The best part about working on this special Brewing Industry Guide issue of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine® is the opportunity to speak with many of the talented and passionate brewers and owners who’ve helped make the industry what it is today. While each individual brings his/her own expertise and insight to the issue, several themes kept bubbling up across all of these conversations—change, quality, and growth.
Change remains a huge topic of conversation around craft beer. What will the continued involvement of big beer and outside investors mean for the industry? How many breweries can the market sustain before reaching critical mass? Will consumers continue to embrace craft at the same pace as they are now, and how long can that momentum continue?
It’s important to remember that all of these concerns are beyond anyone’s direct control. Change is a constant, especially in a rapidly growing sector such as craft beer. What’s more, any new challenges that come may also represent new opportunities, at least for those who can see it from a fresh perspective. And the best way for owners and brewers to position themselves to respond is to provide outstanding customer service, continue to improve their operations, and keep making great beer.