Is craft beer competition pushing U.S. brewers international?

We’ve been tracking the U.S. exports of craft beer and the trends of overseas brewers who are pushing the boundaries in their own rights. It’s no secret that competition among craft brewers has picked up here in the United States, as the number of craft breweries rapidly dashes past 3,400. While the word “bubble” has floated in and out of the industry for the past year or so, this latest news report from the AFP news agency has a decidedly different spin on craft beer growth: Is craft beer competition pushing U.S. brewers international?

It’s an interesting idea as the battle for shelf space rages across the country. U.S. craft beer exports have seen substantial growth year over year. Anecdotally, several craft brewers, Stone Brewing and Green Flash, have both made moves into the international arena. What do you think? Is making international distribution worth it for a craft brewery? Would it make sense for your brewing business? Sound off in the comments below.