The continued rise in craft beers — and the growing popularity of bourbon and spirits — are taking market share from some of the stalwarts of the U.S. beer industry.
For example, Anheuser-Busch InBev saw sales declines with both its Budweiser and Bud Light brands, according to data from IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm (@iriworldwide). But, A-B still dominates the list, with eight brands owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev among the top 20 best-selling beers in America.
In addition, both Miller Light — part of MillerCoors — and Coors Light — part of Molson Coors Brewing Co. — posted year-over-year sales drops.
While some of the larger brands are losing market share, other sectors of beer are growing. For example, sales of imported beer climbed 3.2 percent last year, according to data from the Brewers Association. Dos Equis XX Lager Especial saw its sales jump 3.2 percent, Stella Artois rose 13.2 percent, and Modelo Especial jumped 22.9 percent. Modelo is a bright spot for Anheuser-Busch InBev.
In addition to imported beer, craft beer sales rose 5 percent last year.
A study this year by commercial real estate firm CBRE shows that the St. Louis craft beer scene has grown by 77 percent in the last decade. Since 2008, 41 new breweries have opened their doors, bringing the current total to 53 craft breweries in the St. Louis region.
You can see the full top 20 list and slideshow on the business journal's website.
