The latest statistics are proof. Microbreweries are big business in the United States. The trade association representing American craft brewers say that small and independent brewers collectively produced nearly 26 million barrels of beer in 2018. That’s an annual growth rate of more than 4 percent and the dollar value is estimated at $27.6 billion.
If you’re a big fan of independent breweries, head here and check out more interesting stats about the industry. If you’re looking for a small business to start, a microbrewery might be for you. This two-part article will tell you what you need to know.
What’s Brewing
Much like a traditional brewery, a microbrewery is a specific facility for brewing beer – but in a decidedly smaller scale. Most microbreweries only sell what they brew to the geographical area around them.
By definition, a microbrewery produces less than 15,000 barrels of beer each year, and 75 percent of what’s produced is sold off site. Staying under this production level allows you to avoid the higher taxes on alcoholic beverages that a large brewery must pay. Many microbreweries produce beers based on themed or seasonal flavors.
Brewery Buildings
Don’t let the name fool you. It’s called a microbrewery, but you’ll still need a reasonable amount of space for the process and business. You’ll also need a building with height, access to airflow, and drainage.
Accessibility is also key – as much for your patrons as for the delivery trucks. The building will need an entryway large enough to get the brewery equipment inside the building, so an oversized roll-up door definitely should be a part of the design. There’s also the possibility that you’ll grow the business and need to expand over time. Will your building allow for this?
Metal and Steel Buildings are Perfect
It might be difficult to find an existing building that will give you the square footage and height you’ll need, as well as the accessibility. It’s why, if you have the land, a DIY prefabricated metal and steel building is perfect for your microbrewery.
You’ll have spacious designs and tall ceilings. Our clear-span truss design does away with flat ceilings and low-hanging rafters. You’ll have plenty of room for brewery equipment, with interior heights of up to 30 feet and spans of 15 feet to more than 125 feet. You’ll also have the ability to work with large door openings because our designs feature side headers and transfer beams. Go ahead and put in a stack-style hanger door if you like.
Find out more about how Microbreweries are booming all over in Part 2 of this series.
