ProBrewer.com

An Online Resource Serving The Beer Industry

Welcome To ProBrewer

Welcome to ProBrewer, a resource serving all trades of the brewing industry. Over a quarter century ago ProBrewer went online to serve the brewing industry. That remains our sole mission, purpose and focus. It’s our “Why.” Our mantra is “for the greater good of beer.” Every feature, action and decision is filtered through this ethos. We’d love your feedback. Within the pages of ProBrewer.com, you will find numerous tools and materials to assist you in your endeavors within the beer business, from the technical side of brewing to sales and distribution – and everything in between. ProBrewer is dedicated to empowering the specialty beer segment through the dissemination of comprehensive, current and relevant information.

Trending on ProBrewer

Oregon Issues New Guidance for Hard Seltzer

News »  Beverage Ingredientsposted by

Hard seltzers are prompting some states to reevaluate where the product “fits in” to the regulatory structure given that seltzers are neither malt based or fruit based. Recently, Oregon issued clarification pertaining to the classification of hard seltzers in the state. The guidance impacts the majority of hard seltzers in the market, most notably on excise tax and licensing needed to produce or sell hard seltzers in the state.

Details here.
Read more...

On Premise Business Holding Steady

News »  Business of Beerposted by

Data from Nielson CGA shows that 50% of consumers have gone out to the on premise for an eating occasion since venues reopened, and 17% for a drink led occasion. This has stayed relatively even for several months now and may indicate an end to the decline in business since the pandemic began in March of last year.

In the most recent Nielson CGA survey, consumers said the occasion they are most excited to visit bars and restaurants for are Valentine’s day and Mother’s Day. “These are two holidays which can be facilitated in small group numbers, making them significant opportunities to target for visitation, offers, and reminding consumers what they were missing,” the report said.
Read more...

Done Deal – MA Franchise Legislation Signed by Gov

News »  Business of Beerposted by

After a 10-year effort to pass franchise reform in Massachusetts, Senate Bill 2841 has been signed into law by Mass. Governor Charlie Baker.

The bill creates a new “qualified brewer” definition which will allow any brewery that produces fewer than 250,000 barrels annually to end their contract with their wholesaler without cause and as long as fair market value compensation is given.
Read more...

Posting ABV of Cocktails at Bars Gains Popularity

News »  Distribution & Retailposted by

Craft breweries made it popular. Beer-centric taphouses picked up on it. Wineries and wine bars have played with it for many years. But cocktails?

We are talking about posting the alcohol-by-volume (ABV) of an alcoholic beverage at the on-premise point of purchase. Now that “craft cocktails” have gained popularity, along with consumers interest in calorie and alcohol content, many bars are beginning to post the ABV next to each cocktail on the menu.
Read more...

CBC Rescheduled for Sept. 9-12 in Denver

News »  Business of Beerposted by

The 38th edition of the Craft Brewers Conference and Brew Expo America has been rescheduled as an in-person event to be held in Denver on September 9-12, 2021. The annual conference and trade show was originally scheduled to take place in San Diego, March 29-April 1, 2021, but was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“Shifting to September in Denver provides us with an opportunity to convene in person, making it possible to do what brewers do best—build community through sharing our expertise and passion, and learn from each other,” Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association said in a statement.
Read more...

Tips on Making Alcoholic Ice Cream

News »  Beverage Ingredientsposted by

As the pandemic forces brewers to innovate to stay afloat, a growing trend among craft brewers is to utilize alcohol in ice cream and freezer pops, which can be sold in the retail freezer or direct to consumer at the brewery. As this practice gains popularity, more states are approving the manufacture and sale of these items.

But do your homework before diving in. Five tips here.
Read more...

Pioneering Portland Brewing to Close

News »  General Newsposted by

Portland Brewing Company, founded in 1986 and one of the founding fathers of Portland’s early brewing scene has announced that they will close.

“It has been an amazing journey helping to shape the Portland craft beer scene! Over 34 years, we have made lots of interesting and creative beers that showcase the heart and soul of our brewers,” the company posted on their Facebook page. “So, it is with a heavy heart that we will permanently close our Portland brewery doors in early February.”
Read more...

2020 Data Shows Devastation in the On-Premise

News »  Business of Beerposted by

Nielsen CGA data, which tracks sales volume in the on-premise restaurant and bar sectors has released their data for last year. No surprise, the results show the devastating impact of the covid pandemic.

The year-to-date through January 4th results include the pre-covid period of January through mid-March, 2021. Of the 40 states included in the data, Iowa has the lowest decrease in on-premise sales through the period of -11%. Minnesota has the highest decrease of 68%.
Read more...

BA Launches Mentorship Program to Increase Diversity in the Industry

News »  Business of Beerposted by

According to a statement issued today, the Brewers Association has launched a new Mentorship Program to increase the diversity of the workforce, leadership, and ownership of craft breweries by providing structured mentoring and advocacy to those who may be experiencing barriers to access or advancement in the industry.

“The Brewers Association envisions a craft brewing community that provides unmatched opportunities for learning and professional development to everyone,” Bob Pease, BA president and CEO, said in a statement. “With the creation of our mentorship program, we hope to spur meaningful support for new and emerging craft beer professionals to thrive.”
Read more...

After 10-Year Effort – MA Finally Gets Franchise Reform

News »  Business of Beerposted by

After a 10-year effort to pass franchise reform in Massachusetts, the Mass Brewers Guild and the Massachusetts Wholesalers Association have finally forged a compromise. Senate Bill 2841 was passed by Massachusetts lawmakers in a final vote yesterday.

The bill creates a new “qualified brewer” definition which will allow any brewery that produces fewer than 250,000 barrels annually to end their contract with their wholesaler without cause and as long as fair market value compensation is given.
Read more...

Federal Legislation Provides Array of Loans and Grants for Small Businesses

News »  Business of Beerposted by

The COVID-19 relief bill, signed on Dec. 27th as a part of a broader legislative package, will provide a variety of relief elements for craft brewers including an additional Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and grants, Small Business Administration (SBA) Programs and Loan, Employee Retention Tax Credit and others.

The Brewers Association provides a description of relief benefits here.
Read more...

Sierra Nevada’s ‘Pauses’ Sufferfest Production

News »  Business of Beerposted by

Sufferfest Beer Company, acquired by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company last year, has said they are “pausing production to explore what’s next,” for the brand, according to a statement on their website.

The statement said they do not plan to release any beers in 2021. “As athletes know, the path to success is rarely a straight line, and it is time to find our bearing. Whatever comes next on our journey, we will keep on sweating and celebrating, just as we always have. Thank you for being beside us through it all,” the statement said.
Read more...

Falling Rock Sells Off Vintage Beers to Stay Afloat

News »  Business of Beerposted by

Denver’s Falling Rock Tap House is selling off vintage bottles of beer it has collected over the years to generate revenue to stay in business.

“What we’ve sold so far will give us at least six more weeks of life and if we can sell the whole collection off, that’ll probably give us closer to four or five months where we can hopefully survive through this thing,” owner Chris Black told Denver’s FOX31 News.
Read more...

Done Deal – CBMTRA Tax Reduction Become Permanent

News »  Business of Beerposted by

After days of drama on Capitol Hill, the year-end legislative package that includes the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) was signed into law making the existing federal excise tax rates for small and independent breweries permanent.

“Securing permanent federal excise tax recalibration for small brewers has been a top priority for the Brewers Association since 2009,” the association stated in a press release. The temporary lower rates were due to expire on December 31 unless Congress extended them or made them permanent.
Read more...

Martson’s to Take Over 150 Brains Pubs in Wales

News »  Internationalposted by

Brains Brewery, the Welsh brewing company and pub owner, will hand over control of 156 of its pubs to UK brewer and pub operator Marston’s Beer Company. The pubs will be run under the Brains brand, and will continue to sell its beer, which is brewed at a facility in Cardiff Bay.

Brain’s was founded in 1882 in Cardiff, Wales, by Samuel Arthur Brain and was forced to shutter more than 100 pubs earlier this month as the Welsh government imposed strict guidelines to control the spread of Covid-19.
Read more...

Congress Agrees on Relief Package That Includes Permanent Reduced Alcohol Tax Rates

News »  Business of Beerposted by

The U. S. Congress has passed legislative making the existing federal excise tax rates for small and independent breweries permanent, according to a release from the Brewers Association.

The legislation was part of a broad, year-end legislative package that included targeted COVID-19 relief as well as language from the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA).
Read more...

On-Premise Shows Slight Decline Due to Latest Virus Surge

News »  Business of Beerposted by

According to Nielsen CGA’s latest Impact Report, 50% of consumers have gone out to the on-premise to eat in the past 2 weeks, slightly down from 54% in the November survey. The report attributes the decline to tighter restrictions across a number of states.

Despite the slight drop in food occasions, 16% have been out to drink which is in line with the previous month and expectations remain the same for the next 2 weeks in regards to drinking occasions. The report say that a lower % are expecting to go out to eat in the next 2 weeks, which cover the holiday period in a time of increasing restrictions. This decrease in visitation is particularly evident in California, in line with the closure of bars and restaurants for indoor dining.
Read more...

BA Fires Up New Social Media Campaign to Support Members

News »  Business of Beerposted by

After record participation in support of the Brewers Association’s ‘Small Brewery Sunday’ campaign, the association will continue the drumbeat to support small and independent breweries through the holidays with a new series of paid social ads on Facebook and Instagram.

Developed in house at the BA, the ads feature member brewers and use taglines to encourage supporting local breweries, taprooms, and brewpubs through the holidays by purchasing beer and food, merchandise and gift cards, on-premise via to-go, delivery, and other means as available. Beer lovers are directed to CraftBeer.com‘s brewery finder to help them locate their nearest taproom or brewpub. Through feedback from the Brewers Association Brewpubs Committee, a new, modern Support Your Local Brewery logo has been launched and is available for free download for brewery use.
Read more...

Adherence to COVID-19 Protocol Drives Brewery To-Go Sales

News »  Business of Beerposted by

In a survey conducted by Craft Brewing Business, craft beer consumers purchasing beer to-go from local breweries listed “adherence to COVID-19 protocols such as cleaning, sanitation and social distancing” as a key factor in determining which brewery they buy from.

Rounding out the top 3 key factors are “distance from home” and the “brewery’s current beer menu.”
Read more...

Join the ProBrewer mailing list

Connect With @ProBrewerPage

 Instagram    Facebook    Twitter

Go Somewhere Else

News • Classifieds • Help Wanted / For Hire • Discussion • Library • Contact • Advertise • Contact Details • Help