EnglishViews: 29 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-04 Origin: Site
Before evaluating physical locations, clarify your business model and production goals. Each type of brewery has unique requirements for space, utilities, and local accessibility:
Microbrewery or Brewpub: Focused on small-batch craft production and customer experience. Requires visibility and foot traffic.
Production Brewery: Dedicated to large-scale brewing and distribution. Prioritizes logistics and supply-chain access.
Hybrid Brewery (Production + Taproom): Combines brewing and on-site consumption — needs a balance between industrial infrastructure and customer-friendly surroundings.
Tourism or Destination Brewery: Includes visitor tours and brand storytelling, emphasizing aesthetics and accessibility.
Define your priorities:
Are you focused on on-site consumption or distribution?
Is your target market local or international?
Do you plan to expand in the next 3–5 years?
The answers will shape your facility layout and determine what type of site fits best.
Proximity to your market and suppliers is vital.
For brewpubs, visibility and accessibility to city centers or entertainment districts can drive traffic and brand awareness.
For production plants, proximity to highways, ports, or rail transport lowers logistics costs.
Consider zoning laws and community compatibility — a brewery near residential areas may face noise or odor complaints.
Every region has specific regulations for food and alcohol production. Before signing a lease, confirm that:
The zoning category allows food/beverage manufacturing.
The site can meet environmental and wastewater-treatment standards.
There are no restrictions on alcohol production or CO₂ emission levels.
Fire-safety systems, exits, and ventilation meet industrial codes.
DEGONG recommends consulting local authorities early to understand permits, taxation incentives, or industrial-park support policies.
Reliable infrastructure determines operational stability. Ensure that the facility can provide:
Power: Three-phase industrial electricity (commonly 380 V / 50 Hz). Brewing systems, pumps, and refrigeration consume high loads.
Water supply: Stable pressure and potable quality. Check pH, hardness, and mineral content; install filtration if required.
Drainage: Floor slope and waste-water separation system.
Ventilation & Cooling: Adequate exhaust fans and space for glycol chillers.
Fire protection: Sprinklers, extinguishers, and emergency exits.
A site with proper utilities will significantly reduce construction and start-up time.
Accessibility also affects recruitment and supply chain.
Choose an area with available technical labor (brewers, electricians, welders).
Ensure delivery routes allow heavy trucks to load or unload tanks easily.
For international operations, closeness to ports or freight terminals saves container handling costs for equipment and materials.
While rental price matters, scalability is more important in the long run.
Evaluate hidden costs — utility upgrades, permits, wastewater systems.
Select a property that allows future expansion for more fermenters, bright tanks, or a canning line.
Consider insulation, floor strength, and ceiling height (≥ 4 m recommended for standard brewhouse).
DEGONG’s engineering team can provide 3D layout planning to assess whether a potential site can support your expected growth.
Prepare a requirement checklist ranking factors by importance:
| Evaluation Item | Importance (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Market | 5 | Essential for brewpubs |
| Electrical Capacity | 5 | Must support brewhouse, refrigeration, lighting |
| Rent & Lease Terms | 4 | Watch for long-term obligations |
| Water Quality & Supply | 5 | Directly affects beer taste and cleaning cycles |
| Expansion Space | 3 | Plan for additional tanks and storage |
Visit shortlisted locations and verify:
Actual ceiling height and usable floor area.
Distance between equipment zones and utilities.
Truck access for raw-material and product delivery.
Ventilation, lighting, and noise environment.
Wastewater discharge and chemical-storage options.
Record photos and measurements to compare sites objectively.
Before signing any contract:
Engage a professional to review lease terms and verify ownership.
Confirm permitted land use and required licenses (food, alcohol, business).
Clarify responsibility for infrastructure modifications (e.g., power upgrade).
Ensure you can install brewing equipment, glycol chillers, and exhaust ducts.
After the site is selected, DEGONG engineers can help create:
Detailed equipment layout drawings based on site dimensions.
Utility connection plan (steam, water, glycol, electricity).
Material flow analysis to optimize brewing efficiency.
Proper layout design at this stage will save significant time and cost during installation.
Choosing based on rent alone: Low rent may mean high modification or permit costs.
Underestimating power or drainage needs: Brewing systems require more utilities than typical food businesses.
Ignoring ventilation: CO₂ and heat from fermentation need controlled exhaust.
Overlooking expansion: Future growth may force expensive relocation.
Neglecting community relations: Always check local attitude toward alcohol businesses.
Selecting a brewery location is a strategic investment, not just a real-estate decision. The ideal site should enable smooth production, compliance, and long-term brand success.
With DEGONG’s expertise in brewhouse design, process integration, and turnkey project execution, we help clients worldwide establish efficient, safe, and scalable breweries.
If you are planning to launch or expand your brewery, contact DEGONG today for professional consultation — from site planning to equipment installation and start-up support.
