Beer industry analyst makes predictions for 2012
Craft beers will continue to driving beer growth and take share within the category, to the tune of maintaining double digit growth. However, 2012 will be the year that we see in bas relief that demand isn’t the problem — it’s supply. We really are going to see capacity constraints create shortages. Sierra Nevada and New Belgium will break grounds on new eastern breweries, but they won’t come online for some time. The winners will be those who can supply the beer. I suspect more breweries will withdraw from markets.
via Beer Business Daily.
I can’t help but think of Nostradamus when I read that…
Just a small nit, but I think Harry is more of a journalist than an analyst (and I don’t think he would disagree).
I think he offers a lot of editorial which is a form of analysis. At least from the few pieces that I’ve seen, I’d say it is pretty equal. But he definitely wears both hats.
You have to remember who his audience is. A good portion would probably consider that tidbit earth shattering news.
“Earth shattering”? I can’t imagine too many of his readers being wildly surprised at a prediction of, basically, “more of the same.” These are people spending lots of money to get the information about the brands they own/carry. Think you’ve got it right Adam in Facebook post for this one: “fairly obvious,” plus “nutty” M&As. (And if we’re being nit-picky: “to driving”? I ask you!)