Today kicks off the week-long American Craft Beer Week, the annual “cheers to craft beer” celebration organized by the Brewers Association. ACBW, which runs today through May 21st, is intended to celebrate the history of indie beer, and promote independently-owned craft breweries across the country.
Craft beer is a $28.4 billion industry providing more than 189,000 direct jobs to local communities around the nation. There is now an all-time high of 9,552 independent breweries operating in the US.
“Small and independent American craft breweries are a vital ingredient to the health and wealth of our communities as they support growers, distributors, supply partners, retailers, and beer lovers,” said Ann Obenchain, vice president of marketing and communications at the Brewers Association. “Craft beer is more than a beverage, it’s a catalyst for bringing people together and building community. When we support our local breweries, we are not only enjoying great beer, but we are also investing in the people and the neighborhoods that make our cities and towns unique and vibrant.”
Craft brewers are encouraged to use ACBW as a vehicle to promote the overall craft brewing industry. To learn more about American Craft Beer Week, go HERE.