Homebrew sales hop 10 percent in 2013, results of AHA survey

There was considerable growth in new shop openings, with 37 percent of respondents indicating they have been open for three years or less. Photo credit: Brewers Association

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) released the results of its fifth annual Homebrew Supply Shop Survey, detailing the current state of the home beer and wine supply retail industry. Examining data from 408 shops across 48 states, the survey — which had a 48 percent increase in participants from last year’s report — found that gross revenue grew for shops on average by 10 percent in 2013.

“Homebrewing is on the rise, both as a hobby and a business,” said American Homebrewers Association Director Gary Glass. “With the U.S. now home to some 1.2 million homebrewers, supply shops are experiencing solid growth. The growth in homebrew supply businesses means it is easier than ever for Americans to get into the hobby of homebrewing.”

Survey highlights include:

Homebrew Beginners: There was a 24 percent increase in sales of beginner homebrew equipment kits. Beginner kits were most commonly purchased by 30 to 39 year olds.
Revenue Brewing: For shops that primarily sell homebrew supplies, gross revenue grew on average by 10.5 percent in 2013. Additionally, the survey found that nearly 36 percent of businesses see homebrew/home winemaking supplies as a supplemental source of income, meaning a growing number of businesses are adding sales of home beer and wine making supplies to their existing portfolio.
Opening Doors: There was considerable growth in new shop openings, with 37 percent of respondents indicating they have been open for three years or less. Furthermore, more than 60 percent of shops reported seeing a new shop open in their area in 2013.
Beer vs. Wine: Sales of beer ingredients outpaced wine ingredients among home beverage supply retailers, with an average of 35 percent of retail revenue coming from beer ingredients versus 21 percent from wine ingredients.

The full report contains additional information on customer demographics, marketing and sales. Results demonstrated significant advancement in several areas monitored by the survey, including gross revenue, store openings and beginner equipment sales, indicating a growth in the industry. The AHA conducts this survey every year to provide homebrewers and supply retailers with the latest industry information.