Pacific Plate Brewing Company was named one of the fastest growing small and independent craft breweries by the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent craft brewers. The inaugural list offered insight into the diversity of growth within the craft brewing industry.
“It's a great to be recognized by the BA for the production growth we have been experiencing. Our cans have made it into some great stores in LA and Orange County and we're just getting started. We couldn't have done it without all the people who support us and believe in us.” said Stephen Kooshian, Owner and Brewmaster, Pacific Plate Brewing Co.
Pacific Plate was ranked 26 among 50 small and independent breweries from across 25 states. Median growth from 2016 to 2017 for these breweries was 216 percent; the median size of breweries on the list went from 284 barrels in 2016 to 963 barrels in 2017. These brewing companies represent 5.5 percent of craft’s growth by volume for 2017 and include eight brewpubs, 40 microbreweries and two regional craft breweries.
“With 5 percent growth overall for small and independent brewers in 2017—and microbreweries and brewpubs delivering the majority of that—we wanted to spotlight some of the breweries driving that growth,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “As the growth base for craft becomes more diffuse, these fast growing brewing companies illustrate that a diverse set of success stories still exist.”
Methodology: The list presented includes only small and independent breweries with all of their production at their own facilities. Breweries had to have opened 12/31/2015 or earlier to be considered. It only includes breweries that reported to the Brewers Association’s annual Beer Industry Production Survey; breweries with staff estimates or data from state excise tax reports were not considered. Finally, breweries must have had data from at least three years to be considered.