Business Management
Running a successful brewery or distillery takes planning, persistence, and knowledge. One of the key factors in operating a thriving company is excellent business management.
On this page, find information on business management and marketing for breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Get advice on assessing the feasibility of growing apples for hard cider production and access tips on brewing with Mid-Atlantic fruit.
How to Start a Brewery or Cidery
Starting a business in the cider or beer industry requires a large investment in both time and equipment. Whether you plan on running a craft brewery, cidery, or distillery, writing a well-thought-out business plan should be your first step.
A solid brewery business plan includes business overview and description, target market analysis, sales and marketing strategy, business operations (including taxes and licenses), and financial planning. If you are set on running a cidery that grows apple cultivars on-site, estimating the cost of production and including it in the business plan is crucial.
Note: Breweries, cideries, and distilleries are regulated both at the state and federal level. Most businesses will need to secure a location and have the brewing equipment installed before being able to complete the licensing process.
Brewing Equipment
Breweries, as well as cideries and distilleries, rely heavily on specialized equipment. This includes brew kettles, filters, fermenters, and fermenting equipment, bottling and canning equipment, hydrometers, and sanitizers. Distilleries will further need pot and/or column stills, boilers, mash tuns, and pumps.
Sourcing Local Ingredients for Beer, Hard Cider, and Spirits
Sourcing local ingredients gives brewers more control over the production process and allows them to incorporate local tradition, culture, and flavor into their product.
In many states, such as Pennsylvania, there are a good number of farms growing a variety of beer and spirit ingredients, namely fruits (including hard cider apples), vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices.
Expand your local network by joining Penn State Extension’s free Craft Beverage Meeting and connecting with other brewers, distillers, and farmers. This networking session is centered around an open discussion about the challenges and opportunities in supplying local grain products.
Brewery and Cidery Sales and Marketing Resources
As the brewing market is becoming increasingly competitive, the need for creating a distinctive brand and offering a unique experience is self-evident.
Breweries and cideries can further increase their market and attract a broader range of customers by providing low- or no-alcohol options and partnering with other local businesses.
In this section, access educational resources and tips on business management and marketing for breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Additionally, those interested in the cider industry may benefit from Penn State Extension’s Ramp Up Your Online Cider Sales webinar. Topics discussed include permits, logistics, labor, and online ordering platform set-up.
- Articles
Improving the Agricultural Value Chain in Pennsylvania Craft Beer
The Pennsylvania Craft Brewer Survey brings insight to agricultural producers on growing the amount of 'local' in Pennsylvania craft beer. - Articles
Wellness Trends Influence Craft Beverage Market
The wellness industry, currently valued at a booming 4 trillion dollars, is beginning to pour product options into the craft beverage market. - Articles
Using Mid-Atlantic Processing Fruit in Hard Cider Production
Exploring the potential for using Mid-Atlantic processing apple varieties in hard cider production. - Articles
Mid-Atlantic Hard Cider Consumer and Producer Trends
Hard cider production is increasingly becoming an economically attractive value-added product in the apple industry. - Videos
Introduction to Cider Styles
Cider is as diverse as wine or beer. Discover the different styles and nuances of cider and its apples to determine what pairs with your tastes and plates best. - Articles
Craft Beverage - Grow Your Brand and Your Community
Craft beverage is uniquely positioned to bring producers and communities together. - Articles
Assessing the Feasibility of Growing Apple Cultivars for Hard Cider Producers
These tools are designed as educational resources to aid in decision making regarding the establishment of your cider variety orchard. - Articles
Allowable Revisions to Approved COLA
Make quick reasonable changes to your labels without applying for a new Certificate of Label Approval or COLA. - Articles
Hard Cider Business Benchmark Survey
This study enables cider makers to identify areas for potential cost savings to allow their businesses to operate with greater profit margins and to further understand the current state of the cider production marketplace. - Webinars
Free
Ramp Up Your Online Cider Sales
When Watch NowLength 1 hourRecorded Mar 26, 2020Event Format On-Demand | RecordedJoin us to learn about how to ramp up online cider sales quickly and efficiently for sustained business.