Craft beer is a standard beverage in the United States. It’s quite unlike regular beer because it’s brewed in small batches and often has a unique flavor. Because of its popularity, there are now many craft beer manufacturers in the country.
It’s estimated that there are now 9,000 craft beer manufacturers in the country. However, you must arm yourself with the proper knowledge to stand out. Here are some best practices you need to apply to your craft beer manufacturing business.
Be Licensed and Registered
Before anything else, you need to be licensed and registered as a business. This is something that you can do with the help of a lawyer. They will help you with the necessary paperwork and requirements. Once you’re done with that, you can focus on other aspects of your business.
License and registration can differ from place to place. For example, in Canada, businesses that use piping systems and pressure vessels (equipment required for brewing) must have a CRN number. You can send an application form to the Canadian Safety Commission. Once you’ve applied, you can find your CRN number in the National Database of CRNs. However, it’s always good to have a consultant for the application as it can significantly speed up the process.
Have a Clear Brand Identity
A clear brand identity is essential for any business, especially in the craft beer industry. With so many craft beer breweries out there, each one needs to have a strong and unique identity that sets it apart from the rest. Your brand identity should be reflected in everything from your logo and branding materials to the design of your taproom or brewpub. Here are ways you can have a clear brand identity.
Focus on Quality
In the craft beer industry, quality is key. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for a high-quality product, so you must focus on brewing beers that are flavorful and well-crafted. Use only the best ingredients and don’t cut corners regarding quality – your customers will taste the difference.
It’s also essential to invest in quality control measures. This way, you can ensure that every batch of beer you brew is of the same high quality. You can hire a quality control manager and implement strict procedures.
Offer a Variety of Flavors
It’s also good to try out new flavors to attract more customers. Experiment with different ingredients and brewing methods to create unique flavors. For example, your beer can use fruits, spices, and chocolate.
Don’t forget to market your new flavors properly. Make sure potential customers know what they’re trying to buy before they purchase it. You can do this by creating eye-catching tap handles and labels.
Create a Good Customer Experience
It’s not enough to produce high-quality beer – you also need to create a good customer experience. This starts with your taproom or brewpub. It should be clean, welcoming, and comfortable for customers. In addition, the staff should be friendly and knowledgeable about the products. This way, your staff can bring your brand’s identity to the people.
Stand Out From the Competition
With so many craft breweries, finding ways to stand out from the competition is important. One way to do this is by brewing unique and exciting beers that capture people’s attention. You can also stand out by being involved in your local community or supporting charitable causes. You can also use some of these marketing options:
- Social Media: Use social media to connect with potential customers and create relationships with them. With over 82% of the U.S. population using social media, you can reach out to people using this platform.
- Events: Plan and host unique events that attract your brewery’s attention.
- Word of Mouth: Get people talking about your brewery by offering free samples or promotional items.
Keep Your Customers Engaged
It’s not enough to sell great beer – you also need to keep your customers engaged with your brand. There are many ways to do this, such as hosting events, offering tastings, or running promotions. You can also stay top-of-mind by staying active on social media and other online channels.
Profitability
Of course, one of the essential best practices for any business is to make it profitable. In the craft beer industry, margins can be tight, so you must oversee your expenses and ensure that you’re pricing your beers correctly. There are many ways to increase profitability, such as using cost-effective packaging or selling directly to customers at your taproom or brewpub.
By following these best practices, your craft brewery can be on its way to success. Remember to focus on quality, engage your customers, and keep an eye on your bottom line. These are the keys to success in the craft brewing industry.
