Most Minnesota breweries rebounded in 2021

A number of Minnesota breweries rebounded in 2021 from pandemic-related taproom and restaurant shutdowns.

State of play: Of the ten largest breweries within the state, seven elevated manufacturing in 2021 in comparison with 2020, in accordance with information from the Brewers Affiliation.

Sure, however: Few Minnesota breweries have returned to their pre-pandemic gross sales volumes.

• Of the highest 10, solely Fortress Hazard, Third Avenue Brewhouse, Certainly and Honest State surpassed their 2019 numbers in 2021.
• Surly produced 25,000 fewer barrels in 2021 than in 2019, but it surely did not re-open its huge taproom till June.

Of be aware: Third Avenue, based mostly in Chilly Spring, is a contract brewer, making beer for different manufacturers, in addition to a few of its personal, together with Minnesota Gold Lager.

What’s subsequent: The affiliation’s Bart Watson, who compiled the information, says 2022 is producing combined outcomes and progress projected close to 4-5%.

• Inflation on the price of uncooked items, significantly grain, is hurting the trade. So is competitors from different alcohol merchandise, comparable to canned cocktails and seltzers.

Between the traces: Many breweries might by no means return to the great outdated days of 2019 as a result of competitors retains rising regardless of a slowdown within the explosion of craft beer consumption.