It’s Not Just Nuts And Twigs Anymore
Organic beer is starting to gain in popularity jumping from $9 million in sales in 2003 to $19 million in 2005. And in a sure sign of the product's growth potential, Anheuser-Busch has entered the market, test marketing two different brands.
PORTLAND, Maine - Organic ales, lagers and pilsners are increasingly squeezing their way into retail coolers alongside non-organic beers. When Jon Cadoux launched his line of ales under the Peak Organic label this spring, he figured making them organic would distinguish them from the multitude of other beers on the market. At the same time, he wanted to put out a product he says is healthier for people and the planet.
Cadoux, founder of Peak Organic Brewing Co., says people are embracing organic foods as they become more educated about what they put into their bodies. He views his organic beer, which is brewed in Portland, as a step back to the past.
"Organic is not a new movement," said Cadoux, who is based in Burlington, Mass. "Our grandparents grew up eating organic foods, although it wasn't called that."
While organic beer sales are still minuscule in the overall beer industry, they are rising fast. North American sales of organic beers grew from $9 million in 2003 to $19 million in 2005, according to the Organic Trade Association.
Organic beer has even drawn the attention of the nation's largest beer company, Anheuser-Busch, which is now producing two organic beers of its own. Those beers, Wild Hop lager and Stone Mill pale ale, are being sold in several test markets nationwide.
To meet government standards, the products must contain at least 95% ingredients grown with no chemicals or pesticides.
By FrauBudgie, Monday, 10 July , 2006 @ 4:32 pm
But I suppose ETOH, or C2H5OH, would be okay though … ?