Common Traits of Successful /
High Volume Breweries
The beer market continues to hold a significant impact on the overall US economy. Craft breweries alone contribute a whopping $72.2 billion in 2022.
So how does one juice up their brewery to fetch a huge chunk of that revenue pie?
Vice President of Strategy and Chief Economist of the Brewers Association Bart Watson highlights focusing on business models, market strategies, and brand strategies as the common drivers of success among top breweries, especially amidst an ever-evolving alcohol market and consumer demand.
Whether you’re a small craft brewer or a larger operation, there truly are certain traits that the most successful and high-volume breweries share.
These are the traits that turn a passion for brewing into a thriving business that attracts loyal customers and keeps the beer flowing.
Following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
It all starts in ensuring quality and consistency. Successful breweries are particular in observing basic practices like maintaining healthy fermentation, preventing contamination, and controlling oxidation to keep beer fresh and flavorful.
Not only does this avoid inventory waste and spoilage, but ensures customers get the best-tasting beer every time.
Building a Unique Brand Identity
An interesting oxymoron we noticed among successful breweries is their commonality of a unique brand identity.
Of course any business idea starts off with a meaningful logo or a catchy name. But more than that, successful breweries have a unique story to tell and a one-of-a-kind experience to offer.
Craft an identity that is authentic and one that resonates with your audience, whether through some quirky marketing, unforgettable taproom designs, or a powerful backstory that people can connect with.
Having a Welcoming Tasting Room
Tasting rooms are not merely a place to serve beers. It’s where customers experience your brand firsthand. A welcoming atmosphere where people want to hang out, bring their friends, and stay for more than just one pint!
Whether it’s cozy and rustic, sleek and modern, or something in between, build a tasting room that reflects your brand.
Using a Customer-Centric Approach to Taste
While creativity is encouraged, high-volume breweries understand their customers’ palates and brew with them in mind.
They engage with their customers, gather feedback, and keep an ear to the ground when it comes to trends—but they also know when to stick to what they do best.
Focusing on Mainstay Beers
The backbone of high-volume breweries is often their mainstay beers– the ones that keep people coming back time and again.
Concentrating on these core products helps maintain robust profit margins by minimizing costs associated with specialized ingredients for limited-edition and seasonal brews.
Offering Beer To-Go
Beers to-go extend the experience beyond the tasting room and allow customers to enjoy the product wherever they are.
When offering these variants, invest in convenient packaging and well-designed labels that catch the eye in order to keep your brand top of mind among customers.
Pairing Beer With Food Offerings
Food and beer go hand-in-hand, and encourages people to stay longer, spend more, and return more frequently.
Breweries that can successfully pair their beer offerings with the right food options often see an increase in both traffic and sales. Plus, a well-curated food menu adds another layer to the overall experience, making your brewery a destination rather than just a pit stop.
Prioritizing Community Engagement
Rather than aiming to stock your beer in liquor stores nationwide, prioritize making sure it’s readily available in all your local liquor stores.
A strong community focus, whether through hosting events, collaborating with local businesses, or supporting charity efforts, helps build a loyal customer base.
Successful breweries often have deep roots in their local areas, creating a sense of connection and belonging that goes beyond just the beer.
Upselling
Whether it’s offering larger-sized pours, limited-edition beers, or branded merchandise like growlers, glassware, and apparel, these small opportunities add up to significant boosts in revenue.
Invest in training your staff to naturally engage in upselling. This will not only drive additional sales, but will also enhance customer satisfaction by providing them with options that elevate their experience and connection to the brand.
Understanding the Numbers
Beyond these nine traits, understanding the numbers is absolutely critical for long-term success.
Breweries that thrive don’t just rely on their love for brewing—they are also financially savvy and constantly monitor key metrics like margins, sales trends, and brewery costs.
But we know not all brewery owners are good at crunching accounting information and even if some are, there’s often just a lot on their plate to manage.
That’s why we’re here to take care of these things for you. Our team of experts has years of experience working with breweries and restaurants.
You can book a discovery call with us at any time to see how we can help.
Simply use our calendar below to get started.
Until next time!
By MATT CIANCIARULO
