Food, beverage sectors robust; full potential yet to be tapped
Colorado’s diverse food, beverage and craft breweries play an important role in the vitality of the state. Companies in the food, beverage and craft brewing industry include all types of food processing businesses, encompassing everything from meat packing plants, bakeries and tortilla manufacturing to companies that produce cheese, breakfast foods, pet food, bread and baked goods. The industry also includes manufacturers of malt beverages, wines, distilled liquors, bottled drinks and ice products.
Colorado maintains a strong reputation for food production and is a leading producer of organic and natural foods and specialty products, including fresh market potatoes, barley, cantaloupe, lettuce, potatoes, sweet corn and winter wheat. Nearly half of Colorado’s 66 million acres are farms and ranches, and Colorado agribusinesses contribute $40 billion to the state’s economy annually.
During the summer months, Colorado’s fresh fruits, vegetables and other products are sold at more than 100 farmers’ markets across the state. Additionally, Colorado is a leader in dairy production and the number of cattle and lambs fed. The state is also recognized for its meat processing technology and leadership in animal welfare. Colorado food exports totaled over $1.4 billion in 2013, a critical driver of the state’s economy.
Colorado is a major destination for beverage lovers. The beverage industry is concentrated along the Front Range, with three large breweries, one large soft drink manufacturer and numerous microbreweries, wineries and distilleries. More than 10 percent of the nation’s craft breweries can be found in Colorado, and the state is home to over 170 craft breweries, including New Belgium Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company, Avery Brewing Company and many others.
Colorado’s craft breweries contributed $826 million to the state’s economy in 2013. Further, the state is expanding its international craft beer presence and exported more than 9,360 barrels to international destinations, tripling the amount exported in 2012.
Colorado’s nearly 110 wineries and more than 50 craft distilleries have significant growth potential. Colorado is home to two federal designated American Viticultural Areas: the Grand Valley between Palisade and Grand Junction, and the West Elks between Paonia and Hotchkiss. Together, these regions produce 90 percent of the wine grapes grown in Colorado. The Front Range, Delta and Montrose counties, the Rocky Mountains, Grand Valley and the Four Corners comprise the five distinct wine regions in Colorado. Colorado’s wineries contribute $144 million to the state’s economy annually.
Almost every Colorado town celebrates its finest homegrown food, beverage and craft beer. The Great American Beer Festival in Denver is the largest commercial beer competition in the world, and attendees can sample more than 1,800 different beers.
A Taste of Colorado features a weekend-long-food-lovers’ delight of more than 50 area food establishments, and the Denver International Wine Festival celebrates more than 400 wines and specialty cuisine.
The Food and Wine Classic in Aspen is a premier culinary event, while the BBQ Challenge in Frisco, the Crested Butte Wine and Food Festival and the Mesa Verde Country Food, Wine & Art Festival celebrate local food and wine.
Colorado’s high-quality workforce, manufacturing know-how, agricultural resources and increasing demand for high-quality food will continue to support the food, beverage and craft beer industry. The industry is well poised for growth and offers untapped potential.
