Tips for opening a brewery

While the idea of starting a commercial brewery is exciting, inspiring and exhilarating – it can also be daunting.

Where do you start? How much equipment do you need? Where do you get your recipes? How big a space is required?

And the big one – how do you ensure it’s profitable?

There’s a lot to consider.

But where can you go for craft brewery start-up advice?

Good news – we can help!

We’ve put together some of the things you need to think about, in the early stages of starting a brewery.

DEGONG 2000L brewery equipment

1.Your purpose

Defining your purpose is important for starting any business – but even more so if you’re starting a craft brewery.

Because being in the business of beer is often a labour of love. It’s not something you go into to make squillions. It’s about bringing your passion to the people. If this is done well – then yes, you stand to make some cash! But when you’re starting out, this is the focus.

So – why do you exist? What can you offer, that nobody else can? What is your Unique Value Proposition?

Once you’ve decided these things, it’s then a matter of translating this into your brand and marketing. People need to know what you’re about. You will need to make decisions about how you want to be interpreted by your customers.

Your brand will be an integral part of your

• type of beer

• location

• space

• brewery experience

2. Legal Requirements

Your local council is your friend! And a great partnership to have under your belt. They can help you ensure all your legal ducks are in a row.

If you’re in Australia, you will need to consider:

• Permit and licence requirements, zone classifications – Local city planning permit / Development Approval (DA)

• State liquor license

• Building permit

• Wastewater agreement

• Australian Tax Office permission to manufacture alcohol

Also – it’s time to get into spreadsheets – yipee! Facts and figures!

I know it can be a slow going task, it’s important to figure out ALL of your costs, as accurately as possible. And leave a buffer of around 10-15% to prepare for unexpected costs.

Because unfortunately – they happen!

3. Join The Craft Beer Community

The craft beer industry is more like a community. It’s like nothing you’ll ever experience elsewhere. We are sharers of information, we celebrate success and we help out our mates.

So get in touch with other breweries, who have a similar setup to what you’re envisaging. Do your research, learn from their mistakes and successes.

Get a mentor – someone who wouldn’t really be considered a direct competitor, who can offer advice as you go and be a sounding board for ideas and concerns. The great thing about this is, it’s a two-way street – for every favour they assist you with, you’ll be able to get them back.

4. Make Beer You Love

Yes, you need a target market. And yes, do the research to see where the demand lies.

But you don’t have to follow trends. Every game changer started as some ‘new idea’ some guy had one time.

Don’t try to second guess the market – or make a substandard product different or better-er.

And don’t skimp on the ingredients in your brewing process! Yes, there is always a time and a place for cost saving, we understand that better than anyone. But the quality of your product is everything. It’s your integrity and it’s your meal ticket to success!

If you love craft beer – you know what’s good. Your customers will know if quality has been compromised.