This week marks the Brewers Association’s American Craft Beer Week®, which celebrates Small and Independent craft breweries. This national beer holiday has been celebrated by millions of beer lovers, breweries, and retailers since 2006. This year’s festivities hosted by CraftBeer.com will be a little bit different, but will be celebrated nonetheless between May 11-17th. The root of it remains unchanged: the spirit of supporting craft breweries and those craft breweries who supported their communities and country.
Participating in this year’s American Craft Beer Week may be more important than ever given the current economic circumstances. In a continued effort to support local small and independent craft breweries, this week provides an opportunity for craft beer enthusiasts to connect while practicing social distancing while supporting local small businesses.
This goes without saying, but these brewpubs, taprooms, breweries, etc., are going through unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. A recent study conducted by the Brewers Association shows that these small businesses provides “more than 161 direct full and part time jobs” and have “donated more than $82 million to local charities last year” — which breaks down to “approximately $3.10 for every barrel of beer brewed.”
Being a part of the craft community that does so much for the community around them, whether within or outside of the craft brewery community, is something very special. It’s also a great reminder to support them as they are going through these difficult times.
“Independent craft breweries are an essential component in the important economic network of growers, distributors, supplier partners, beer lovers, and retailers,” said Julia Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com and craft beer program director at the Brewers Association. “This American Craft Beer Week, brewers and beer lovers will connect in new ways during these challenging times. From May 11 to May 17, those who commit to giving independent craft beer will make a difference that reaches beyond the beverage to support and save thousands of hometown breweries who are instrumental in giving back to so many local communities and charitable causes.”
Curious on how to participate? Here’s what the Brewers Association has lined up:
Commit to #GiveCraftBeer at AmericanCraftBeerWeek.com: Stand up and be counted by gifting craft beer, gift cards, merchandise, or other food and beverage offerings from a U.S. craft brewery.
Get Social: Use custom American Craft Beer Week social media posts.
Sign up to become a supporter of independent beer at SupportIndependentBeer.com.
Find your community: Use #GiveCraftBeer and follow @indiebeer_ for chances to participate all week
Donate to the Believe in Beer Craft Brewery Relief Fund to help craft breweries and state brewers guilds weather this unprecedented financial storm.
You can contact Jenelle Scott, who is working on the behalf of the Brewers Association) at jenelle.scott@backbonemedia.net or 970.963.4873 x224 for more information.
Happy American Craft Beer Week, everyone!
— Karen Mills, RadCraft Content Editor