Craft was the second largest contributor to beer sales by value in the 12 months to end-May, according to CGA by NIQs On Premise Measurement Service.

Distribution points have dropped by 7.7% in the last year, leading to a 2.7% decline in craft beer sales CGA said. An analysis of the craft beer category found that domestic premiums contribute 29.7% of total sales, while imported beer accounts for 21.7%.

CGA by NIQ’s service shows India Pale Ale and Seasonal styles attract the greatest share of the craft beer category, with sales shares of 26.7% and 13.7% respectively. Other popular types include Witbier Belgian Wheat Ale (11.3%), Pale Ale (8.4%) and Amber ager (4.4%).

Craft beer remains most popular in states on the US west coast. It takes 40.2% of total beer sales in California, and is prominent in Washington (33.3%) and Oregon (31.4%) as well. Other US states showing growth in the last 12 months include Louisiana (+3.5%), Pennsylvania (+2.9%) and Tennessee (+2.5%).

“The craft beer market has changed significantly in the last 12 months, and supply tactics that have worked in the past now need to change with the times," said Matthew Compton, CGA by NIQ’s regional director – North America. "However, despite recent challenges this category remains full of opportunities for breweries and suppliers, and achieving an expert understanding of the evolution of consumers’ behavior by style and location is essential to maximizing this potential."