More than 1,250 brewing companies and counting, representing more than 1,500 brewing locations and about 50% of U.S. craft brewer volume have signed the license agreement to use the Brewers Association’s new independent craft brewer seal, the trade group said.
Research during the design of the seal showed that almost all beer lovers surveyed have some interest in a “certification badge” or seal to identify independently owned craft breweries, and they believe such a seal would support small businesses, it added.
The differentiation of small and independent craft brewers isn’t intended to denigrate other beer producers or the quality of their beer. Instead, it is intended to lessen marketplace confusion. With the increasing number of mergers and acquisitions of formerly independent brewers, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for U.S. craft brewers to gain access to market, and more difficult for the beer lover to discern who owns different beer brands. The seal provides clarity by certifying that a brewery displaying the seal is in fact small and independent.