The Devastating Impact of Coronavirus on Beer Industry Trends

The beer market has been constantly growing in the last decades and it will be no different in the coming ones. With the covid-19 pandemic, the brewery market felt the impacts of the extensive lockdown and hundreds of breweries closed over the last 3 years. However, with the end of the pandemic, the number of micro craft breweries started to grow again with full steam. More importantly, they had to adapt to the new market trends in order to regain their share in this very competitive global market. Some recent trends and developments in the beer industry include:

 

• Increased popularity of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers: Low-alcohol or "session" beers are beers that contain a lower alcohol content compared to traditional beers. They are designed to be consumed in larger quantities over a longer period of time, hence the name "session" beers. The alcohol content of low-alcohol beers typically ranges from 0.5% to 3.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), compared to the average 5% ABV of traditional beers. Low-alcohol beers offer a number of benefits over their higher-alcohol counterparts. They are often lower in calories, making them a good option for people who are watching their weight. They are also less likely to cause drunkenness, which makes them a good option for designated drivers, or for people who want to enjoy beer without the risk of becoming overly intoxicated. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for low-alcohol beers, driven in part by changing attitudes towards health and wellness, as well as increased awareness of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. As a result, many breweries are now offering low-alcohol beers, and the market for these beers is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. Despite their lower alcohol content, low-alcohol beers can still have a rich and complex flavor profile, with many breweries using high-quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques to produce beers that are full of character and taste. They are a great option for people who want to enjoy beer without the associated alcohol content, and are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers and designated drivers. In response to growing demand for healthier and more mindful drinking options, many breweries are now offering non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers. These options are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers, as well as those who want to enjoy beer without the associated alcohol content.

 

• Expansion of craft beer markets: Craft beer continues to grow in popularity, and many microbreweries are expanding into new markets, both domestically and internationally. Some are also experimenting with new and innovative brewing techniques. Innovative brewing techniques refer to new and creative approaches to brewing beer that are designed to produce unique and flavorful beers. Some of the most popular innovative brewing techniques include:

 

• Barrel aging: Barrel aging is a process in which beer is aged in oak barrels that have previously held spirits such as whiskey or bourbon. This process imparts a unique flavor profile to the beer, including notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. Barrel-aged beers are often aged for several months or even years, which allows the flavors of the barrel to fully penetrate the beer.

 

• Sour brewing: Sour brewing is a style of brewing that is characterized by the use of wild yeast strains and bacteria to ferment the beer. This process results in a sour, tart flavor profile that is distinctive and often associated with Belgian lambic beers. Many modern craft breweries are experimenting with sour brewing, using new techniques and ingredients to create unique and flavorful beers.

 

• Experimenting with unusual ingredients: Many modern craft breweries are experimenting with unusual ingredients to create new and innovative beer styles. These ingredients can include everything from fruits and spices, to coffee and chocolate. This experimentation has resulted in a wide range of unique and flavorful beers, including fruit beers, coffee stouts, and spicy IPAs.

 

• Use of unusual brewing vessels: Some craft breweries are experimenting with brewing beer in unusual vessels, such as ceramic or concrete vessels, or even stainless steel tanks that have been treated with special coatings. This can result in beers with unique flavor profiles and aromas, as the unusual vessels can impart different flavors and aromas to the beer.

 

• Dry hopping: Dry hopping is a technique in which hops are added to the beer after the boil, during the fermentation process. This imparts a unique hop aroma and flavor to the beer, and is often used to create IPAs and other hop-forward beers.

 

These are just a few of the innovative brewing techniques that are currently being used by craft breweries. As the craft beer industry continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative brewing techniques and ingredients being used to create unique and flavorful beers.

 

• Focus on sustainability: Beer production can have a significant impact on the environment, from the growing of ingredients, to the brewing and packaging processes, to the transportation and distribution of the finished product. However, many craft breweries are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint and become more sustainable. Some of the ways that breweries are promoting sustainability include:

 

• Using locally sourced ingredients: By sourcing ingredients from local farmers, breweries can reduce the environmental impact of transportation and help support the local economy. In addition, many breweries are using locally grown, organic, or sustainably-farmed ingredients to minimize the environmental impact of their operations.

 

• Reducing water usage: Water is a critical resource in the brewing process, and many breweries are taking steps to reduce their water usage and conserve this important resource. This can include using water-saving technologies, recycling water, and reusing water in the brewing process.

 

• Minimizing waste: Breweries generate a significant amount of waste, including spent grains, hops, and yeast. Many breweries are working to minimize this waste by finding creative ways to repurpose it, such as using spent grains as animal feed or composting hops and yeast for fertilizer.

 

• Packaging innovations: The packaging and transportation of beer can also have a significant environmental impact. Some breweries are exploring sustainable packaging options, such as biodegradable or recyclable materials, or lightweight packaging to reduce the amount of energy required for transportation.

 

• Renewable energy: Many craft breweries are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Some breweries are also using energy-efficient brewing equipment and processes to minimize their energy usage.

 

• Emphasis on local ingredients: There is a growing trend among breweries to source local ingredients for their beers, with many brewers seeking to incorporate local flavors and traditions into their brews. This trend is driven by a desire to support local agriculture and to create unique, regionally-inspired beers.

 

• Increased competition: The beer industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with many new microbreweries entering the market and established breweries seeking to differentiate themselves from the competition. This has led to a greater focus on product innovation and marketing, as well as increased competition for tap handles and shelf space in liquor stores and bars. Some of the factors contributing to the competition in the craft beer market include:

 

• Increased consumer demand: Craft beer has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, with many consumers seeking out unique, flavorful, and locally-made beers. This increased demand has led to a proliferation of new breweries, each vying for a share of the market.

 

• A crowded market: With so many craft breweries now operating, the market is becoming increasingly crowded, making it more difficult for individual breweries to stand out and gain traction.

 

• Intense competition from big beer: Despite the growth of craft beer, large, multinational beer companies still dominate the market and have significant resources at their disposal. These companies are increasingly competing with craft breweries, both by acquiring popular craft brands and by creating their own craft-style beers.

 

• Changing consumer preferences: Consumer preferences are constantly evolving, and craft breweries must stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant and appealing to consumers. This requires breweries to be innovative, flexible, and responsive to changing trends and demands.

 

• Access to distribution channels: Access to distribution channels is critical for any brewery to succeed, and competition for access to these channels can be intense. Breweries must work to secure relationships with distributors, retailers, and other stakeholders in order to get their beers in front of consumers.

 

Despite the intense competition, the craft beer market continues to grow, driven by consumer demand for unique and flavorful beers. However, in order to succeed, craft breweries must be able to differentiate themselves from their competitors, offer high-quality products, and effectively reach and engage with their target customers.

These are some of the current trends and developments in the beer industry, but it's important to keep in mind that these trends can change quickly as the market evolves.