Craft beer – a systematic literature review and research agenda
International Journal of Wine Business Research
ISSN: 1751-1062
Article publication date: 3 November 2021
Issue publication date: 5 May 2022
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, the craft beer (CB) industry has gained impetus and has experienced significant growth in scientific publications. This study aims to present a systematic review of the literature on CB in areas related to economic and business sciences.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the data from Scopus, Web of Science and a set of articles not indexed to these databases until June 2021, a total of 132 articles were included for analysis, using bibliometric and content analysis techniques.
Findings
The study allowed us to identify that CB has four main clusters/themes of research, namely, CB industry and market, marketing and branding, consumer behavior and sustainability. Detailed information on the clusters is provided. In addition, the results showed that publications addressing CB have grown significantly from 2015 onwards and are dispersed across many journals, with none assuming a clear leadership. Quantitative approaches account for more than half of publications.
Research limitations/implications
This study is a useful guide for academics intending to develop studies with CB. It provides a framework to structure future research by identifying existing literature clusters and proposes several research propositions.
Practical implications
The findings from this study are useful for CB companies to get an overview of the main issues affecting the CB industry and market to be able to adapt their strategies and stay aligned with market tendencies in the four main clusters identified.
Originality/value
This is the first systematic review of CB. Therefore, it provides a significant contribution to frame and strengthening the literature on CB and serves as a reference for future research. Based on the content analysis and cluster identification, the findings portray the status of current research. Accordingly, a set of research opportunities are offered.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank NECE-UBI, Research Centre for Business Sciences, Research Centre funded by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, IP, under the project UIDB/04630/2020.
Citation
Nave, E., Duarte, P., Rodrigues, R.G., Paço, A., Alves, H. and Oliveira, T. (2022), "Craft beer – a systematic literature review and research agenda", International Journal of Wine Business Research, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 278-307. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWBR-05-2021-0029
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited