For breweries striving to grow both in scale and sophistication, the approach to sourcing ingredients has evolved beyond a simple hunt for the lowest price or fastest delivery. Strategic sourcing in today’s craft beer landscape is less transactional and more relational, focused on aligning a brewery’s core values—quality, consistency, and flexibility—with those of its suppliers. The shift reflects a broader mindset that recognises the supply chain not just as a cost centre, but as a dynamic partnership critical to product integrity and brand reputation over time.
At a 2025 Craft Brewers Conference seminar, Adam Charnack, co-founder of Asheville’s Hi-Wire Brewing, emphasised that while price remains important, the strength of supplier relationships is paramount. He likened procurement at this level to diplomacy, where enduring partnerships are the bedrock for navigating inevitable challenges like shipment delays or quality inconsistencies. “You are not just about finding a vendor; you are building with a partner,” Charnack underscored, reinforcing the view that mutual trust and collaboration are essential to overcoming obstacles.
This perspective is echoed across the industry. Cole Hackbarth from Rhinegeist pointed out that low upfront costs can disguise hidden expenses. Cheap malt, for instance, might deliver poor extraction efficiency, requiring brewers to use more raw material or accept inconsistent results. Hackbarth insisted that investing in slightly higher-quality ingredients upfront can improve operational efficiency downstream and solidify a brewery’s brand value. Jeremy Moynier of Stone Brewing added that third-party references from fellow brewers prove invaluable when assessing potential new suppliers, often revealing reliability issues that numbers alone cannot.
Industry data supports these insights, highlighting that strong supplier relationships yield multiple benefits beyond cost. Trusted suppliers bring increased operational efficiency, improved product consistency, and greater flexibility to respond to shifting market demands. Their ability to anticipate business needs and collaborate on process improvements fosters innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage. In particular, working with local suppliers who practice sustainability contributes to environmental conservation and builds a shared sense of community and purpose.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are becoming integral to these partnerships. Reports indicate that breweries collaborating closely with suppliers committed to fair trade and environmentally sound practices help promote long-term ecosystem health and support local economies. Such partnerships enable brewers to access diverse ingredient portfolios while facilitating innovation and adaptability in an ever-changing market.
Best practice guides for brewing ingredient sourcing reiterate the importance of rigorous quality control, adherence to regulatory standards, and regular audits of suppliers. Strong relationships enhance reliability, reduce supply risks, and encourage positive community engagement, ultimately underpinning the long-term success of the brewing process.
Hi-Wire’s adoption of request-for-proposal campaigns through companies like Agrowgate exemplifies how breweries without dedicated procurement departments can simultaneously honour legacy supplier relationships and inject competitive tension into the market. This approach sharpens sourcing intelligence and provides clarity on market trends without undermining trust.
The strategic sourcing approach also aligns with broader efforts to integrate sustainable local farming into the supply chain. Technology-enabled collaborations with local producers enhance supply chain transparency and control, reduce transport-related risks, and deliver fresher, higher-quality ingredients. This trend benefits both the brewery and the regional economy while offering more stability in ingredient sourcing.
In essence, modern breweries looking to excel do so by recognising that ingredient sourcing is not a one-off transaction but an ongoing partnership. This network of trusted suppliers not only provides consistent, high-quality produce but also acts as a collaborative force that helps breweries innovate, navigate disruptions, and uphold their brand promise. As Charnack noted, when problems arise—as they invariably do—it is the strength of these relationships, built over time, that ensures a brewery is supported and set up for success.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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