USA: Small Brewery Sunday returns for a second year on November 29

Small Brewery Sunday will return for a second year on Nov. 29. The national beer holiday, created by the Brewers Association (BA) — the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers — encourages beer lovers to celebrate on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and support local breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms throughout the holiday season and beyond, Craft Brewing Business reported on November 12.

This year’s holiday is especially significant, given the insecure and uncertain futures of small businesses impacted by the pandemic and by further restrictions in operations.

The premise of the holiday is simple: beer lovers support small and independent craft breweries by visiting or supporting taprooms and brewpubs — businesses that are critical to local communities and economies nationwide. More than two-thirds of Americans live within 10 miles of a brewery, and in 2019 the craft brewing industry contributed $82.9 billion to the U.S. economy, employed more than 580,000 Americans, and provided charitable contributions worth more than $80 million.

Amid the global pandemic and economic crisis, however, many breweries have experienced declining sales — down about 22 percent in the third quarter of 2020, according to a recent survey of Brewers Association members. The survey also reported that approximately two-thirds of at-the-brewery sales during the third quarter of the year occurred outdoors, indicating that winter will be the make it or break it season as colder temperatures arrive, outdoor service moves indoors, and many small brewers struggle to withstand the lasting effects of the pandemic.

“This has been a devastating year for craft brewers, as they’ve faced shutdowns, decreased sales, layoffs, and an aluminum can shortage. Our most recent member survey revealed only 78 percent of small breweries are confident that they’ll still be open at this time next year,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association. “As shoppers support local independent businesses, what better place than your local craft brewery? Six packs, gift cards, or merchandise all make great gifts and every little bit helps. It’s crucial for beer lovers to support their local brewery, taproom, or brewpub throughout these next few critical months and beyond.”

“Nothing goes better with a holiday meal than independent craft beer,” said Ann Obenchain, marketing director, Brewers Association. “Whether you are able to safely visit a brewery, taproom, or brewpub, or opt for curbside pickup or at-home delivery, one of the best ways to support your local economy and brewery during the holiday season is by giving the gift of craft beer and serving craft beer at the dinner table.”

Beer lovers are encouraged to share their Small Brewery Sunday experiences on social media with the hashtags #SmallBrewerySunday and #SeekTheSeal.

12 November, 2020