20 to Watch in RI in 2020: RI Craft Beer Industry
GoLocalProv Business Team
20 to Watch in RI in 2020: RI Craft Beer Industry
In Rhode Island, the industry grew from one or two to more than two dozen craft breweries and the collective group is continuing to see new additions.
But for the first time last year, the industry saw its first chink when one of the industries poster boys for craft beer industry Nick Garrison of Foolproof Brewing Company announced that his company was for sale.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Hey everyone, some news to share with you all today. First off, don't worry – we're still brewing and selling delicious beer. These are complicated and difficult times for the beer industry, and it's time for a change for me and my family,” wrote Garrison.
2020 will be a critical year for the industry to demonstrate maturity and continued growth.
There are big plans on the table with Narragansett Brewery scheduled to open a new facility along the waterfront at India Point Park in the Fox Point section of Providence. And, Shaidzon Beer Company in West Kingston is continuing to look to expand.
Jennifer Brinton of Gray Sail Brewing told GoLocal in December, “I think the culture of drinking locally is expanding — I think more consumers are getting on board and are supporting [local breweries]. There are a ton of new breweries and some that are closing. I’ve felt for a few years now that it’s been a lot of new entries and have been waiting to see if the market will bear it. I think it remains to be seen.”
“I think [the craft brew industry] will continue to contract for a little while. The brewers association put out data [recently] that more breweries closed than opened. Rhode Island has always been behind the curve, we're always playing catch up,” said Brinton.
While Grey Sail is nearing its eight-year mark, Derek Luke with Newport Craft Brewing is celebrating his 20th year in the business.
“It’s an industry with ADHD — and as someone who has [ADHD], it’s not necessarily a bad thing. We just heard here about a brewery who says that their flagship [beer] changes every year. I have a bunch of unfinished projects. I see what’s happening, and it’s exciting, that brewers are trying to do new things. The quality and uniqueness now versus five years ago is much better,” said Luke, who started his company just out of college.