by Blake Sandnes
The craft beer industry continues to evolve, presenting exciting opportunities for both new brewery owners and those looking to revamp their operations or brand.
While the market is currently showing signs of stabilization, this actually creates an ideal environment for startup breweries or existing companies to focus on quality and efficiency. If you’re considering joining the ranks of successful brewery owners, this is your essential guide to launching a brewing company.
Here, RMS Sales Engineer Andy Bryan and Sales and Equipment Specialist Mack Sant at CraftMaster Stainless discuss how to start a brewery.
Start With Industry Knowledge
Before investing in brewing equipment or searching for the perfect location, it’s crucial to have some knowledge of the brewing industry. Jumping in without proper knowledge can be a costly mistake.
“Don’t purchase brewing equipment without any knowledge of the industry or how to make beer,” advises Mack from CraftMaster Stainless. “We see a lot of entrepreneurs who think the brewing industry is the coolest thing in the world. Spend some time. Take some classes. Shadow some brewery owners. Figure out what you’re really getting into.”
Essential Steps for Your Brewery Startup
- Develop a comprehensive brewery business plan
- Define your brewery concept and target customer base
- Research potential customers and market demand
- Create detailed financial projections
- Plan for equipment and operational costs
Location and Facility Planning
Finding the right location for your craft brewery is critical. Whether building new or renovating an existing space, your facility needs to accommodate both current operations and future growth.
Consider factors such as production capacity requirements, space for fermentation tanks and refrigeration equipment, and room for potential expansion.
“Just because something is available doesn’t mean you should jump on it,” says Mack in regards to purchasing an existing property that was used as a brewery. “Starting too small can be a mistake.”
Selecting the Right Equipment Partner
Working with the right brewery equipment manufacturer can make or break your brewing company’s success. Here’s what Mack recommends looking for:
Customer Service and Support
“The biggest thing is customer service,” emphasizes Mack. “We pride ourselves on our customer service from the beginning to the end, including after purchasing.” Mack notes that while many companies “go quiet” after a customer purchased a piece of equipment, CraftMaster Stainless and RMS continue to be actively involved in supporting their customers for continued success.
Equipment Quality and Efficiency
The right equipment directly impacts your bottom line. Mack explains, “With the right grinding equipment, and with the right knowledge, you can save yourself 15% per batch. Most of these brewhouses are designed or sold as 90% efficient. You should be getting 90% of your extract into that beer.”
Parts and Maintenance
When considering how to start a brewery and select equipment, consider the availability of replacement parts and repair options from the manufacturer. A reliable brewery consultant or equipment manufacturer should offer ongoing support and readily available replacement components so you can minimize downtime.
The Impact of Quality Brewing Equipment
Investing in quality brewing equipment affects two crucial aspects of your business:
- Operational Efficiency: Proper equipment can save thousands of dollars annually through improved extraction rates and reduced waste.
- Product Quality: As Mack notes, “No one wants to spend hours, days, and weeks that go into the process of fermentation and packaging a beer for that product to just be off.”
Getting Started
The current state of the craft beer industry offers unique opportunities for breweries to establish themselves. While competition exists, there’s still room for innovative brewery concepts and quality-focused operations.
For those serious about starting a brewery, consider working with established equipment providers who offer comprehensive support. Many, like CraftMaster Stainless, provide free consultations to help new brewers make informed decisions about their equipment needs.
Remember, success in the brewing industry comes from a combination of knowledge, planning, and equipment. Take the time to learn the industry, develop a solid business plan, and partner with reliable equipment manufacturers who can support your journey from startup to successful brewery operation.
Contact RMS Roller-Grinder Today
Starting a brewery requires significant planning and investment, but with the right approach and partners, it can be a rewarding venture. Are you ready to explore brewing equipment that can support efficiency and cost savings while delivering a stellar final product? Learn more about your options by contacting RMS Roller-Grinder today. You can also contact CraftMaster Stainless at (916) 750-4677 or email mack@craftmasterstainless.com.
