159. Bart Watson, President & CEO of the Brewers Association, on the Mature Craft Beer Market, Consumer Education, and Supporting Small Brewers Amid Tariff Pressures

Craft beer transformed American tastes—so how does the industry stay relevant in a crowded, flavor-filled beverage market? How can associations support their members during a time of economic uncertainty and competition from larger players?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Bart Watson, President and CEO of the Brewers Association. Bart discusses:How the Brewers Association represents over 5,000 small and independent craft brewers across the U.S.The evolving landscape of the craft beer industry as it enters a mature, stable phaseThe impact of competing beverage innovations like hard seltzers, canned cocktails, and THC beverages on market share and consumer attention.The recent spin-off of the American Homebrewers Association and how both organizations benefit from their independence.The importance of renewed consumer education to engage new generations and promote local craft breweries.Why the Brewers Association continues to invest in consumer-facing platforms like CraftBeer.com and large-scale events like the Great American Beer Festival.How the association is rethinking its convention (Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®) to focus more on business acumen, total beverage strategies, and meaningful networking.The significant challenges small brewers face with supply chain inflation, especially with aluminum and barley, and the association’s advocacy work on tariffs.Why gathering and analyzing data is a key member benefit, and how it helps level the playing field for smaller breweries.The role of local breweries in community life, especially during events like Oktoberfest, and how fresh hop beers are a seasonal must-try.References:Brewers Association WebsiteGreat American Beer FestivalCraftBeer.comEpisode 131 with Julia Herz