The national craft and independent beer market is gaining more and more followers, with current consumption around 50 million liters per year. The gradual and constant growth over the last few years can be explained by several factors. On the one hand, the rise of a more demanding consumer profile, who values the quality of the raw materials used and the local production character that breweries like Althaia imprint on our products. On the other hand, the access and ease of purchase that the internet provides to lovers of good beer, in addition to a growing interest from independent distributors in bringing the characteristics of craftbeers to the general public.
A recent study published by Informa's DBK Sectoral Observatory reveals that the number of craft breweries continues to increase in the national market, with 511 companies registered in April 2018, which is 34 more than in April 2017.
ALTHAIA QUALITY ABROAD
Our Althaia beers have also experienced gradual and constant growth in recent years, consolidating the brand through both physical and online sales in markets such as the Valencian Community, Madrid, and Catalonia, among others. This consolidated national growth now allows us to look abroad with the aim of reaching more markets outside our borders, a process of internationalization of Althaia quality. This leap abroad has been possible thanks to our presence at fairs such as BrauBeviale in Nuremberg, with an attendance of 40,000 visitors in its last edition and where different professionals were able to taste our beers.
The list of medals and distinctions obtained in internationally influential events and competitions such as the Barcelona Beer Festival, the most important beer festival in Southern Europe, has also greatly contributed to endorsing the quality of our beers abroad. Three bronze medals and one silver obtained in the 2016 edition; two silvers and two golds achieved in 2017, and two more silver medals in the 2018 call make us today the most awarded brewery in the Valencian Community.
All of this has allowed Althaia beers to be found today in markets such as France, Italy, Germany, Norway, and Denmark, and in the midst of an internationalization process to bring our brand to new countries, always hand in hand with local distributors with whom we share brewing values, respect for traditional production, and who are capable of conveying our philosophy to their public.
NEXT DESTINATION: RIMINI
Our next international event will take place at Beer Attraction in Rimini, Italy, a renowned international fair that will celebrate its fifth edition from February 16 to 19. We will have our own stand there where more than 22,000 visitors and distributors from more than 20 countries will taste and get to know the complete range of Althaia beers firsthand. Pay special attention to our social media during those dates because we will tell you about our experience live!