News

The Independent Brewers Association has a vision of quality independent beer everywhere.

To support this vision, we have partnered with our friends at Fermentis by Lesaffre to deliver a suite of resources that will mean all members have an opportunity to implement a high calibre quality assurance program.

Kylie Lethbridge, CEO of the IBA says “We know that our members have an absolute commitment to the highest standards of beer quality but in these challenging times, small businesses have to make choices and often maintaining a dedicated quality team or a quality manager is not possible.  That’s the gap this program will help fill for our nearly 420 brewery members. 

We are thrilled that Fermentis by Lesaffre shares our vision and are partnering with us to develop a world class program that will be aligned to their on-the-ground sensory training programs.”

“Fermentis has a long tradition founded on impeccable quality and technical excellence. Meeting the highest international quality standards and developing products that meet the needs of brewers is the pillar of everything we do. A product that consistently delivers the best quality gives brewers the confidence to go about expressing their inventiveness and creativity. And we are passionate about supporting Australian independent brewers. This partnership enables us to continue to be part of the journey and to support the independent beer industry when it needs it the most,” says Jeanne Gallerand, Global Marketing Manager.

The quality of independent beer has improved significantly over the past decade and the IBA’s quality program will continue to support our members to ensure we are giving consumers the highest quality products possible. One indicator of that improvement is the results of the Independent Beer Awards (the Indies).  

“We were blown away by the results of the 2023 Indies Awards with an incredible 85% of all beers entered received a medal. This medal tally demonstrates that the standard of independent beer poured in tap rooms and packaged in fridges across Australia, is of an exceptional quality.

Brewers are delivering beers that are absent of major technical faults and reflective of the promised style, allowing consumers to repeatedly enjoy their engagement with independent beer.” Said Justin Fox, Chief Judge, Independent Beer Awards.

The 2024 Independent Beer Awards are being held in Perth on 2 August 2024, and we look forward to once again celebrating the high quality of independent beer.

We are also pleased to announce that we have appointed Clare Clouting of Athena Quality to deliver the first suite of resources as she not only lives and breathes quality, but she also has a thorough understanding of the indie beer community from her time with Gage Roads and as a Board Director of the IBA.