There’s no doubt about it, micro-brewing is currently very big business indeed. Across the US, there has been a resurgence of interest in independently produced beers; and microbreweries, or ‘craft / artisan brewers’ as they are sometimes known, are enjoying considerable success.
In fact, craft-beer is now recognized as a multi-billion dollar industry, and it’s never too late to ensure that you’re getting a share of the available business.
Transforming Your Microbrewery into a Successful Business
The best thing about micro-brewing at present is that there is a captive audience, ready and waiting to sample your products. However, regardless of how excellent your beers are, if they aren’t packaged, presented and marketed in the right way, you’re unlikely to enjoy any real success with the venture.
In order to make your enterprise into a craft brewery business to be reckoned with, you need to consider the following:
Things to Consider When Developing Your Microbrewery Business
Invest in the right equipment. It’s absolutely imperative to invest in the right equipment. In order to enjoy success, you need to ensure that your product is packaged and presented appropriately. You'll require a beer bottle filling machine, suitable for the types of bottle that you wish to use, and you’re also likely to require a labeling machine. Some people advise buying second-hand; but this increases your risk of experiencing problems such as malfunction, not to mention that you won’t be covered by warranty or have any after-care service to rely on. We recommend Meheen Manufacturing for your beer bottling needs.
Sort out the business matters. If you haven’t done so already, you'll need to investigate licensing, incorporation and taking out appropriate insurance.
Location. When searching for premises, think about how much room you‘ll require, as the machinery alone takes up a large amount of floor space. You’ll need premises that are suitable for the preparation of beer, and you'll need plenty of room to store stock and supplies. Some microbreweries opt to open a brew-pub alongside their manufacturing premises, in order to create further income.
Funding. Whether you’re a startup venture or an established microbrewery looking to expand, it’s likely that you‘ll need funding. A bank loan is the simplest option; however, don’t be afraid to get creative. There are plenty of other ways to seek investment; including approaching a ’business angel' (a private investor who will give you money, in return for a cut of the business), or even crowdfunding on sites such as Kickstarter.
Offering a superior product. When it comes to microbrewing, it’s all about the taste. Your target customer base are interested only in beers that offer a high level of flavor, and it’s your job to ensure that you’re providing something that meets with expectations. When developing new products, test them thoroughly first, do your market research and create beers that genuinely match public demand.
Making Your Microbrewery a Market Leader
If you’re serious about taking your microbrewery to the next level, then don’t do things in half-measures. Once you’ve got the necessary finances in place, invest them in good quality machinery, which will last you for many years. Use only approved suppliers, in order to be able to offer a genuinely superior product. And don’t forget to set some money aside for marketing, as plays a vital role in getting your craft beers in front of the right people!
