Ohio Ranks As One of Top Beer States in Nation

Ohio microbreweries saw significant growth in 2013, making it one of the top states for beer distribution and consumption in the country. And the trend doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.

Jason Edwards, the Director of Craft and Specialty Brands for Superior Beverage Group, one of the largest beer and wine distributors in Ohio, said he sees a continuation in the red-hot craft beer industry, especially in the state.

“Ohio is 7th largest state for beer consumption in the country,” Edwards said. “It’s attractive to brewers.”

How attractive? Last year, Ohio added more than 30 breweries, bringing the total to over 100.

According to the Beer Institute, Ohio shipped 8,153,103 barrels of beer in 2012. Beer is big business in Ohio, too, with a total economic impact of $10.01 billion and 82,730 industry-related jobs.

With more that 600 associates representing 475 wine and beer brands, Superior Beverage Group delivers to more than 11,000 retailers in Ohio.

“There are a couple of hot trends, including anything local to the state of Ohio.” Edwards said. “Everyone is trying to support what is local.”

IPAs and seasonal beers are especially popular, he said.

Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio’s three largest markets, all have top craft beer producers: Great Lakes in Cleveland, the Columbus Brewing Company and Rivertown Brewing Company in Cincinnati.

“Cleveland has the highest market share for craft beers in the Midwest,” Edwards said. “It’s continuing to grow. It has a lot has to do with consumers looking for high quality products. A lot of consumers are looking to experiment with new flavors. Craft beers were limited in the past.”

Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Brewing Company.

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