It is not a secret, but the craft brewing industry has experienced a momentous surge in popularity over the past few decades, captivating beer aficionados worldwide with its diverse and innovative offerings. However, with this growth, craft brewers have encountered various formidable challenges jeopardizing their profitability and long-term viability. Escalating ingredient costs, increasing competition, maintaining quality consistency, and limited production capacity, due to the sheer cost of scaling, may be significant hurdles to success.
Throughout this blog, we shall examine a few of these obstacles and discuss how partnering with Briess Malt & Ingredients Inc., a distinguished malt producer based in Wisconsin, can facilitate cost reduction, elevate product quality, and foster fruitful relationships. My role at Briess, as the Division Manager for National Accounts and Distribution, has me examining why you, a brewery owner, should consider using Briess through a personal lens.
My unique path into the brewing industry was not a straight line. After leaving the U.S. Army as an officer, I found my way into chemical sales, a significant cost input for many organizations, and helped to partner with breweries at all levels to lower their costs. During this time, I fell in love with the craft brewing culture, and like many others, I leaped in to create and open my own brewery, leaving a safe and comfortable corporate job behind. I opened Cartridge Brewing in Ohio with my wife, Lindsey, and other co-founders in 2020. We opened right in the middle of the pandemic and faced enormous headwinds leading us to be acquired in late 2022 by a competitor.
What were the lessons learned from developing, opening, running, and then selling a brewery? As a starting point, you can’t do this alone, and you need solid partners to help you.
Why use Briess Malt at Cartridge Brewing and why am I excited to work for this organization?
- Unparalleled Quality and Service
Briess’ illustrious legacy spanning 148 years attests to its eminence as a leader in the specialty malt industry. The company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, and proficiency in sourcing the finest barley and employing traditional malt production methods, ensures a consistently superior product.
- Cost-Effective Solutions
By forging a partnership with Briess, I was able to access an extensive and diverse portfolio of malts, including base and specialty varieties, offered at competitive prices. The efficiency of Briess’ production processes and long-standing relationships, with first-to-fifth-generation barley growers, allows them to pass on invaluable cost-saving benefits to their brewing partners. As a result, craft brewers can mitigate the impact of escalating ingredient costs.
- Access to R&D and Innovations
Remaining at the vanguard of innovation is a core tenet of the craft brewing industry. In this regard, Briess is a stalwart ally, investing significantly in research and development endeavors.
With the introduction of Crystal Red™ and Heritage Gold™ Malt in 2024, Briess continues to add to its already extensive line of specialty malts. In the case of Heritage Gold™, 3 years went into growing the heirloom barley variety to get it right in Wyoming and Montana. Work is already underway for the next introduction of innovative malts for CBC 2025!
Overall, I have enjoyed my journey through the craft beer and spirits industry and look forward to the next chapter. I greatly look forward to meeting with many of you and perhaps partnering at the National Account and Distribution level.