(AP Photo/Steve Helber - Source Yahoo Finance).

At a time when national beer sales are declining, small and independent breweries have provided a rare bright spot for the industry, growing by nearly 20% in the first half of this year alone.

Co-Owner of Ardent Craft Ales, Kevin O'Leary, takes a sample of Persimmon beer at the facility in Richmond, VA., Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. Ardent Craft Ales is tapping into the Virginia Historical Society’s collections to serve up a 300-year-old beer made with persimmons from a cookbook from the 1700s. The beer recipe is one of several in the society’s collection that provide a glimpse into what Virginians and others were drinking in the 18th century.

“We’re seeing growth all over the country,” said Bart Watson, the group's Chief Economist. “Almost 75% of Americans now live within ten miles of a brewery, so it’s not just one place. We’re seeing dynamic growth in a lot of different markets.”
By definition, craft brewers are small, independent, and local. Each produce fewer than six million barrels a year, and make up just 14% of the larger market share combined.

By definition, craft brewers are small, independent, and local. Each produce fewer than six million barrels a year, and make up just 14% of the larger market share combined.

Still, the micro-brews’ increasing popularity has made regional breweries an attractive buy for big conglomerates Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) and SABMiller, who continue to lose market share to wine and spirits.

Read Full Story at Source (Yahoo Finance)

Are You A Beer Importer or Distributor Looking To Source New Craft Breweries For Your Portfolio. Then Post Your Buying Request Now.