Michigan women organize a craft beverage trade group called Fermenta

The membership structure includes both active brewing professionals and associate members (women interested in the industry but do not earn an income from the industry).

The awesomely named Fermenta is a new trade group initiated by Michigan women, committed to diversity, camaraderie, networking and education within the craft beverage industry. The craft trade organization will launch at the Michigan Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti, July 25 and 26.

In late April, a group of women met at Arbor Brewing Co. to discuss the formation of a women’s trade group for the state of Michigan. The group decided to focus on encouraging more women to get involved in the industry, to expand their craft beverage knowledge and to create camaraderie throughout the state. In order to gain momentum, the group reached out to Michigan breweries to brew beers for the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival in support of the group.

The 11 breweries participating include the following: Boatyard Brewing Co., Cotton Brewing Co., Dragonmead Microbrewery, Fenton Winery and Brewery, Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Pike 51, Saugatuck Brewing Co., Short’s Brewing Co., Unity Vibration Kombucha Beer and Tea, Witch’s Hat Brewing and Wolverine State Brewing.

Fermenta is unique in that it welcomes women involved in all alcoholic craft beverage industries to join. “This is an exciting endeavor because Michigan has an amazing craft beverage industry and a growing number of female participants,” said Pauline Knighton, Fermenta president. “The sharing of knowledge and encouragement of communication will unite the state and further strengthen all of the industries”

The organization is filing for a 501 (c) (3) legal status and will direct funds to educational seminars and endeavors for its members. “Education is key to progress and growth in any industry; our group hopes to offer various avenues to inspire and assist women in their pursuit of obtaining new skills in the craft beverage industry. Small-scale classes, sizable seminars and hands-on workshops will be organized,” stated Annette May, Certified Cicerone.

The membership structure is two-tiered: active professionals (women who earn an income from a craft beverage industry) and associate members (women interested in the industry but do not earn an income from the industry).

To get involved with Fermenta’s formation, and the industry opportunities spearheaded by the group, please email Pauline Knighton at [email protected] You can also visit their Facebook Page.