How to start a Microbrewery / Craft Brewery / Nanobrewery
This section of BrewStarter will be dedicated to information regarding starting your own microbrewery. Tips and techniques are currently being gathered and edited into a usable format so please check back in the near future...thanks!
The microbrewer is faced with the problem of distributing the final product, unlike the brewpub operator who has a captive market ;-). Regulations vary from state to state. Some states allow you to sell your brews directly to retailers, while others require you to go through a distributor. Obviously, if you need to use a distributor, you'd better establish that relationship early on.
Many resources are available for the budding microbrewer to use to begin pulling together a business plan.
First of all, there's the
The Flying Fish Brewing Company. These folks chose to share their start-up experiences with everyone on the Net. The brewery is completed now, but you can still check out their story. They're offering "Brewery Business Lessons 101", a collection of advice based on their experiences thus far. Just follow the link to their site to read up on the latest events.
DME Brewing Services has published some
planning tips.
Finally, three packages of information are available, which are worth looking at to get a better feel for what you're getting into. Plus they'll be of great assistance once you begin your project:
The Brewers Association's Guide to Starting Your Own Brewery
Thousands of beer lovers have realized their dream by building sucessful brewing businesses. This guide describes how to start a brewpub or packaging brewery with success stories straight from the entrepreneurs that have pioneered America's most exciting brands. It also covers many details required when researching and planning a new business, including an example business plan and chapters on key equipment and facility issues. A "must read" for anyone considering a brewery business.
Guide to Opening a Brewpub or MicroBrewery
You get a guide covering Feasability, Business Plan, Financing, Brewery Operations, Regulatory Compliance, Marketing, and more.
Edit Martin Cove Brewing Company Sample Business
Martin Cove Brewing is an established producer of hand-crafted lagers, ales, and pilsners. Martin Cove plans on expanding its distribution to larger metro areas, and to larger grocery store chains.
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