International trade
Craft beer can be successfully exported but it takes the commitment of our international trade partners to understand proper storage and handling techniques, shelf life and the importance of delivering high quality beer to the market. The craft beer revolution is being driven by the beer drinker, not the brewer or the importer, and it is absolutely imperative that he or she enjoys a positive drinking experience every time he or she picks up a glass.
The Brewers Association publishes a wealth of resources to help brewers, retailers, distributors, wholesalers and consumers understand and enjoy craft beer. These materials are available to UK brewers and retailers as printed leaflets or may be downloaded via the Brewers Association website and include:
Draught Beer Quality for Retailers – to help retailers pour great beer and preserve profits through industry accepted best practices http://www.draughtquality.org/wp-content/uploads/Draught-Beer-Quality-for-Retailers.pdf
Draught Beer Quality Manual – how to improve the quality of draught beer http://www.draughtquality.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DQM_Full_Final.pdf
Best Practices Guide to Quality Craft Beer – how to maintain craft beer in the best possible condition overall https://www.brewersassociation.org/educational-publications/best-practices-guide/
The Brewers Association Guide to American Craft Beer – how to understand and appreciate great beer looking at ingredients, terminology, best approaches for presenting and enjoying craft beer and the many different styles of craft beer https://www.brewersassociation.org/educational-publications/american-craft-beer-guide/
American Craft Beer and Food: Perfect Companions – a handy 12 page booklet detailing the basics of beer and food pairings including a chart with 28 different beer styles showing pairing guidelines for main dishes, cheese and deserts https://www.brewersassociation.org/educational-publications/craft-beer-food-guide/
An additional resource tied to beer pairing and presentation is the Craftbeer.com Beer & Food Course available at http://www.CraftBeer.com/culinary
A new 10-part video training course focusing on specific tasks performed at a brewery has recently been launched by the Brewers Association and is available free on-line. The Brewery Safety Training course addresses the need for occupational safety and health training in the craft brewing industry. https://www.brewersassociation.org/best-practices/safety/free-online-brewery-safety-training/
Beer style guidelines are updated annually and provide descriptions as a reference for brewers and beer competition organisers. You can see this year’s guidelines here: https://www.brewersassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2015-brewers-association-beer-style-guidelines.pdf
