European independent brewers are pushing back against the market power of the global beer industry by forming the association Independent Brewers of Europe, aiming to counter the growing influence of multinational companies in the European market.
The newly founded association sees itself as a lobbying group for independent brewers across Europe, campaigning against market injustices. Its goal is to protect the diversity of craft beer specialties and ensure they maintain enough market presence, so beer enthusiasts can continue to enjoy unimpeded access to authentic, regional beers in the future.
The initiative originated from the Independent Brewers of Austria, who have passionately and fiercely advocated for preserving Austria’s beer culture since its members united nearly three years ago. Since then, they have built significant market influence, controlling around two-thirds of the entire market.
The Independent Brewers of Europe consists of national associations of independent brewers, with associations from Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom involved from the very beginning.
“We want to cooperate across borders,” says Hubert Stor, President of the Independent Brewers of Austria, describing the idea behind the group’s formation:
“We have a big common goal. We want to protect the indigenous beer culture in Europe in all its diversity and enable its continued development.”
Photo: Ingo Pertramer / Independent Brewers of Europe