Dogfish Head moved down a spot in an annual ranking of the nation’s largest craft brewers.
The list from the Brewers Association ranked the Milton-based company in the 13th spot, down from 12th a year earlier.
Dogfish has grown by expanding its nationwide sales territory after existing a few states earlier in the decade, due to limited capacity. At the same time, it has worked to avoid dependence on one brand like its top seller 60 Minute IPA while avoiding aggressive discounting in a market with slow growth.
Dogfish Head continues to emphasize its “off-centered” strategy that includes limited edition brews and relationships with bands like the Grateful Dead and Flaming Lips.
Dogfish is a moving into distilled beverages, a fast-growing market. By contrast, the craft beer market has slowed down, with big brewers buying up craft brands.
The brewer has a hit on its hands with its SeaQuench sour, a beer with a lower calorie count than its other offerings. Dogfish Head plans to roll out a “fitness beer” this year with a calorie total that rivals hot selling Michelob Ultra.
Dogfish Head avoided the strategy of larger craft beer rivals operating more than one brewery. Instead, it has expanded the Delaware brewery.
The largest craft brewer is Delaware favorite Yuengling. The Pottsville, PA brewer remains under family ownership. Craft brands acquired by mega brewers (one example is Chicago-based Goose Island) do not qualify for the craft beer list.
