy State.

05 August, 2011