FINE’s Post

Buying for your brewery can either be time consuming, costly, frustrating or all of the above. We’ll go over 3 ways to buy smarter and see measurable savings. We’ll also review how to save time in the process, which can be just as valuable to team running a brewery today. The outcome is techniques you can apply in the coming months at your brewery. We’ll also cover a few examples of some recent success from different sized breweries applying these same buying practices. My name is Dan Klasen and I’m the Founder and President of the Beverage Federation. The Beverage Federation is a Group Purchasing Organization that makes purchasing simpler for brewery/winery/distillery owners and suppliers. We help you overcome purchasing hurdles so that you stay profitable. Several years ago, before starting the Beverage Federation, I learned the hard lesson with my own business that lots of little expenses and mistakes will catch up. My company had millions in revenue, employees, IT, legal… We had all the things that you’re supposed to have as a business, but, regardless of how many extra hours I put in, we still struggled with profit margins. Eventually, we had to close our doors, which was the single hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my professional career. Had I known then what I know now about the power of purchasing, things would have been a lot different. The Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) model has tremendous potential for the beverage industry. I see hundreds of great small/medium breweries, wineries, and distilleries suffering from the same problems that I had years ago. They are all doing their purchasing, spending too much money and time when buying, and not maintaining relationships with high-quality suppliers. Huge thanks to CDR BeerLab + ABS Commercial for all your support on our Fall Virtual Conference. Join us in-person for CBP Connects San Diego Half workshop, half networking San Diego, CA | December 10-12, 2024 Grab your spot now at http://cbpconnects.com/

Do you know one thing about Brewery Owners that makes me giggle? Brewery owners, have you ever noticed how when you're picking out a new brew kettle or tank, you're all in on the specs knowing exactly where its going to go and what it will do for you, but freeze up when it's time to talk rebrand and what you want to achieve with that? It's funny how that works! Here’s a quick tip to help you out: Think of a rebrand like choosing a new piece of brewing equipment. What do you want it to achieve by purchasing it? More sales? Boost your local rep? Pack out the taproom? Spread your bottles far and wide? Maybe even scoop up some awards? Setting clear goals for your rebrand is just like knowing what you need from your next big equipment purchase. It makes sure you invest in changes that really pay off, whether it’s beefing up your bottom line, expanding your distribution, or just making more people fall in love with your brews. Here are a few example goals I've been talking to breweries about recently... - Local Fame: Becoming the toast of the town - Crowded Taproom: Looking to draw more people to their membership - Bottles on Shelves: Getting a wider distribution network - Award Winner: Chasing some shiny medals. - Press Buzz: Featuring in some of the most reputable industry magazines. Choose what matters most, and then find the right partner to help you nail it. And hey, if you’re wondering where to start, I’m just a message away. #BreweryBranding #CraftBeerMarketing #RebrandingGoals #BreweryLife

Standing Out in the Craft Beer Crowd In today's vibrant craft beer market, where shelf space is precious, creating distinction is about connecting to your consumer. Here's how successful craft breweries are cutting through the noise. Authentic Storytelling The craft beer consumer is buying into a story, an emotion, a moment. Your brand narrative must flow seamlessly from brewing philosophy to bottle, creating connections that resonate beyond the shelf. Visual Identity with Purpose In a sea of creative labels, your visual identity needs to capture the imagination. Design that's instantly recognizable while maintaining meaningful connection to your brand values isn't just good aesthetics—it's good business. Local Roots, Global Appeal Local relevance drives loyalty. Become an integral part of your community's fabric through meaningful collaborations and celebrations of local culture. When done authentically, this connection creates brand advocates who champion your beer far beyond your immediate reach. Innovation Meets Tradition Balance is key—maintain core offerings that build trust while introducing seasonal variations that create excitement. Every innovation should align with your brand story and meet your uncompromising quality standards. Experience Beyond the Glass The most memorable craft beer brands understand they're creating experiences. From tasting events to brewery tours, focus on meaningful connections that extend beyond the transaction. The Path Forward Standing out is about connecting most meaningfully. Your shelf presence should embody your brand's values, quality, and community connection. In craft beer, authenticity sells better than advertising, and community builds stronger brands than campaigns. #CraftBeer #BrandStrategy #Retail #BeverageIndustry #Marketing #CraftBrewing

I was chatting with a brewery last week, and we landed on something big. You can’t be everything to everyone. If you try to market to everyone, you’re effectively marketing to no one. Here’s the deal: to stand out, you don’t need some wild USP like brewing beer in zero gravity (cool as that sounds). What you do need is a story, a purpose, something memorable that sets you apart. Take a second and ask yourself: - What makes us different from other breweries? - Why should someone remember our brand over others? - Are we leaning into what makes us unique—or blending in? Here’s the kicker. When I quizzed this brewery on competitors doing it better, they couldn’t think of anyone! That’s a massive opportunity to figure out what makes you shine and own it in your Ready to nail your brewery’s unique edge? I’ve put together a free workbook AND a 5-minute video walkthrough to help you uncover your strengths and stand out. 📥 Download it now here: https://lnkd.in/ejdVVJNJ

Ballast Point brewery was sold to Constellation Brands for $1 billion in 2015 … Yet craft beer sales ‘chinks in the armor’ we’re already showing in 2015 — craft beer was over-supplied in a crowded market. Constellation had made a huge mistake. They overpaid for a business in a declining marketplace — Constellation needed to cut their losses. Its distillery business was spun off to a new company, Cutwater Spirits, in 2017 and subsequently purchased by Anheuser-Busch in 2019. Also, in 2019, Kings & Convicts announced it was buying Ballast Point from Constellation. While Constellation took a huge haircut in selling to Chicago-based brewery Kings and Convicts for an “undisclosed price and terms,” a pittance of Constellation paid for Ballast Point a mere four years earlier. Now Kings & Convicts has closed Ballast Point brewery operations and subcontracts out all brewing, canning, packaging and distribution for Ballast Point. Across town in Chicagoland, Heineken was struggling with Lagunitas’s soft-sales and heavy expenses. A month ago, Lagunitas announced they’re closing the massive Chicago brewery, taproom and merch store. There’s more, too (notably CANarchy’s sale), as Monster Brewing is closing production facilities rght and left. And none of this is because of the pandemic. Tastes and habits stated changing 10 years ago. Never expand, or buy, in a declining market. The days of wine and roses are long-past. “Cha-cha-cha-changes, turn and face the stranger changes…” — David Bowie Source: Beerconomy PRO (Coming Soon!) #Beer #CraftBeer #NonAlcoholicBeer #Cider #Microbreweries #Taprooms #Brewpubs #Taverns #ConsumerBehavior #BrandAwareness #EmergingTrends #BusinessIntelligence “The best beers are the ones we drink with friends.” — Beerconomy Cheers🍻! ✦✦✦ Stephen Carter King Chief of Growth and Marketing and Strategy, Beer Market Analyst and CEO of Beerconomy sharing beer market trends, insights, data and forecasts • Thought Catalyst • Advisor • Sherpa • Speaker • Publisher of ‘The Beerconomist’

The craft beer scene is buzzing with creativity and flavor, but it's not without its challenges. From market saturation to distribution hurdles, breweries face an uphill battle. In this article, we uncover the secret weapon: brewing events! Discover why these gatherings aren't just beneficial – they're essential for boosting profits and building brand reputation in the competitive craft beer landscape. https://hubs.la/Q02lXr950

The craft beer scene is buzzing with creativity and flavor, but it's not without its challenges. From market saturation to distribution hurdles, breweries face an uphill battle. In this article, we uncover the secret weapon: brewing events! Discover why these gatherings aren't just beneficial – they're essential for boosting profits and building brand reputation in the competitive craft beer landscape. https://hubs.la/Q02lXr950

How to combine Benefits and Features: The Key to Awesome Brewery Marketing! What's the difference between the benefits and the features a brewery offers? NO, this isnt a set-up for a corny joke, but it's crucial in making your brewery stand out. When it comes to marketing and sales, it's about more than just tugging on emotions with benefits; it's about backing them up with solid features. Imagine a steak that's sold on being protein-rich, flavorful, and sizzling hot. If it arrives and its tough as old boots, it's missed delivering the features that support those benefits, leading to one miffed-off customer. The same applies to breweries. Let's break it down: Benefits tell your punters what they get, like top-notch freshness in every beer. Features show how you deliver it, like on-site brewing by seasoned pros. Let's check out a few more examples: Benefit: A vibrant social atmosphere. Feature: A spacious taproom designed for everyone to mingle and enjoy. Benefit: Learning about brewing and its history. Feature: Engaging brewery tours that dive deep into the art of brewing. When you blend benefits and features in your comms, you set clear expectations and show how you’ll meet them, turbo charging your reputation in the market. Want to get more tips on making your brewery the talk of the town? Sign up for my weekly email newsletter—packed with insights every Friday. Just hit the link below! https://lnkd.in/eX-BWZBw #BreweryMarketing #CraftBeer #SalesStrategy #BrandBuilding

Calling All Brewery Owners: I can help you nail your USP for FREE!! Today we're going to answer that age old question "what makes your brewery special?". *pssst for a quick hack skip to the bottom for a link to my walkthrough video and free download* Now let's begin... Forget competing on just quality and ingredients—those are expected! Let’s explore six key areas that will make your brewery stand out, help you secure more taps, and win over distributors. 🏆 1. Authority: Showcase your credibility. Flaunt those recent awards, stellar reviews, or any top rankings from apps like Untappd. These are gold for building trust and stature in the crowded brewery scene. 👥 2. People: Your team's stories are invaluable. Whether it’s a veteran brewer with decades of tales or your unique journey into brewing, share these personal angles to connect more deeply with your audience. 📍 3. Place: Local flavour matters. Utilise ingredients, landmarks, or local tales to enrich your beer’s story and appeal, making it a hometown hero and beyond. 🎯 4. Purpose: Why did you start brewing? Pin down the passion that fuels your brewery beyond profit. This genuine motivation resonates with customers and makes your brand relatable. 📜 5. History: Whether you’re a century-old brewery or a fresh face in the market, your history (or newness) is a compelling part of your narrative. 🔄 6. Process: Do you brew with a unique method or use uncommon equipment? Highlight these distinctive practices that set your brewing apart from the rest. Now don't get me wrong, Filling out this blueprint isn’t just about listing features—it’s about building a story that sells itself. A story that not only fills a gap in the market but also gives pub owners and distributors a narrative to share with their customers, driving your growth and bottom line... what's not to love?. 📥 Grab Your Free Blueprint: Head to https://lnkd.in/ejdVVJNJ to download your editable PDF guide & watch the free walkthrough video. Plus, book a free 30-minute session with me to walk through the process! #BreweryBranding #CraftBeer #MarketingStrategy #UniqueBrewery #BreweryLife