In a recent analysis of craft distillers conducted by the Wine & Spirits Daily, 97% of distillers who were surveyed are projecting growth for 2016. Most companies expect between 10%-40% for the year but a large bulk of the thirty craft distillers who responded to the survey are projecting between 40%-100% growth. While half of the distillers reported investment of less than $500,000 for capacity growth, 20% of respondents project spending between $500,000 to $1 million, 13% projected between $1 million and $5 million, and one responder estimated between $5 million and $10 million.
Although big spirit corporations are the strongest competitor in the crafts category, most of the survey responders would still be open to exploring a relationship with a larger supplier. Over 60% of distillers responded they would be receptive to a partnership or acquisition. A smaller percentage of distillers (28%) were not open to the possibility of working with a larger supplier.
Source: Wine & Spirits Daily