As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have been closely following the situation with Miller Genuine Draft (MGD) and the challenges it has been facing in recent years. It is indeed true that MGD has become increasingly difficult to find, and there are several factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
1. Declining Sales: The significant drop in MGD sales, with a staggering 56 percent decrease between 2007 and 2012, is a key reason why it is becoming harder to find. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including changing consumer preferences and the rise of craft beer. As more people seek out unique and flavorful brews, mass-produced beers like MGD have struggled to maintain their market share.
2. Production Plant Closure: The closure of the first ever Miller Genuine Draft production plant in September further exacerbates the scarcity of this beer. When a production facility shuts down, it directly impacts the availability of the product. With the permanent closure of this plant, the production capacity for MGD will be significantly reduced, making it even harder to find.
3. Overturned Semi Incident: Another incident that contributed to the scarcity of MGD was the unfortunate accident in July where a semi carrying 60,000 pounds of expired Genuine Draft overturned on a highway outside Denver. This incident not only resulted in a loss of inventory but also caused disruptions in the distribution of MGD to retailers. It takes time to recover from such incidents and resume normal production and distribution.
4. Consumer Preferences: As mentioned earlier, changing consumer preferences also play a role in the scarcity of MGD. With the craft beer movement gaining momentum, many beer enthusiasts are seeking out unique and flavor-forward options. Craft breweries offer a wide range of styles and flavors, providing consumers with a more diverse and exciting beer-drinking experience. This shift in preferences has impacted the demand for mass-produced beers like MGD, leading to reduced availability.
5. Limited Distribution: MGD has also faced challenges in terms of its distribution network. While it was once widely available across the United States, there has been a shift towards focusing on certain regions or markets where the demand for MGD remains relatively higher. This limited distribution strategy may have been implemented to optimize resources and ensure that the beer reaches its target audience effectively. However, for consumers outside these selected regions, it becomes increasingly difficult to find MGD.
To sum it up, the scarcity of MGD can be attributed to declining sales, the closure of production plants, incidents like the overturned semi, changing consumer preferences, and limited distribution. These factors have all contributed to the challenges in finding this particular beer. As a result, beer enthusiasts who have a fondness for MGD may need to put in more effort to locate it or consider exploring other beer options that align with their preferences.