Competing on the world stage, three American craft breweries, all members of the Brewers Association’s Export Development Program, won five trophies at the 25th annual Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), the largest competition for the beer industry in the Asia Pacific region.
“There is an increasing global appetite for American craft beers,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association. “The EDP program fuels this demand, making distribution and participation in international competitions feasible and seamless. We are thrilled to see such a high volume of EDP members participate and acknowledged in an international arena.”
Presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria in partnership with Federation University Australia, the AIBA attracted record participation with more than 1,890 entries, 226 of which were from EDP members, from 358 breweries in 36 countries. The awards, which provide brewers from around the world with a crucial benchmarking opportunity, are open to breweries ranging in size from boutique small volume to large-scale commercial production.
American craft beer winners included:
Champion International Beer
Feral One (Packaged) – Firestone Walker Brewing Co., USA
Champion Medium International Brewery
Pelican Brewing Co., USA
Best Pilsner – Presented by ExpoNet
Pivo Pils (Packaged) – Firestone Walker Brewing Co., USA
Best Belgian / French Ale
Feral One (Packaged) – Firestone Walker Brewing Co., USA
Best Specialty Beer – Presented by GABS
Raspberry Stout (Packaged) – Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, USA
U.S. craft beer exports exceed $121 million in 2016, world thirsty for more
The competition was limited to nine major trophies, including the Champion International Beer trophy, as well as 22 category trophies. Beers were judged blind, according to style and were critically and quantitatively evaluated for their commercial excellence, quality attributes and trueness to type. American beers received the second most accolades, following Australia and 34 EDP members participated in the competition.
The EDP, which generates exposure for American craft beer through trade shows, festivals, seminars, media outreach and competitions, among other activities, was initiated in 2004 with funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Market Access Program (USDA MAP). There are now approximately 100 small and independent brewers exporting their beers from the United States, by EDP estimates.
