Tariffs on Tap: Navigating Trade Policy Shifts in Craft Brewing

Speakers: Scott Metzger, Kevin Michaelan, Stephen Rannekleiv, Bart Watson

How are changing U.S. trade policies and tariffs shaping the craft brewing landscape? In this webinar, an expert panel takes an in-depth look at the evolving regulatory environment and its impact on costs, operations, and global competitiveness for brewers. From aluminum tariffs to recent “Liberation Day” measures, panelists examine the broader implications of these policies and share how craft breweries are adapting.

Gain insights from the COO of Maui Brewing, a beverage-alcohol economist from Rabobank, and the president and CEO of the Brewers Association. Moderated by an experienced accountant and industry insider, this timely conversation offers practical takeaways, economic context, and strategic foresight to help brewers prepare for the road ahead.

Referenced Resources:

Scott Metzger, President & COO

Craft 'Ohana

Scott Metzger is an 18-year veteran of the craft brewing industry, and is currently president and chief operating office of Craft 'Ohana, a brand collective that includes Maui Brewing Co., Maui Hard Seltzer, Kupu Spirits, Island Soda, Maui Island Tea, and Maui Island Spirits. Scott is a former board member of the Brewers Association.

Kevin Michaelan, Managing Director, Transaction Advisory Services

GHJ

Kevin Michaelan is the tax leader of GHJ's Transaction Advisory Services and Food and Beverage Practices. Kevin helps businesses navigate complex income and non-income tax issues throughout the business lifecycle. With over 15 years of public accounting experience, including hundreds of middle-market transactions ranging from sub-$25 million deals to multibillion-dollar cross-border deals, he specializes in tax structuring, modeling and due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, capital raises and debt financings.

Stephen Rannekleiv, Food and Agribusiness Research and Advisory

Rabobank

Stephen Rannekleiv is the beverage sector strategist in the Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group at Rabobank. He joined Rabobank in 2006 and now leads the global beverage research team, where he analyzes emerging trends and opportunities with the goal of providing actionable ideas to clients. Stephen is also the host of Liquid Assets, Rabobank’s podcast that shares insights on the global beverage industry. Prior to his current role, Stephen was a senior beverages analyst at Rabobank for ten years, primarily covering developments in the wine and spirits industry. He has a deep understanding of the industry, particularly in the alcohol beverage space, and a wide network of global contacts. He is a regular presenter at industry events due to his strong commercial focus.

Bart Watson, President & CEO

Brewers Association

Bart Watson (he/him), president and chief executive officer for the Brewers Association, is a stats geek, beer lover, and Certified Cicerone. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where in addition to his dissertation, he completed a comprehensive survey of Bay Area brewpubs one pint at a time. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BrewersStats.