Craft Beer Barometer in Catalonia, 2021 data

Welcome to the last Beer Republic post of the year! 

In these last few weeks, we have received the study coordinated by two of the most important and authoritative voices in the beer sector in our country, the Craft Beer Cluster and the Barcelona Beer Festival, who have presented the “2021 Craft Beer Barometer in Catalonia”, a study that gathers all craft beer activity in 2021, from agricultural aspects to the final consumer. It aims to highlight and advocate for craft beer as a creator and generator of wealth.

The truth is that this study leaves a good taste in the mouth. After some very tough years for everything and everyone, it is capable of showing that, little by little, the brewing industry in Catalonia is recovering.
It is true that it has not yet reached the record levels of 2019, but compared to 2020, production has risen by 20%.

(Source: 2021 Craft Beer Barometer in Catalonia)

We are also glad to know that the beer market share has grown significantly.

In Catalonia, in 2021 there were 103 active craft beer producers. Will they have grown in 2022?

(Source: 2021 Craft Beer Barometer in Catalonia)

The fact that the brewing industry is recovering is very positive because it generates new dynamics and synergies with other sectors, such as agriculture, the retail sector, or the tourism sector, among others.

Beer tourism has meant that more and more breweries are opening their doors to the final customer to share their work, their activities, and the value chain of their final product; in this way, they also offer services related to gastronomy, for example, by creating TapRooms, which are bars located within the brewery itself.

As for the product, the beers, in 2021 1,143 different craft beers were made, distinguishing between fixed-range beers and special editions.

We find it interesting to highlight that Catalan breweries are now using local raw materials more than ever, which increases the product's self-esteem and value, and also promotes a more sustainable model, opting for quality, local products.

Faced with this, craft beer consumers in Catalonia—who, by the way, are becoming more knowledgeable, aware, and expert on the subject every year—respond in a very positive, resounding, and passionate way.

You can consult the full report here.

Happy 2023!

Cheers and good beer!