Craft beer has evolved into a thriving industry, attracting significant sales and a steady stream of visitors every year. As the world of craft beer continues to flourish, now is an excellent time to consider starting your own craft beer business. However, establishing a brewery requires careful planning, substantial investment, and patience.
 
The Basics of Planning a New Brewery
First, you need to determine the type of craft brewery you want to open. Are you looking to sell your beer through distributors for regional sales? Or do you envision a brewpub where you serve delicious food alongside your craft beer?
 
Understanding your goals is essential before you begin. Adjust and refine your business vision based on your objectives. The choice of business model is a crucial first step. The Brewers Association (BA) categorizes the craft beer industry into four main segments:
 
Small Breweries: Producing less than 15,000 barrels of beer annually, with 75% or more of the beer distributed off-site. Small breweries may also operate on-site taprooms.
Brewpubs: These are restaurant-breweries, where at least 25% of the beer is sold on-site. In some locations, brewpubs may sell other manufacturers' beer, wine, and spirits, but local laws must be consulted for specific regulations.
Contract Brewing Companies: These hire another brewery to produce beer while handling other aspects such as distribution, marketing, and sales themselves.
Regional Craft Breweries: Defined by the BA as "independent, regional breweries primarily producing ‘traditional’ or ‘innovative’ beers."
 
Costs of Starting a Craft Brewery
On average, the startup costs for most craft breweries range between $100,000 and $1,000,000, depending on the brewery's size, production capacity, and location. Key expenses include:
 
l Rent or construction costs
l Brewery equipment
l Raw materials
l Staff wages
l Permits, licenses, and insurance
l Renovations, furniture, technology, software, and marketing
For those new to brewing and uncertain about securing sufficient funding, starting with a small brewery can be a practical option. Although still costly, it is more manageable than launching a large-scale brewery.
 
Brewery Layout and Design
Choose a location that allows room for future growth. Expanding your brewery later may require relocation, which can be costly and impact profitability. Your brewery layout should align with the overall floor plan of your venue, especially if you’re combining it with a restaurant or brewpub.
 
If you plan to purchase brewing equipment from us, our designers can assist with layout designs tailored to your needs.
 
To achieve the best design, consider the following:
 
l Do you need restrooms?
l Will the brewery be the sole production area for your beer?
l How much space will you allocate for the brewery and customer seating?
l How many guests do you plan to accommodate in your establishment?
 
Creating a Craft Beer Business Plan
A comprehensive business plan is essential for securing startup funding. An excellent craft beer business plan can convince investors and demonstrate that you’ve carefully considered all aspects of opening a brewery.
 
Your business plan acts as a blueprint for success, showcasing the thorough research you’ve conducted. It must be clear, concise, and regularly updated to reflect any changes. A solid business plan will bring you closer to realizing your dream of opening a brewery.
 
Launching and running a successful brewery requires the right brewing equipment. The equipment you need depends on several factors:
 
How much space is available in your brewery? Will you need room for future expansion?
What type of beer will you produce?
What production capacity do you require?
Do you prefer new or used equipment?
Are there specific brands or types of equipment you need?
Brewery equipment will likely account for a significant portion of your budget, so choosing the right supplier is crucial. If you’re working with a limited budget, consider second-hand equipment or consult us for competitively priced brewing solutions.
 
The size of your brewing system directly impacts your production volume and sales potential. If you’d like to explore pricing for brewing equipment, contact us anytime. We’ll provide tailored guidance to meet your needs and budget, allowing you to compare prices and make informed decisions.
 
Still have a problem on choosing the brewery equipment? We can help with your final decision. If you are looking for a turnkey solution for craft beer brewing system, please contact us. We are looking forward to working with you. Send an email now: [email protected]