As the economy goes, so do beer sales. That, at least, according to this recent article from the Wall Street Journal. After experiencing a 1.5% decline in overall sales in 2011, beer sales have bounced back with growth of 1.9% in the first eight months of 2012. We like to thing that people are drinking and enjoying life more in preparation for the Earth’s impending doom on December 21st, but people smarter than us attribute our increased binging to an improved economy and job market.
Of note, is the fact that this increase has been driven by craft beer which rose an impressive 12% in the same eight month period. While craft beer still only represents a paltry 6% market share, the shift in American’s palates towards more flavorful beers is undeniable.
