The Important Steps to Starting a Brewery

Starting a company is a dream for many entrepreneurs. And record numbers have begun to turn it into a reality. Last year, over 5 million of us decided to try our hand at startups.

Brewing beer is one of those ambitious dreams with a steep learning curve. Nevertheless, a brewery can be a successful endeavor with proper planning.

This post will share the most important steps to take when starting a brewery.

Research Craft Beer Trends

Research the beer market and look for styles, flavors, packaging, and price trends.

Pick out top-performing beers and examine what factors make them successful. Compare and contrast taste, price, and the different marketing and branding approach each brewery uses.

Use platforms like Google and Pinterest Trends to spot changes in consumer interests. It’s an excellent way to spot when something is becoming more popular. You can also read industry research to help spot market opportunities.

Create a Financial Plan and Business Case

Spend time on the financials, so you’re in a strong position to go ahead with your launch. You’ll want to use that budget and financial forecast as part of your business case.

Your business case must also cover your target market, brand identity, and competitor analysis.

You’ll also want to look at some practical matters, such as the legalities of opening a new brewery business. That may involve getting in contact with a local government team who oversees regulations on alcohol production and sales.

Secure Permits and Licenses

Depending on local government rules, getting permits and licenses could take weeks or months. So start early. Begin by researching your contacts and calling the relevant departments to find out how to start your application.

Read up on the regulations, so you don’t get a rejected permit before launching. It’s also worth researching how other breweries in the area got their permits.

If you’re finding it challenging to get approval, use a PR agency to get the word out about your new business. Get locals on board and discuss the benefits you’ll bring to the neighborhood.

Design Your Brewery

Research a location for your brewery. Once you’ve done your research, narrow your choice to two or three options and always negotiate the rent before making a final decision.

Design the brewery facility to meet the customer needs that you identified in the research phase. If customers visit your brewery, consider how the facility’s layout will influence the customer experience.

Most importantly, design your brewery with operational efficiency as your number one priority. That will help you maximize your profits and develop a solid reputation via reliable supply and delivery of your craft beers.

Craft the Perfect Recipes

The best way to discover the perfect beer recipe is through trial and error, so employ a tasting team from the outset. If you’re on a strict budget, you’ll probably know friends and families that will offer to do this for free!

Use your market research to determine what your base recipe will be. The base beer recipe should consider the type of beer you plan to produce, such as a lager, stout, or IPA.

Getting high-quality ingredients is essential, but it comes at a price. So always ensure your ingredients list fits your price point and brand identity. Premium beers, for example, will need the highest quality ingredients.

Develop a Unique Brand Identity

Like any startup, you need a unique selling proposition. What makes your brewery different from anything else on the market? Can you get that message across in your brand identity? Could you add something to your brand tagline?

When building your brand, take the time to research your target audience. It will help shape your direction. Are they looking for quirky, trendy breweries or a more traditional vibe?

What about your team? What type of personality do you think your brewery should convey? Often a brand reflects the personality and uniqueness of the owners.

Think about your brand story. Stories are critical in good marketing campaigns. You want people to understand why they should buy from you, so your story needs to share more than information about your product.

You could also consider developing brand partnerships with influencers or small businesses to help people understand more about your brand.

Choose businesses, influencers, and celebrities whose personalities and tastes reflect the type of brand you aspire to be.

Brewery Products and Equipment

Now it’s time to invest in brewery products and equipment for your brewery. You should have a list of what you need when putting together your budget.

However, at this point, you can shop around to find some deals and discounts. Every small saving helps at this early stage of the business.

Products like bottles and glasses are a fantastic opportunity to express your brand. Search for products that will give you that unique identity, such as this koozie pint glass for breweries.

Create a Marketing Launch Plan

Finally, once you have your product, stock, and building in place, you want to start working on your launch. Pick a date for when you wish to have your high-profile public launch, and work back from that date to develop your marketing plan.

Start by thinking about what platforms to choose for your launch campaign. Will you choose social media? Or local advertising? Will you choose a combination of platforms? What about organic marketing tactics like SEO?

Your answer to all these questions will come down to your target market, which is why researching your customer is so important. It will tell you where you place your ads to make them most visible to your buyers.

Invest in branded designs for your launch. Make sure people see the date and create a compelling offer, such as a discount on their first purchase.

You may also consider using PR to get your name in the local press. It’s a good way to build buzz about your new brewery. Finally, don’t forget to create a striking and memorable website.

Starting a Brewery: Next Steps

Starting a brewery requires careful planning, dedication, and understanding of the craft beer industry. However, with the proper steps and guidance, it can be a gratifying and successful endeavor.

For more inspiration to help you craft the perfect beer brand, check out the latest articles in our business section.