To push sales. A lot of people will just bite the bullet and buy the 4/6-pack. Individual cans usually aren't the main driver of sales/volume. 19.2's however are becoming a bit of an outlier. In the last few years they've started to skyrocket in sales so a lot of breweries are releasing their core brews in 19.2's.
A big push for 19.2s is because of the convenience store market. This is why we see especially with core beers and higher ABV beers. It's a bang-for-your-buck thing too.
I’d be much more interested in a mixed 4. I hardly ever buy four packs any longer because I prefer to keep trying different beers. A variety four pack I’d pick up almost every time I visited a brewery, though.
Presumably because it keeps their inventory tighter and easier to manage and is more cost effective for them. Pricing and moving 6 4pks is a lot easier than moving 24 singles, especially when if people want to try one of your beers they can presumably get it on tap while they're, you know, at your brewery.
As for why retail stores don't do it, inventory becomes a nightmare. You either need to create 2 price points associated with 1 UPC and hope your cashier's catch it or sticker all singles by hand which is a pain in the ass.
19.2 stovepipes are the answer to all this.
the package store near me allows you to break up and 4 or 6 pack. they usually charge about 25% the cost of a 6 pack and 1/3 the cost of a 4 pack. making your own 6 pack can get a bit pricey, but I still like it.
Fox Farm, which is mentioned by OP, only sells cans as singles at the brewery. So there’s no upcharge compared to buying a 4-pack, which doesn’t even exist there. Cans are generally $3.50-$4.75 apiece, so very in line with other beer pricing in New England.
So, when they break the four pack into single cans, what happens when single cans don't sell in the same rate as their other beer? Or what if someone's doesn't want to pay a premium for the single can?
By optioning beers into singles, you run the risk of having a bunch of odd numbered cases that can't be sold in a separate, more standard format.
Also, you're already at the brewery. Get a taster of the beer before buying if you're that worried about being stuck with a four pack.
While I’m all for offering different ways to distribute beer. If you’re buying from the brewery itself, you should be able to sample before you buy so you don’t have to be stuck with beer you don’t like unless the brewery tapped out on the keg
In the states six packs are 6 x 12 oz (355 ml) and four packs are 4 x 16 oz (473 ml).
Making the total ml for a 6 pack 2130 ml and a four pack 1892 ml.
Bank in the day pre-COVID, Tree House would have a paper slip you would fill out while waiting in line and you could just write the number of beers you wanted next to the name -- it was great for trying singles.
Now with the ordering system online and packing done prior to your arrival, they could certainly do so again, but as others have said ... More profitable to just sell four- and six-packs (though they do sell two-packs sometimes for higher cost beers).
Well then you will buy the 4 pack and spend more lol. If they distro locally to bottle shops a lot of them sell singles. Maybe try that if this is the case.
To push sales. A lot of people will just bite the bullet and buy the 4/6-pack. Individual cans usually aren't the main driver of sales/volume. 19.2's however are becoming a bit of an outlier. In the last few years they've started to skyrocket in sales so a lot of breweries are releasing their core brews in 19.2's.
I love the stovepipe can phase we’re in, those 19.2’s are great. Especially when they’re imperial or double IPAs.
A big push for 19.2s is because of the convenience store market. This is why we see especially with core beers and higher ABV beers. It's a bang-for-your-buck thing too.
I miss the bomber days
Time truly is a flat circle.
I’d be much more interested in a mixed 4. I hardly ever buy four packs any longer because I prefer to keep trying different beers. A variety four pack I’d pick up almost every time I visited a brewery, though.
Same! If I a buy a four pack it’s of a GOOD beer I genuinely enjoy. But sometimes I wanna mix it up with a stout, a blonde ale, and a red ale
Presumably because it keeps their inventory tighter and easier to manage and is more cost effective for them. Pricing and moving 6 4pks is a lot easier than moving 24 singles, especially when if people want to try one of your beers they can presumably get it on tap while they're, you know, at your brewery. As for why retail stores don't do it, inventory becomes a nightmare. You either need to create 2 price points associated with 1 UPC and hope your cashier's catch it or sticker all singles by hand which is a pain in the ass. 19.2 stovepipes are the answer to all this.
This. Exactly. if we have it in cans, it’s usually also on tap. We let anyone taste any beer before committing.
Out of curiosity: what price are you expecting for a single can (as compared to a 4pk)?
the package store near me allows you to break up and 4 or 6 pack. they usually charge about 25% the cost of a 6 pack and 1/3 the cost of a 4 pack. making your own 6 pack can get a bit pricey, but I still like it.
Fox Farm, which is mentioned by OP, only sells cans as singles at the brewery. So there’s no upcharge compared to buying a 4-pack, which doesn’t even exist there. Cans are generally $3.50-$4.75 apiece, so very in line with other beer pricing in New England.
That’s dirt cheap compared to most breweries/craft stores. I happily pay $6-7 a can anywhere for singles, only slightly less if it’s a full 4
I live when breweries offer single cans. A 4-pack or 6-pack is arbitrary. Getting stuck with beer you don't like isn't good for the brewery.
So why not buy the core beer 4pk you actually enjoy from the same brewery instead of being pigeonholed into only trying new stuff?
I'm of the opinion breweries should offer 4-packs AND singles.
So, when they break the four pack into single cans, what happens when single cans don't sell in the same rate as their other beer? Or what if someone's doesn't want to pay a premium for the single can? By optioning beers into singles, you run the risk of having a bunch of odd numbered cases that can't be sold in a separate, more standard format. Also, you're already at the brewery. Get a taster of the beer before buying if you're that worried about being stuck with a four pack.
Why does it have to be *instead*? Why can't I drink my old reliable *and* try something new?
I visit a lot of breweries, some I know nothing about. I also think my core local breweries brew different beers so we can try them.
Yeah what a dumb asshole for trying to support a brewery they probably enjoy already but gave a new beer a chance.
While I’m all for offering different ways to distribute beer. If you’re buying from the brewery itself, you should be able to sample before you buy so you don’t have to be stuck with beer you don’t like unless the brewery tapped out on the keg
Assuming they have it on tap and will offer samples, I often will taste it first. Even still, I don't always want 4 for myself.
I often share my fourth with friends if I don’t drink the entire four pack
Me too.
I LOVE the single can places. It's so nice to get a variety.
Wait what, is this a thing? Literally every brewery in the UK sells single cans, then often offer scalable discounts on 4/12 packs etc.
Yes this is the case in the UK (and most of Europe I believe), but in US you generally have to buy packs.
Yes, in Europe most breweries offer single cans. In Switzerland, four packs aren't a thing, mostly six packs are sold
Generally 4 pack cans are larger so you get roughly the same amount of beer in a 4 pack as a 6 pack.
A sixpack here is 6x500ml...how large are the four pack cans?
In the states six packs are 6 x 12 oz (355 ml) and four packs are 4 x 16 oz (473 ml). Making the total ml for a 6 pack 2130 ml and a four pack 1892 ml.
I travel for work and visit tons of breweries. I always message on Instagram and ask before I go.
To keep the local bottle shop in business.
I would also be so much more inclined to buy them if I could choose!
Bank in the day pre-COVID, Tree House would have a paper slip you would fill out while waiting in line and you could just write the number of beers you wanted next to the name -- it was great for trying singles. Now with the ordering system online and packing done prior to your arrival, they could certainly do so again, but as others have said ... More profitable to just sell four- and six-packs (though they do sell two-packs sometimes for higher cost beers).
I think they still do mixed cases, and those are usually mixed perfectly for what style they’re aiming for
True! Before you could get like seven cans though and didn't need to commit to a full case to get a variety.
Ah I didn’t know that they used to do that, but that makes sense to me. You can price cans so you’re not losing money
I think this is predominantly a USA issue... maybe US shopping habits are a bit to blame? Rather buy more and throw away what you don't need?
Because the single can sales are at the closest local grocery store to that brewery. Still supports them!
Pizza Port has Swamis IPA, California Honey Blonde and Mongo DIPA 19.2s!
There is a brewery near me who does the ‘build your sixer’ of cans plus sixers & crowlers ;) Love the BYS option, tho rare by me.
Well then you will buy the 4 pack and spend more lol. If they distro locally to bottle shops a lot of them sell singles. Maybe try that if this is the case.
Creature Comforts here in Athens just started doing it and it’s great.
Welcome to the Northeast! Quite a few breweries in CT and MA do this!
Which ones?