By Chuck Lenatti
The California
Craft Brewers Association recently announced another historic milestone:
California is now home to 700 craft breweries. That’s a stunning number,
up 124% from just four years ago.
“Our industry is
changing so fast right now it is literally making my head spin,” said Natalie
Cilurzo, co-owner of Russian River Brewing and president of the CCBA Board of
Directors. “For example, in 1994, when my husband opened his first brewery, we
bought the only high-quality growler available: the flip-top 2 liter Palla
bottle. Now there is a dizzying array of super-technical, high pressure-rated
insulated growlers in various materials, shapes and sizes available.”
Becoming a
commercial brewer is no less daunting today than it was when Natalie and Vinnie
Cilurzo opened Russian River Brewing — maybe even more so, given the stiff
competition. But unlike in the 1990s, organizations like the CCBA are eager to
help brewers navigate the business side of commercial craft brewing.
The annual California
Craft Beer Summit in September is a chance for new brewers to learn the nuances
of the beer business, pick up tips from veterans and make valuable contacts, as
well as for established breweries to keep up with the rapidly evolving California
craft beer industry.
“The Summit is a great opportunity
for networking in all tiers, particularly for someone who is new to the
industry,” said Cilurzo. “Looking back 20-plus years, having an event like
the Summit would have been extremely beneficial when we first started in the
industry. It’s everything you need, from insurance companies to
distributors and bankers to customers, all in one place,” she said.
“The Summit not only showcases the
growth and the excellence of California’s craft beer industry, but
provides educational and networking opportunities for new and growing
breweries to improve the quality of their beer, build distribution channels,
learn about new equipment or services that support the industry, and
stand out in front of craft beer lovers in a growing industry,” said Leia
Ostermann, managing director of the CCBA.
“One of the most valuable parts of
the Summit for newer brewery owners is meeting the brewers that have walked the
path before them, building friendships and a network to call on if needed,
and bonding with the community of commercial brewers across the state,” she
said.
“Attending the talks and educational
seminars is a great way for new brewers to learn about trade practices,
different beer styles and the history of our industry,” Cilurzo said. “The
ability to network with so many people is invaluable for anyone new to the
industry. Even as a seasoned vet to craft beer, I still ask questions and
learn from others at events like the Summit,” she said.
Educational seminars and networking can
help all breweries avoid some of the legal pitfalls that might crop up in areas
such as marketing and social media advertising. “Laws and regulations are
changing rapidly, the marketplace is becoming more competitive, and it’s
important to stay up to date with changes and transitions in the industry to
succeed as a craft brewer in California,” Ostermann said. “The Summit
provides all of this and more to California’s craft beer family,” she
added.
“This year’s Summit includes five
educational tracks specific to brewers and the beer industry,” Ostermann said.
“These tracks include business and industry sessions to improve understanding
and knowledge of the marketplace, hospitality and retail training, building a
brand and throwing events for beer lovers, technical skills and
cicerone tasting classes, and a special ‘meet a distributor’ session,
allowing one-one-one opportunities for brewers to meet new distribution
partners at the Summit.
The Summit concludes with a massive
party on the Capitol Mall in Sacramento. Beer lovers will have an opportunity
to enjoy brews that they might not otherwise see.
“At the Summit Beer Festival, we
have more than 160 California breweries pouring 450 beers from all over the
state, including special releases, hard-to-find beers and possibly even a
firkin,” said Ostermann. “Many of the breweries pouring at the Summit don’t
distribute outside of their home towns, so you’ll have a chance to taste new
beers and new styles that you won’t be able to try anywhere. It truly is a
tasting tour through California craft beer.”
Cilurzo considers the Summit “our
premier event in California, and California brewers are bringing their
A-game. I’m bringing Pliny the Elder, our flagship double IPA, and a new
sour beer that has never been released for sale to the public. It’s a
surprise!”
California Craft Beer Summit
When: Sept. 8-10
Where: Expo Hall, Sacramento
Convention Center, Downtown Sacramento
Tickets: buy your tickets at http://www.californiacraftbeer.com/2016-craft-beer-summit/tickets/purchase-tickets/
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