The craft beer industry continues to grow and the end doesn’t appear to be in sight.
MiBiz recently examined the state of the industry in West Michigan in a multi-part series. Staff Writer Nick Manes says the pace of growth appears to be slowing.
But Manes says there are still opportunities In part because the view of local is getting smaller. He says breweries established in smaller towns have reduced the idea of local down to five or ten miles in the minds of some brewers.
Meanwhile, established brewers are feeling pressure from above in the form of large beer companies and below from new smaller breweries. He says new flavors are being introduced more often and rotated into the menu.
Saturation is always a potential problem. But Manes says the brewers interviewed by MiBiz story don’t believe it’s been reached. He says the general consensus is that as long as brewers produce quality and the push for local brewers continues there will be room for growth.
