Craft beer continues expansion nationwide

American craft beer production increased 16 percent during the first half of 2015, a trend occurring in the local industry, as well.

Craft brewers sold 12.2 million barrels from January to June, an increase from the 10.6 million barrel during the same period in 2014, according to the Brewers Association, the Denver-based trade group representing craft brewers.

The growth is reflected in the number of craft breweries that are operating in the United States. There was a 19 percent increase from June 2014 to June 2015, representing an overall total of 3,739 craft brewers, the association said.

Two craft brewers - Cooperage and Divine/Plow brewing companies - have opened in Sonoma County in recent months, giving the area roughly two dozen craft brewers. Additionally, Lagunitas Brewing Co. in Petaluma, the largest county producer at almost 19 million barrels last year, has announced plans to open a third production facility in Azusa.