Here’s a quick 2021 business recap for Michigan’s Short’s Brewing

Last year was a good year, at least for Short’s Brewing Co. 2021 marked another year of growth for the brewery, after the pandemic pushed sales to record numbers in 2020. From its Bellaire Pub and Elk Rapids Pull Barn to its distribution network, 2021 ended positive with distribution sales to the market specifically up 2.3 percent. The brewery (including Short’s Brewing brands and Starcut Cider brands) ended the year with an overall production volume of 52,986 bbls, a 3.9 percent increase from 2020.

That increase was largely due to Local’s Light, its Premium Light Lager which grew 35 percent as a brand throughout its distribution footprint. In 2020 Local’s Light package sales beat 2019 sales, which was no surprise, however package sales saw an additional 20 percent growth over 2020 numbers. 12-packs led this charge, but the brand’s 24-pack SKU, introduced in 2020, took off in 2021.

Short’s two classic flagship brands, Soft Parade and Huma Lupa Licious IPA, were not able to beat 2020 package numbers, however, their draft volumes were much closer to 2019 setting up the brewery for a successful growth path in 2022.

“It was very exciting to end 2021 with positive growth because our distributor partners and sales reps [AKA Liberators] worked very hard to beat 2020 pantry loading numbers through new marketing programs and flagship brand focus. Local’s Light was a key growth factor for us, but our dry cider, Pulsar, from our Starcut Cider brand helped push our growth into the green. I am looking forward to seeing both Local’s Light and Pulsar stand out in their respective categories and continue to gain market share this year,” stated Pauline Knighton-Prueter, sales officer for Short’s.

Outside of the craft beverage world, Short’s is making good on their mission to help good humans lead awesome lives and is in the process of finalizing plans for a mixed-use development in its hometown of Bellaire, Mich. It will feature ground-level businesses and workforce housing. Short’s is currently seeking anchor businesses to fill the space.

Located in the heart of downtown Bellaire, Mich., Short’s Brewing Co. was established in 2004 by Joe Short. In 2009, Short’s began keg and bottle distribution in Michigan via its Elk Rapids Production Facility. The brewery is known widely for its flagship and experimental brews including Soft Parade, Local’s Light, and Huma Lupa Licious. Short’s prides themselves on producing fearlessly creative beers, handmade by people who care in Northern Michigan.

Short’s Brewing Co. also has a passion for beverage innovation and created Starcut Ciders in 2014 and Beaches Hard Seltzer in 2019. Both brands push the boundaries of ingredients  and  fermentation innovation to create unique, premium beverages.