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June 27, 2017: BREWERS ASSOCIATION INTRODUCES SEAL FOR INDEPENDENT CRAFT BREWERS

Boulder, CO:  The Brewers Association today launched a new program aimed at assisting consumers to identify which breweries qualify as "craft brewers" under the Brewers Association standards.  Craft brewers may apply to use the new seal free of charge if they meet the BA's definition of "craft brewer," have a TTB Brewer's Notice, and sign a license agreement. The theme is "independence."

The new seal is in response to several considerations. Consumers sometimes have difficulty in determining which breweries are "independent" or do not actually satisfy the "craft" definition due to ownership by non-craft companies. Also, according to the BA, studies have shown that beer consumers' purchasing decisions are influenced by ownership of brands, and consumers look for "transparency" with respect to the identities of the actual owners. The seal provides "clarity" regarding product brewed by breweries which are, in fact, certified as "small and independent."

The Brewers Association news release appears here. 

Cheers,

Linda Johnson
Certified Cicerone®