Is craft beer a fad? Consumers in this DSM Global Insights report say no (and what's driving their choices)

craft beer consumer tastes — Craft beer is trending big with disembodied hands.

Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials, published a new report in its Global Insights Series that indicates the consumer demand for craft beer is not likely to slow down anytime soon. I mean, I don’t know if we needed them to tell us that, but it’s still nice to hear, especially with the scope of the survey. The report, which surveyed 3,300 consumers in seven countries in the Europe and United States, shows that four in five craft beer drinkers don’t believe craft beer is a passing fad. Some 80 percent said they would continue trying new brands of beer.

The market for craft beer has grown enormously in recent years, most notably here in the United States where consumption of craft beer has increased by 500 percent and quadrupled its market share in the past decade. Meanwhile, in Europe, craft beer consumption is set to soar, with a projected 11 percent CAGR in the next few years, and the market is picking up in Central and South America as well. DSM’s new report looks at what’s driving this trend for consumers and how brewers can think about the future of craft beer. You can take a look at the full thing here.

“DSM’s consumer research shows there is tremendous promise for the craft beer market, mostly due to the enthusiasm of craft beer fans” said Joana Carneiro, director of beverages at DSM Food Specialties. “However, the popularity of craft beer, and the demand for unique, authentic and premium beer varieties, presents a new reality for brewers both large and small. In this report, we’re speaking to small brewers who want to keep up with demand while staying true to their vision — and we’re addressing the large brewers who are looking to establish global premium brands.”

Results of DSM’s survey shows that taste remains a key driver in the choice to buy a craft beer, with 75 percent of respondents citing taste above everything else — including price — when they make their purchase decision. Around two-thirds of consumers say they are attracted to craft beer because it is a premium, high-quality product. The same number say they feel drinking craft beer is “more special” than drinking regular beer. Quality, therefore, is becoming the byword of the brewing industry today.

DSM, as a global producer of brewing enzymes, provides brewers with solutions to increase production capacity, performance and yield or shorten processing time to meet demand flexibly, all while producing high-quality, great-tasting beer. DSM’s Brewers Clarex can also be used to create gluten-free and gluten-reduced beer, adding a distinctive product to a brewer’s range.