The 2014 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition awarded 268 medals to some of the best commercial breweries in the United States, plus three GABF Pro-Am medals. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is one of the largest commercial beer competitions in the world and a symbol of brewing excellence. In its 28th year, the 2014 competition surpassed all previous participation records.

The European Beer and Health Symposium is usually held in Brussels every second or third year, and focuses on the latest research on the relationship between moderate beer consumption and health.

Can trends in brewing be revolutionary?

“Can trends in brewing be revolutionary?” This was the motto of the 11th Trends in Brewing symposium held in Ghent, Belgium. Those who know Prof. Guido Aerts from KAHO Sint-Lieven (KU Leuven) in Ghent would say that he doesn’t really fit the stereotypical image of a revolutionary. Nevertheless, he asks critical questions about sensitive issues, for example, efficient processing and sustainable production practices, scientific findings and their practical application in brewing operations.

A fabulous fest

Granted, for those accustomed to life on a European scale, many facets of the American experience can be overwhelming. But this year’s 31st Craft Brewers Conference (held from April 8th to 11th 2014 in Denver, Colorado) even took the event organizer, the Brewers’ Association (BA), by surprise. According to official press releases, 7000 participants were expected this year. But as the event unfolded, the BA announced that the number of attendees would rise significantly. In the end, around 9500 people flocked to the CBC in order to attend both the presentations, which numbered almost 150 this year, and the BrewExpo America tradeshow.

Global “jam session”

The global craft beer scene now has a new international forum, which was launched at the beginning of March by the Global Association of Craft Beer Brewers (GACBB). The network consists of founding members from all five continents who want to support small breweries and foster closer ties in the international craft beer community.

The World Beer Cup competition was introduced in 1996 to celebrate the art and science of brewing by recognizing outstanding achievement.

Consumers fight for European Beer Culture

People love to drink beer. Some take this passion even a little bit further. They are willing to defend and promote their local beer culture, with no other motive than their passion for beer. They are neither brewers nor publicans – although many support the cause. They are consumers with no financial gain involved. On a European level, these consumers are organised in the European Beer Consumers Union (EBCU). EBCU is a federation of thirteen independent national beer consumer organisations across Europe.

Döhler has won the “Food Innovation Award 2014” as part of the “12th World Food Technology & Innovation Forum” in London. Again this year, representatives from world leading companies within the food and beverage industry, from fields of research and development, innovation, marketing and technology, met with one another in order to discuss what will move the food market of the future. This top-class audience honoured Döhler with the Innovation Award for its breakthrough in the area of “gluten-free malt extracts”.

The International Centre of Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) was inaugurated at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK in 1988. A series of events will take place in 2014 to celebrate the anniversary, such as an industry conference, special lectures and beer competitions.

The “reunion factor”: Craft Brewers’ Conference 2014

It’s that time of year again: In April, the Craft Brewers’ Conference and BrewExpo America opens its doors. The Brewers’ Association is the organizer of the event and will welcome craft beer enthusiasts from around the world to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from April 8th to 11th, 2014. Like-minded individuals will be exchanging ideas and becoming acquainted with the exciting beers on tap at the World Beer Cup Awards, an event held at the conclusion of the CBC. As a sponsor of the CBC, BRAUWELT International will be in attendance, since events of this type are not merely a means for making and maintaining contacts in the industry but also serve as an excellent platform for disseminating information.