News

For the past week, we have been out and about at events catching up with members, learning new things and advocating for the grain to glass supply chain.

On Monday, Evin Craney represented indie brewers at Parliament House in Canberra at the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers – Australian Grains Showcase. He summed up the event like this:

“Our industry works hand in hand, and side by side, with so many primary producers, especially the grain sector. Beer is more than just the liquid we all create but a true sum of its parts. The health of both our industries is tied together. So it was great to be able to represent our interests in the nations capital, and was a crucial step in maintaining our collective grain-to-glass voice in the halls of parliament.”

Jono Outred spent his first day as our new Member Engagement Officer at the Bintani Roadshow event in Perth this week.

“It was fantastic to get along to the Bintani Inspiration, Information Roadshow. It was a great opportunity to hear from industry professionals both locally and from abroad, as well as catch up with and hear from local brewers about their goals and challenges. Learning about innovation in the industry and how our brewers can make the most of those innovations was really exciting.” Said Jono Outred.

I had the good fortune of attending both the Brisbane and Adelaide events and as always learn a huge amount from speaking with our members and our supply chain. My big take away from the events is that our industry want to come together – and there is a thirst for innovation and excitement even as the economic environment continues to be a challenge. As a result, my conversations have continued to be around ‘bringing back joy’ as a strategy.

One of our members in Adelaide talked about a tactic they’ve employed in weekly meetings ‘enforced cheerfulness’ (apparently the concept originated with Shackelton the explorer during his expeditions). The goal being to focus on some of the wins and take a glass half full approach, even just for a minute. So, while I don’t think the IBA will be going so far as to ‘enforce cheerfulness’ – bringing back joy is important.

Some of the things that brought me joy are:

• “Percy” the new pitching device from Fermentis by Lesaffre. At the Brisbane event it got an audible ‘oooooo’ – and so if you haven’t seen it check it out.
• The new Flake It hop flakes from NZ Hops which is essentially dehydrated hop oils and can be used in brewing but also in cooking or other applications.
• Watching Jade behind the bar at The Wheatsheaf Hotel. Talk about indie beer institutions. It was such a privilege to visit – but also to watch the passion that Jade (still) has for all things beer – styles, service and industry collaboration.
• Listening to Adam at Gawler River Brewing tell me all the reasons why independent breweries should back the IBA more than ever. Adam’s passion for collective action, and his drive to get everyone to support the Association as we stand between increasingly challenging government regulations and small businesses was that extra reminder of how important the work of the IBA is to the industry.

A huge thank you to the teams at Grain Producers Australia and Bintani for bringing our supply chain together to share ideas, to challenge one another, to get inspired and to spread joy.

Cheers, Sabrina, Jono and Ev.