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Business Model

Sub-categories:
BrewpubTaproomSmall ProductionPlanning

There are several distinct business models among craft breweries, including taproom and brewpub models, production breweries on both small and regional scales, as well as those breweries that are just getting started. Each one of these models comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities. Dive into these resources to learn best practices for your particular model.

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Displaying results 1-10 of 332
The New Brewer Taprooms 2024
The New Brewer: Industry Review

Taprooms

Stephanie Grant

Taprooms, down 4.1 percent by volume in 2024, are going back to the basics—focusing on customer service, refining business strategies, and expanding offerings.

The New Brewer Brewpubs 2024
The New Brewer: Industry Review

Brewpubs

Brandon Hernández

Despite difficult conditions, the brewpub business model still presents a wealth of opportunities unavailable to production breweries and even satellite sampling spaces.

The New Brewer Micro 2024
The New Brewer: Industry Review

Micros

Gabe Toth

In 2024, microbreweries learned to embrace a new definition of success. The segment was the hardest hit among all craft brewing categories, decreasing 7.5%.

The New Brewer 2024 Industry Review
The New Brewer: Industry Review

2024 Overview

Bart Watson and Matt Gacioch

2024 was a challenging year for craft brewers, but adaptability kept small decreases from being substantially larger. However, this might be craft’s new environment

The New Brewer Regionals 2024
The New Brewer: Industry Review

Regionals

Greg Kitsock

Regionals, defined as breweries that produce more than 15,000 barrels a year, lost 3.1% in volume over 2024, performing better than craft as a whole.

The New Brewer Large and Import 2024
The New Brewer: Industry Review

Large Breweries + Imports

David Steinman

U.S. beer shipments declined 1.6% to 193 million barrels in 2024 vs. 2023. That puts volume down 10% in the last three years, shedding over 21 million barrels since 2021.

Link to article The New Brewer Industry Reivew 2024 Cover

Industry Review

For the May/June 2025 The New Brewer, we present our annual Industry Review issue. The issue provides an overview of the performance of craft breweries in 2024, which saw the overall segment down 4%. It includes in-depth analysis of each segment including brewpubs, taprooms, microbreweries, regional breweries, and large breweries/imports. Read More

This issue is brought to you by Pentair Haffmans

Brewhouse Efficiency Calculator: Don’t Leave Money in the Mash Tun brewer at brew kettle

Brewhouse Efficiency Calculator: Don’t Leave Money in the Mash Tun

By tracking brewhouse efficiency with this simple calculator, brewers can ensure you're not leaving any money in your mash tuns.Read More

Link to author biography
Brewers Association

The Brewers Association Technical Brewing Projects Team has over 50 years of craft beer industry experience and works alongside the Technical Committee to promote access to raw materials; support research and advances in sustainability, education, technology, and raw materials; foster a commitment to holistic safety, quality, and operational excellence; support the well-being and a sense of belonging of the people of the craft brewing community; and promote sustainable operational practices that enhance environmental stewardship. The team comprises Chuck Skypeck, Technical Brewing Projects Director; Katie Fromuth, Technical Brewing Projects Manager; and Adriana TerrĂłn, Technical Brewing Projects Administrative Specialist.

See Technical Team's Articles

Hosting Television and Movies in the Taproom: Essential Dos and Don’ts viewing party with pitcher of beer and popcorn

Hosting Television and Movies in the Taproom: Essential Dos and Don’ts

Airing television programming or movies in your establishment almost always requires a license. Avoid costly fines with these dos and don'ts.Read More

Link to author biography
Director of Member Resources

A former professor of Communication Studies, Dr. J Jackson-Beckham dedicated her academic career to the study of American beer. She is an author, speaker, vocal advocate for the craft beverage community, homebrewer, and Certified Cicerone. In 2018, Dr. J was named the Brewers Association's first-ever Diversity Ambassador. In 2020, she was named Imbibe Magazine's Beer Person of the Year. Today, she helps craft beverage organizations develop practices that drive success, build communities, and empower individuals as the Brewers Association Director of Member Resources.

See J Jackson-Beckham's Articles
Displaying results 1-10 of 332
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