German "craft" beer chain Bierothek is insolvent. Translated: Bamberger Bierothek ist insolvent - Rettungsmaßnahmen laufen https://www.infranken.de/lk/bamberg...solvent-rettungsmassnahmen-laufen-art-6342811
I've popped into the one in Bamberg. They sold an interesting mix of German "craft" (aka. American-style) beers along with actual US imports and stuff from Belgium, the UK, Mexico, etc. Business was pretty brisk at the time, but that was also 7-8 years ago. The interesting thing was that the guy running the place was also a brewer, David Hertl: https://www.braumanufaktur-hertl.de/
I hope Bierothek's insolvency doesn't impact the Brewery. I visit there on most trips to Germany and really like the crew working there!
Considering the dominant standard distribution practice in Germany this really isn't a huge surprise. When I think back about the massive momentum required to hit the numbers in the US - which we only achieved due to the sheer numbers of craft players combined with the local tastings, beer fests, etc to get to where we ended up (10% of beer $$) - it was pretty impressive. Let's be honest to simply say that craft beer was VERY TRENDY and gained a lot of fans over the last 15 years. For us Germanicos (a term I just created) we always knew that Germany is already in a semi craft world (at least south of Hessen haha). Every Bavarian area has their local brewery. Collectively I think we all believe that's a GREAT THING. So where does this go from here? Personally I still believe that a Hausbrauerei or a local player who makes great beer has the best chances of survival. I will always seek out any local players in any area (beer, wine, spirits, food, etc) no matter where I travel. Hope you do too.
Just for clarification, current stats have "craft beer" at 25%ish of total beer $$$ and about 13% of total volume. And, if I'm reading the stats correctly, that doesnt include the beer sold by breweries like Bells, New Belgium, Lagunitas, and Goose Island that are owned by "non craft" brands.
