In 2019, Vermont’s 68 breweries had $366 million in economic impact. Vermont brewers capture international accolades and are a powerful force for Vermont’s food reputation, attracting consumers to Vermont-made beers and to the state itself for brewery tourism. In 2015, an estimated 1.2 million out-of-state brewery visits generated $50 million in non-bar/restaurant expenditures. Vermont brewers often highlight selected local ingredients in specialty brews and/or regularly source local ingredients, although there is room for growing these collaborations to the benefit of both breweries and farmers. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. craft beer industry was experiencing saturation and declining demand. Vermont breweries were not exempt from that trend, and necessary pandemic restrictions are now threatening the survival of Vermont breweries of all sizes. Many breweries are creatively revisiting their business models, packaging, distribution, and marketing and sales strategy.
Read the brief in full on the website here, or download a pdf copy by clicking the "Get Resource" button below.