News Briefs for March 19, 2013
March 19, 2013•The U.S. craft beer market was up 15% by volume last year, to nearly 13.2 million barrels, according to the Brewers Association. Total retail revenues for the category in 2012 were at an estimated $10.2 billion—up from $8.7 billion in the previous year. Craft beer achieved a 6.5% share of total U.S. beer market by volume last year, up from 5.7% in 2011. Additionally, the number of U.S. operating breweries increased by 18% to 2,403, of which 2,347 are craft.
•Firefly Distillery, based in Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, has launched a new range of flavored moonshines. The range, called Firefly Moonshine, rolls out nationwide this month and is priced at $19-$20 a 750-ml. The flavors include White Lightning, Apple Pie, Caramel, Cherry, Strawberry and Peach. Firefly Moonshine joins Firefly’s flagship Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka, as well as its Firefly Skinny Tea, Sweet Tea Flavors, Sweet Tea Flavored Bourbon, Handcrafted Vodka and a variety of ready-to-drink cocktails.
•BevMo plans to add five new stores by mid-year, including three in Washington State. According to Brian Bowden, vice president, spirits, beer, tobacco and beverages, BevMo expects to open the Washington stores—in the Ballard area of Seattle, East Vancouver and Bellingham—within the next 60 days. Each of the stores is more than 10,000 square feet, Bowden says. With these additions, BevMo will have eight units in Washington State. The chain also has plans to add two stores in California—one in Santa Clarita, expected to open in the spring, and one in Carmel, which should be unveiled in the spring or summer. The five new units will bring BevMo’s store count to 135.
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Tagged : BevMo, craft beer
