Small breweries are the engines of beer culture renewal

Small-scale breweries are the engines of the renewal of domestic beer culture, the National Chamber of Agriculture and the Small-scale Breweries Association said at a press conference on July 22. With their activities, small-scale breweries have contributed and continue to contribute to the diversity of the offer, the strengthening of the quality approach and the refinement of consumer taste. Through their uniqueness, creativity and regional embeddedness, they not only offer an experience, but also create jobs, utilize local and special ingredients, and stimulate gastronomic tourism and the HoReCa sector.

Craft and small-scale brewing offer a value-oriented alternative to large-scale industrial production, emerging as a sustainable model in an increasingly conscious consumer environment. In addition, the market presence of small-scale breweries reduces the concentration of large, multinational beer producers, strengthening the choice and competition in the hospitality industry; but according to experience, they also encourage large companies to diversify their product range. Although the economic weight of small-scale breweries is not so great, their impact is significant: they make beer consumption exciting and value-based, reinterpreting the concept of “beer” as a modern, premium experience. Both segments, large and small, are needed in the beer market, but it is a fact that there is room for improvement, as the estimated market share of small breweries in Hungary is 3-4%, while in Scandinavian countries it is around 10%, but also in Italy it is 8-9%, and in the USA it is an outstanding 26%. The emergence of innovative products and the interest of younger generations greatly contribute to the strengthening of the market position of small breweries. New beers are released on a weekly or monthly basis; beer lovers can choose from a very wide range. A quality small brew can compete with large breweries, in many cases providing more significant added value.

The “Beer Act” (§ 7/B – supplementary provision of Act CLXIV of 2005 on Trade concerning beverage regulation) was previously introduced to support the market entry of small breweries, which regulates in detail the sale of beer, soft drinks and mineral water by catering establishments – including the market entry of small breweries. The aim of the regulation is to limit the expansion of large producers, ensuring the possibility of small breweries entering the market (catering establishments, taps) and promoting the diversification of the range in catering. The position and market presence of small breweries should be strengthened and stabilized also due to their social and gastronomic role, and for this purpose, greater emphasis should be placed on compliance with this statutory regulation and the attention of the relevant market players should be drawn to this.

Currently, beer production is basically bipolar, meaning there are small and large producers, and the medium-sized sector is practically absent, the strengthening of which would be helped by strict compliance with this law. In addition to the above, it would be necessary to strengthen the gastronomic role of beer through targeted communication and marketing, similar to wine marketing, by emphasizing the uniqueness of individual products and directions, and by expanding consumer knowledge.