The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) has joined forces with Fermentis by Lesaffre to enhance quality assurance for independent breweries across Australia. This partnership aims to provide IBA members with essential resources to implement high-quality assurance programs, a critical need in the industry given the current economic challenges.
Kylie Lethbridge, CEO of the IBA, highlighted the difficulties small breweries face in maintaining dedicated quality management teams due to financial constraints. “Our members are committed to the highest standards of beer quality, but with the current economic pressures, it’s often not feasible to have a full-time quality manager,” Lethbridge said. “This program is designed to bridge that gap for our nearly 420 brewery members.”
The collaboration with Fermentis by Lesaffre aligns with the company’s dedication to supporting independent brewing and ensuring high-quality beer production. Jeanne Gallerand, Fermentis’ Global Marketing Manager, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining impeccable quality and supporting the creativity of brewers. “This partnership allows us to continue supporting the independent beer industry, especially during these challenging times,” she said.
The new quality assurance program is expected to build on the recent improvements in the quality of independent beer, as evidenced by the 2024 Independent Beer Awards. Chief Judge Justin Fox noted that 87% of entries received a medal this year, up from 85% in 2023, indicating a positive trend in the industry.
The first resources from the IBA and Fermentis’ program will be delivered by Clare Clouting of Athena Quality, who brings extensive experience in quality assurance and a strong connection to the independent brewing community.
This initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that independent brewers can continue to produce high-quality beer, even in economically challenging times.
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