Some of it we've absorbed, some of it we found new efficiencies on how we do this better,' he said.īut with each pour, each glass, each challenge, brewers are looking for new solutions for the product they hope brings people together. 'We have had to re-evaluate what we're doing as far as the products. So far, he said they haven't had to increase the price, but explains in today's environment, it's harder to forecast the future. 'For us, the top three things - gas prices, shipping and tourism,' Dahm said.

Pete Beach, Matthew Dahm runs a local craft brewery, Mastry's Brewing Co. Most of the increase has occurred in the last two months as brewers are starting to see that supply chain challenge, but that's going to vary a lot by the brewer,' Watson said. 'What we're seeing in the consumer price index right now is that beer prices are up about 4% year over year. That may mean some brewers have touch choices between their prices and margins.

'Any one of these factors probably wouldn't lead to the level of price increases we're seeing, but you have COVID disruptions, changes in demand, climate change, war in Ukraine and you add them all together, and it's just a really challenging environment for any small business, but particularly brewers,' Watson said. Watson said right now the brewing industry is in flux. 'It's really unfortunately been a perfect storm,' said the organization's chief economist, Bart Watson, Ph.D. But like other industries and consumers, the effects of the supply chain and inflation are a focus. Depending on the malt, it's going to be anywhere from 25 to 60%,' he said.Ĭraft brewing is still a growth business, up 8% on nearly 25 million barrels produces, according to the Brewers Association. We think we'll get those quotes, it's just how bad is it going to be. 'We've had suppliers who have refused to quote us while looking at prices and looking at contracts simply because it was too expensive. He's looking at the cost of cans, he says up 20% to 30%, and eying where the grain goes. Govoni describes factors like labor, freight, packaging, raw material. 'I think every business has been tough the past couple of years and like I said before, we touch every part of the economy.' 'Oh it absolutely costs more to make our product today, yes,' said Govoni. He's the president of the growing brewing company.īut the cost of the craft today means the country's some 9,100 craft brewers pay more for the things that go into making it. 'I think what makes craft beer so special is it's the epitome of community,' said LJ Govoni. Just like people at home are feeling the squeeze of higher costs, so too are your local brewers.Ĭan after can is pushed through, boxed up and shipped out of Big Storm Brewing Co.

Rising storm brewery