The 2014 survey, which represents responses from more than 400 homebrew shops nationwide, revealed a 10 percent increase in revenue in 2013. Here are just a few more of the interesting findings of this survey. Remember, the 2014 survey reports data from 2013, the 2013 survey reports 2012 results, and so on.
Sixty percent of shops reported that a new shop opened in their area in the previous year, a number that has remained essentially unchanged since 2011. More shops are opening to meet the demand for homebrewing equipment and supplies. Indeed, 37 percent of homebrew retailers indicated that they had been open three years or fewer.
On average, retailers reported that 55 percent of purchases included malt extract, down from 61 percent and 64 percent in the 2013 and 2012 surveys, respectively. Homebrewers who brew from malt extract continue to represent the majority of the market, but it appears that the percentage of all-grain brewers is increasing.
Facebook remains the most used marketing tool, with almost 90 percent of respondents reporting having used it in the previous year. The top three marketing channels were Facebook (89.4 percent), event sponsorship (65.8 percent), and advertising in publications (57.2 percent).
Homebrewing is a rewarding hobby that can be as simple or as complicated as you like. From stovetop 20-minute boil kits to all-day partigyle brews, there’s something for every craft beer enthusiast. Read Craft Beer & Brewing’s collection of brewing advice and check out our online learning platform to brew your own great beer at home.