Please enjoy the following summary from our latest newsletter reporting on the recent Export Development Program activities.
U.S. Breweries Continue to Achieve Global Recognition
In 2009, as in past years, the EDP supported its members’ participation in a few renowned international brewing competitions. These included the European Beer Star Awards, the Australian International Beer Awards, and the Stockholm Beer Competition. For the first time, this year the EDP also added Brew New Zealand to its event schedule.
EDP Activities in China Extend to Shenzhen and Hong Kong
October 8-18, Bob Pease (BA Vice President) and Eric Rosenberg (Bryant Christie Inc.) visited China for American craft beer school seminars in Shanghai (2), Beijing, and Shenzhen. From Shenzhen, the two stopped through Hong Kong prior to departing for the United States.
BA Supports USDA-Organized Retail Promotions in China
In August, the EDP sponsored a promotion with the City Shop retail chain in China. City Shop has eight stores in Shanghai and one in Beijing,all of which cater to western expatriates. As such, City Shop is known for their selection of imported products. The promotion was arranged by the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office in Shanghai.
Toronto Beer Dinner an Attraction for Trade and Media
On October 19, the BA hosted a beer dinner for trade and media at the beerbistro in Toronto. The six course dinner featured beers available on the Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s (LCBO) general list and two beers only available in select on-premise locations in the city. An outstanding guest list was compiled through BA contacts and with assistance from Stephen Beaumont, whom also served as co-host for the event.
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Visits BA
On October 23, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Michael Michener visited the BA and joined Bob Pease for a tour of the Left Hand Brewing Company and a beer dinner at Boulder’s The Kitchen restaurant.
American "Beer Temple" Opens in Amsterdam
On September 9, 2009, the U.S. Consul General to the Netherlands, Julie A. Ruterbories, celebrated the opening of a new establishment in Amsterdam specializing in American craft beers. The Beer Temple is widely considered the first bar in Europe with a focus exclusively on American beers.
GBBF Activities Result in Media Coverage for BA and American Craft Beer
As reported in the July Issues Review, the BA supported a number of activities designed to showcase American craft beers during the Great British Beer Festival. Like last year, the BA used EDP resources to ship samples of American craft beer for display and tasting at the GBBF’s Bieres Sans Frontieres bar.
Brazil Research Report Now Available
Earlier this year, the BA commissioned a market research study of the Brazilian beer market. The project was designed in part to assist BA staff identify key trade members with whom to meet during their visit to Brasil Brau in June 2009. In addition, the study serves as a useful guide for BA Export Development Program members interested in exporting to Brazil.
2009 GABF Presentations Cover Brazil, Singapore and Fancy Food
On Friday, September 25, the BA EDP hosted a seminar at the Colorado Convention Center featuring speakers from Brazil and Singapore. Marcelo Stein, Bier & Wein discussed the Brazilian market for specialty imported beers while Winston Kwang, BeerStyle, covered the market in Singapore and Indonesia. US craft beers are now being shipped to these markets.
