The Brewers Association released mid-year data on the U.S. craft brewing industry, which showed a 15 percent increase in dollar sales and 13 percent jump in volume in the first half of 2013. Additionally, the total U.S. brewery count is now at 2,538 breweries, the highest since the 1870s.

During the first half of 2013, approximately 7.3 million barrels of beer were sold by small and independent craft brewers, up from 6.4 million barrels over the first half of 2012. American craft beer continues to grow despite decreased overall beer sales, which were down two percent through the first six months of the year.

“Demand for beer produced by small and independent brewers has never been higher, as evidenced by increased production and the hundreds of new breweries joining the playing field each year,” said Paul Gatza, director of the Brewers Association. “Beer drinkers nationwide are responding positively to high-quality, full-flavored, diverse offerings from American craft brewing companies that continue to innovate and push the envelope.”

The full news release can be read here.