USA, ME: Maine’s craft beer industry expected to grow 200 per cent in the coming four years

Maine's craft beer industry is expected to grow 200 per cent during the coming four years, Maine News reported on May 17.

The Maine Brewers Guild said on 15 May, 2014 that the industry is expected to record strong growth during the coming years. The estimates are backed by a study conducted by economists at the University of Maine. It found that Maine breweries were able to sell $92.6 Million worth of beer during 2013. They employed around 1500 workers across the state.

Estimates showed that impact on the Maine economy in 2013 for Maine Craft beer is $189 million. The study also found that Maine brewers plan to boost production by 36 per cent between 2013 and 2014 and by 200 per cent by the year 2018.

The data was gathered from 35 breweries that were operating in Maine in 2013 and there are more than 53 breweries in operation and another 5 are expected to open shortly.

Dan Kleban, owner of Maine Beer Co. and president of the Maine Brewers Guild, said, "The future is bright for Maine craft beer. We are creating sustainable manufacturing jobs, driving tourism, and supporting allied industries like Maine farms."

21 May, 2014