ProBrewer Expert Topic • Volume 2024, Issue 07
Beyond Beer
Exploring the wide range of non-beer products within the craft brewing industry
supported in part by Lotus Beverage Alliance
Editor's Introduction to Beyond Beer
This month, ProBrewer takes a detailed look at the many non-traditional beer products that craft brewers are now exploring to expand their customer base.
As the sales of traditional craft beer begin to slow, many brewers are looking at ways to diversify. From RTD’s to CBD/THC infused beer, hard teas, kombucha, gluten-free and more, we examine if and how brewers can infuse these products into their production to build customers and sales.
Read case studies on how craft brewers added non-beer products such as seltzer and wine to their portfolio, how one brewery found success in non-alcoholic beer, the latest trends with making hop water and much more. You will also find articles on how craft breweries can add non-alcoholic offerings to their tap rooms to build business, adding a coffee program to your brewery and how to decide which non-traditional beer products are best for you.
Also check out the ProBrewer Classifieds for new and used equipment related specifically to the production of beyond beer beverages.
Featured Articles in Beyond Beer
Beer is Clear Favorite Over Wine and Spirits in the Non-Alcohol Category
According to a recent poll, 58% of Americans participating in Dry January chose a low-alcohol or no-alcohol beer to help them achieve their goals. 55% of the respondents say that the quality of non-alcoholic beer has improved over the past few years. (more...)
Brewers are Innovating in New Beverage Spaces
There was a period of time, and it wasn’t too long ago, when craft brewers were urging other brewers to stay in the beer lane. Focus on the beer, don’t think about flavored malt beverages, or other liquids, some industry leaders said. Be beer manufactures, stick to the mission, they urged. (more...)
Adding a Coffee Program to a Brewery
There is a good amount of good coffee that goes into making excellent pints of beer. With early mash-in times, long hours, late nights, and then another early morning brewers are often looking for a caffeine boost. (more...)
Considerations in Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer
Earlier this year at the Craft Brewers Conference in Minneapolis Pro Brewer sponsored a panel focused on the non-alcoholic beer space. Three panelists – Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery, Bill Shufelt of Athletic Brewing Co., and Keith Villa of Ceria Brewing – joined Beer Edge Editor John Holl for a wide-ranging discussion on process, flavor, and consumer preferences. (more...)
Expert Panel Explores Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer as Segment Continues to Grow
The U.S. non-alcoholic beer market surpassed $9.5 billion in 2019, and is projected to see a steady compound annual growth rate of 7.5% between now and 2026, according to Global Market Insights. More and more craft brewers are looking to the growing segment, not only to tap into the growth potential, but also to fulfill a need of their customer base, who often will switch back forth between full-strength beers and an occasional N/A. (more...)
Brewers Not the Only Ones Diversifying – Wine Makers Getting Into Cider and Beer
It’s well-known that many brewers these days are diversifying into a variety of other beverage products, chasing the ever-changing consumer tastes. But its not just brewers who are looking across the beverage spectrum – wineries are diversifying as well. (more...)
A Third of Craft Brewers Now Make Non-Beer Beverage
One third of all craft brewers in the US now make some variety of alternative beer beverage, according to Bart Watson, economist with the Brewers Association. The statistic points to the growing popularity of hard seltzers, hard kombucha, flavored malt beverages and other non-beer products. (more...)