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IPA — The Fastest Growing Beer Style

Feb. 23, 2015 – The craft beer segment grew about 18 percent last year but IPA style beer grew an amazing 50 percent making up about a quarter of all craft beer sales.  The information comes from IRI, a respected market research firm.

Lovers of hoppy suds will be pleased to hear that IPAs show no sign of slowing down according to Bart Watson, staff economist at the Brewers Association.  To meet the demand, more varieties are now available.  Trends include malted rye replacing barley.  There are also “sessionables” which are lighter in flavor and lower in alcohol.  Where on earth did that word come from?
The craft segment continues to grow at the expense of the major producers.  But as more craft breweries come on line, the market will tighten as the big guys flex their distribution muscle.  More to come on that subject, for sure.