Catalan craft beer: a story of success and high quality

Date

Catalan craft beer is undergoing a revolution: although Europe's oldest beer remains, from 6,400 years ago, were found in Barcelona, it is 17 years since Catalonia set out on a path towards revaluing this ancient drink. Inspired by the long traditions of other countries, Catalan craft brewers have managed to create a new high-quality product that has captivated the public: many consumers can no longer imagine 'going for a beer' without being able to choose a craft one.

Year after year, Catalan craft beer has racked up numerous successes. Today 109 breweries produce 1,058 styles, amounting to 4.77 million litres, 20% more than the previous year. Its market value reaches €43 million, representing 1.8% of the mainstream beer share in our country. Its strong commitment to excellence has led several breweries to win notable awards, be invited to international competitions and receive well-deserved recognition from experts and consumers abroad, where 18% of its production is exported.

Trends

Catalan craft breweries have done special work with the New England IPA style. The connection between product and territory is another constant confirmed in the craft beer sector: 43% of Catalan beers are aged in old red, white or sweet wine barrels, or even spirit barrels, to achieve different fermentations and to give them woody aromas and a distinctive character linked to our gastronomic heritage.

The choice of native raw materials is considerable, currently at 38% of all Catalan craft beers; specifically 11 use local malts and 18 local hops. As for R&D, research focuses precisely on hops, since they are responsible for giving a unique character to the most sought-after beer styles.

Meet a pioneer: Mikel Rius, founder of the Barcelona Beer Festival

How did this Catalan craftsman begin his journey?

It all began with the curiosity of a group of beer enthusiasts who formed the Hummulus Lupulus association some 25 years ago. We organised activities to learn home brewing, explored beers from other countries and decided to create a sector that would make the beer we wanted to find in Catalonia.

What advantages do your products have compared with other brands on the market? 

Until now very little was said in our country about the ingredients and techniques used to produce a beer. Our sector has managed to highlight the product itself and underline the importance of every element inside a glass of craft beer.

Which countries are the biggest consumers? 

The main buyers of Catalan craft beer are England, Italy, France, Sweden and China.

How has consumption changed over the years? 

Craft beer has been drunk in Catalonia since 1993. In the early years consumption was anecdotal because there were very few producers. The most significant change came 15 years ago, when we can start speaking of a sector with substantial activity. New breweries appeared, others consolidated and specialist retail outlets opened. Even the mainstream beer industry has understood that craft beer was capturing the public's attention and has designed its own products. In short, the sector's steady growth has been accompanied by growth in consumption that has never stopped.

How has Catalan craft beer positioned itself beyond our borders? 

The delicious beers the breweries make have been the best calling card outside Catalonia. The international outlook of the Barcelona Beer Festival has also helped: we invite buyers and experts from other countries and contact media worldwide to try to put our country's craft beer scene on the map.