What Is Craft Beer's Tipping Point?

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The Brewers Association's announcement last month that craft beer sales were up across the board is certainly good news for beer lovers.  Included in that report was the news that there are currently 1,790 breweries in the US and there are 725 new ones in the works.

I'm all for more beer and more variety, but I'm starting to wonder what the craft beer tipping point is in terms of how fast can the craft market share grow compared to the ever-growing number of people making beer.  There's already extreme competition for shelf space at retailers and if the amount of craft beer being produced is going to outgrow demand in the next few years, it means that a decent number of breweries aren't going to make it.  That'll be too bad as I'm sure all the beer being produced is quality product.

Of course I'd love for the market to just switch and say, "Oh, there's more craft beer, so forget macro-brew" and take over 30-40% of beer sales. But, it isn't likely to happen, and best case not in the next few years.

Best of luck to the new breweries, and I do hope there's enough room for all the great beer!