According to the latest Brewers Association latest global export figures, craft beer volumes were up 16.3% in 2015, equivalent to $116million.

The UK is now the fourth largest exporter of US craft beer, behind Canada with 51.1%, Sweden with 10.1%, and Ireland with 9.6%.

As demand for US craft beer in the UK continues to grow, the US sector now accounts for 12% of the overall beer industry, with 4,269 breweries in operation as of last year.

Craft brewers produced 24.5million barrels and witnessed a 13% increase in volume and a 16% rise in retail dollar value.

Bob Pease, president and CEO of the Brewers Association, explained:  “The dynamic U.S. craft beer scene leads the world in terms of quality, innovation and diversity.

“Craft beer exports to the UK have been growing at a very healthy clip for the last ten years.

“The UK remains a strong and important market for American craft brewers and 2015’s modest increase is a consolidation of past export growth.”