A Guide to Growing and Stabilising a Microbrewery

Microbreweries usually produce speciality beers,and with people craving good beer, the microbrewery business is thriving. The market is expanding rapidly, and the revenue is expected to grow steadily along with it. Growing and stabilising a microbrewery is more accessible than ever.

Running a successful microbrewery comes down to maintaining quality, flavour, and technique, as well as having business sense. The brewing process itself is relatively simple; it only requires four ingredients, but there are other aspects you need to consider to ensure your business is compliant.

Finance

The start-up costs for microbreweries can be remarkably high, and so they often need considerable investment. Ideally, your finances should be in order before you go any further with the process. The equipment is costly, and the initial setup can require a substantial amount. Having your finances in order is vital to the success of your microbrewery. If this seems daunting to you, it may be worth consulting a financial advisor or an accountancy firm likeAzets.

Legal Compliance

The legal requirements and licences vary from country to country and can take up to six months to obtain. Usually, you will need a licence to trade, sell alcohol, and for distribution. As alcohol has sales restrictions, it is crucial to have these licences or face fines or even imprisonment. When trying to secure the necessary documentation, you will need to provide a business plan under which your microbrewery will run.

Equipment

Do your research and decide on what you will produce and in what quantities, you can then buy the equipment based on that. Usually, you would need:

  • Kettles & fermentation tanks
  • Kegs & boilers
  • Storage tanks
  • Filter & pump
  • Refrigeration equipment
  • Canning/bottling equipment.

The quality of the equipment can affect the taste, so make sure to invest in proper equipment. The equipment can produce a lot of steam and runoff; ventilation and drainage can become huge issues, so you should ensure you have solutions to account for that.

Flavours

This is another area where research is key. What flavours go well together? What has already been done? What are your competitors doing? The popularity of microbreweries is because people were craving innovation. Keep experimenting.Beer requires four ingredients: sugar, water, yeast, and hops – as the foundation is so basic, there is a vast potential for flavours.

Promoting

Firstly, naming your microbrewery will play a significant role in pulling in the crowds. The name needs to be memorable. It should also have all the online availability. An online presence is vital; you should acquire a website, social media handles, and online listings. The internet is a valuable resource in promoting your microbrewery. Some brewers offer tasters of their beers to bring the crowds in. Consider running special offers or gimmicks. Promoting is essential if you want to reach a broader audience.

Expansion

This is the final phase of starting a microbrewery, and it should wait until you are financially solvent. If your flavours are good and your beers are popular, why not consider reaching out to a broader market? Sell your brewed beer at other bars or in stores, although this may require new licences. Expansion is the ultimate goal for many small business owners, and it is entirely possible.

In Conclusion

Starting, growing and stabilising a Microbrewery is not too different from starting and sustaining any business. If you have a passion for good beer and take in the above advice, you are well on your way to owning a successful microbrewery. Microbreweries carved out a niche in a saturated market, and their popularity will continue to grow.