Starting your own microbrewery is certainly not easy! Just like any other small business, this one also requires:
- thorough preparation
- bit of market research
- necessary equipment
Nonetheless, it is important to invest in the right microbrewery equipment, and here you will find the steps that have to be taken before you invest in any piece of equipment:
1. Decide on the Type of Beer You are About to Brew
There are tens of different beer varieties, and the first thing is to decide which type or types you want to focus on. For instance, do you want to produce the traditional and delicious ale, or you want to focus on the classic beer that appeals to the wide audience? The choice is entirely yours. At the same time, you can also get formal knowledge in brewing if you are truly serious about starting a lucrative career in this field.
The basic equipment for a microbrewery can exceed $50,000, and in addition to the right equipment you will also need the following:
- constant supply of fresh water
- good location
- good drains
At the same time, before you get to invest in microbrewing equipment it is essential to invest in a space that is easy to find and maintain, as cleanliness is an aspect of utmost importance for any business that operates in the food and drink industry. A professional consultant can help you find the most suitable location for your microbrewery, one where you will have enough space to install your equipment.
2. New or Second Hand Equipment?
This depends mainly on your budget. If you are on a tight budget, then second hand/refurbished microbrewery equipment is certainly the best choice, as you can save several thousand dollars.
NOTE: Keep in mind that the microbrewing community is relatively small and it will take a while until you will manage to make a name for yourself, this is why you will need to invest heavily in marketing to promote your business.
3. Determine the Size of Your Business
The microbrewing equipment is directly linked to the size of your business and to your target brew length. This is why you need to determine how much beer you want to brew in the first place, how will you sell it and such. Find several pubs or local large breweries that might be interested to sell beer on your behalf.
Generally speaking, a microbrewery starts with five to ten barrels at first, and it can increase its number of barrels in the long run. It is important to understand that most small businesses fail within the first few years of operation, this is why you must not rush to invest in expensive equipment from the very beginning. Rather than doing that, it is better to invest slowly but surely, so you will record positive return on investment within less than one year.
In a nutshell, these are three of the most important aspect you need to pay attention to before you move on to investing money in microbrewing equipment.
