Imports + Large Breweries
The big brewers have taken off the gloves and are going directly after craft brewers—both figuratively in their marketing, and literally through acquisitions.
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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.
The big brewers have taken off the gloves and are going directly after craft brewers—both figuratively in their marketing, and literally through acquisitions.
Brewpubs compete with restaurants, gastropubs, and virtually any venue that offers food and drink. In 2015, the 1,645 brewpubs in operation posted 9-percent growth.
Not only did more microbreweries open than ever before in 2015, but more also grew into regional breweries. Still, the category grew an impressive 24 percent.
The spate of high-profile deals recently has had several prominent craft brewers circling the wagons and loudly and proudly declaring their independence.
Even when it’s not necessary for survival, the onsite tap and tasting room is a welcome stream of extra revenue as well as a showcase for new and exotic beers.
It’s not just good beer and food that makes a brewpub successful; it’s the people who work there, too. The beer may sell itself, but somebody’s got to serve it—and do it well.