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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Beer Prices Are Hopping Up

Pricey ingredients, weaker dollar hurt small brewers, while big boys see growth

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(Newser) – Wine's not the only drink that can have a bad year. Beer guzzlers should expect the price of craft brews to rise as much as $1 per six-pack in the coming months, because crucial ingredients—right down to the glass bottle—are more expensive, reports the San Jose Mercury News. Higher freight costs, a poor crop, and a weaker dollar have driven the price of hops up 400%.

The bump won't hurt beer giants like Anheuser-Busch, who sit on a multi-year supply, and that has craft brewers worried. Their segment has seen double-digit growth in the last 3 years, and the price spike raises fears that drinkers will go back to big-name options that cost as little as $6 a six-pack.

Microbreweries have seen double-digit growth in the last three years, but have seen those profits dwindle because of rising costs.
Microbreweries have seen double-digit growth in the last three years, but have seen those profits dwindle because of rising costs.   (Getty Images)
The cost of nationally distributed Sam Adams is expected to go up in response to rising costs of ingredients.
The cost of nationally distributed Sam Adams is expected to go up in response to rising costs of ingredients.   (KRT Photos)
A salesperson reaches in for a bottle of Coors beer in this file photo. Larger breweries are cushioned from price fluctuations affecting craft brewers.
A salesperson reaches in for a bottle of Coors beer in this file photo. Larger breweries are cushioned from price fluctuations affecting craft brewers.   (Associated Press)
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