While California craft struggles, Saint Archer is on a roll.
Saint Archer case volume in California is up 66 percent for the last 13 weeks ended 5/27, according to Nielsen grocery data.
This double-digit clip makes Saint Archer the fastest-growing brand among the top 20 craft brewers that compete in the state.
Brad Nadal, vice president of sales and marketing for Saint Archer, said:
“Saint Archer’s growth is a clear indicator of the strength of the brand, combined with increased brand activation and execution across the state by our team and our wholesaler partners.”
Saint Archer’s performance contrasts sharply with the overall California craft market as well as that of the leading brewers.
California craft sales declined 6 percent during the period, according to Nielsen.
The top 20 craft brewers that compete in California saw their volume slip by 8 percent overall, according to Nielsen.
Twelve of the top 20 are declining, according to Nielsen. Sierra Nevada, the No. 1 craft in California supermarkets, is down 5.6 percent. Blue Moon is down 11.8 percent, Ballast Point is down 13.4 percent, New Belgium is down 17.1 percent and Samuel Adams is down 35.4 percent.
Other growers include Lagunitas, Firestone Walker, Stone, Bear Republic, North Coast, Hangar 24 and Leinenkugel’s, according to Nielsen.
MillerCoors acquired Saint Archer in 2015.