Craft Beers Do It Again

U.S. craft brewer volumes were up an estimated 9% in 2005, craft beer the fastest growing segment of the US beverage alcohol industry for the second consecutive year, according to the Brewers Association. The BA estimates 2005 sales by craft brewers at 7,112,886 barrels, up from an adjusted total of 6,526,809 barrels in 2004, an increase of 586,077 barrels or 8.1 million case-equivalents. By comparison, spirits volume was up 3.3% in 2005, wine volume was up 2.9%, imports were up