Yup, even more beer news, but it's all good. The
Great American Beer Festivalis the premier event of the craft brewing industry, and there is no doubt that the industry is in full boom.
According to statistics from the Brewer's Association, in the first six months of 2013, small and independent American brewers saw total sales increase by 15 percent and volume rise by 13 percent. During the first half of 2013, approximately 7.3 million barrels of beer were sold by small and independent American brewers, up from 6.4 million barrels sold during the first half of 2012. The BA also reported that there are 2,538 breweries operating in the U.S. as of June 30, 2013, an amazing increase of 446 breweries since June 2012.
As part of the festival Oct. 10-12 in Denver, an award is given to the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year, and this year Nashville's own Bounty Bev is up for the big prize. The award recognizes an American beer distributor who goes above and beyond in their efforts to actively market, sell and promote craft beer.
Bounty Bev has been very creative in their marketing efforts and they were a lot of the driving force behind this year's Nashville Craft Beer Week. Bounty represents popular local, regional and national craft beer brands including Jackalope, Calfkiller, Chattanooga Brewing Company, Fort Collins Brewery, French Broad Brewing Company, Green Flash Brewing Company, Stoudts Brewing Company and others.
The winner will be announced on Oct. 12, so wish them luck!
