As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have closely followed the craft beer industry and its growth over the years. When it comes to determining the largest craft brewery, there are a few factors to consider, such as sales volume, production capacity, and ownership.
Based on sales volume, the Brewers Association ranks Craft Brew as the ninth largest beer brewing company in the United States. In 2015, Craft Brew recorded sales of approximately 824,400 barrels. However, it's important to note that this ranking is based on sales volume alone.
When considering production capacity, Craft Brew has an annual working capacity of approximately 1,075,000 barrels. This indicates the potential for increased production and growth in the future.
In November 2019, it was announced that Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the largest beer conglomerates in the world, has agreed to fully acquire Craft Brew Alliance in 2020. This acquisition has the potential to significantly impact the positioning of Craft Brew in terms of size and resources.
It's worth mentioning that the definition of a craft brewery can vary depending on who you ask. The Brewers Association defines a craft brewery as small, independent, and traditional. They have set specific criteria, such as an annual production limit of 6 million barrels and less than 25% ownership by a non-craft brewery, to determine eligibility for membership.
However, there has been some debate within the craft beer community about the impact of acquisitions and ownership on the definition of a craft brewery. Some argue that once a brewery is acquired by a larger company, it loses its “craft” status, while others believe that it's possible for a brewery to maintain its craft identity despite being owned by a larger entity.
In my personal experience, I have seen both sides of this debate. I have witnessed small, independent breweries that have grown and expanded their production capacity while staying true to their craft roots. On the other hand, I have also seen breweries that have been acquired by larger companies and have experienced changes in their brewing practices and brand identity.
Ultimately, the question of who is the largest craft brewery is not a straightforward one. It depends on how you define “craft” and which criteria you use to measure size and success. The acquisition of Craft Brew Alliance by Anheuser-Busch InBev further adds complexity to this question. Only time will tell how this acquisition will impact the craft beer landscape and the perception of what it means to be a craft brewery.