PHILADELPHIA - The Pennsylvania Craft Beer Industry continues to flourish. Pennsylvania ranks at the top in most beer-related categories. This includes the number of gallons produced per 21-year-old, the number of craft breweries per capita, and the economic impact of the brewing industry.
With its growing number of breweries, Pennsylvania has become an exciting place to live and do business. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the craft beer industry in Pennsylvania has adapted. Before the pandemic, only four of the state's breweries shipped their products to their customers. By the time the disease spread, there were already 40 brewing businesses shipping their wares. During the pandemic, more people were hesitant to go out and purchase their beer. They wanted their drinks delivered to their homes.
PA Craft Beer Boom
Pennsylvania is experiencing a significant economic boost with this growing number of craft breweries. In 2017, over 400 independent breweries were in the state, rolling out more than 3 million barrels of beer. That's more than 10 gallons of beer produced per adult resident. In 2017, the craft beer industry in Pennsylvania generated $58 million in economic impact, which was an all-time high. In addition to the booming craft beer industry, Pennsylvania is also a prime location for visiting a brewery.
As the craft-beer industry continues to grow, the number of breweries is exploding. More than 108 craft breweries were operating in Pennsylvania in a single year, ranking it seventh in the nation. This growth is part of the national trend of independent brewing, which is fueling the growth of the craft beer industry. And the number of breweries in Pennsylvania continues to grow. But the state is just getting started. There are more than a few more ways to support this movement.
PA Craft Beer History
The Pennsylvania Craft Beer Industry has a strong history. The country's first breweries were established in the late 1800s and remain popular today. As the craft brewing industry has risen in popularity, the state has benefited economically. There are two distinct craft brewing communities in Pennsylvania: one is focused on the West and the East. The state's economy is strong, and an abundance of resources is needed to meet craft brew demand.
The Pennsylvania Craft Beer Industry has a rich history of brewing. George Washington brewed beer for his troops at Valley Forge, and German immigrants introduced the lager to North America. The 19th-century brewer Frederick Lauer, an important figure in the brewing industry, is commemorated with a statue in Reading. In 2016, the United States Brewers' Association donated $25,000 to restore the statue.
PA Craft Beer and The Economy
Combined with the tourism generated by the craft-brewing industry, beer-lovers in Pennsylvania will drink more beer than their neighbors. The booming sector will also create more jobs. Its craft beer industry is worth billions, and it's not hard to see why.
A new study by Penn State Extension finds that craft brewers purchase locally grown products. Apples, blueberries, and pumpkins are among the most popular ingredients for Pennsylvania craft breweries. The state's craft-brewing industry is estimated to be worth $5.8 billion in 2016, while California's craft-brewing sector generated $7.7 billion in 2016. The industry is a vital part of the economy in Pennsylvania, and it supports many other industries.
