A Message to Craft Breweries, From the New President of the BA

Bart Watson on stage at an event.
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Bart Watson shares his thoughts about the path forward.

Maybe yesterday’s news didn’t seem significant, but the decision to separate the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) from the Brewers Association (BA) is a big deal. It’s a milestone. It is recognition that the world of craft beer has changed significantly. Homebrewing is a hobby that, for many years, provided an entry point and a conduit to professional brewery work and even brewery ownership. Today, many folks approach brewing as a career choice without dabbling in homebrewing. Craft beer is a business; homebrewing is a hobby. The line between the two is less blurry. 

The Brewers Association represents and promotes the interests of the craft beer industry, which often involves politics and policy. Bart Watson (above) is the newly elected president of the Brewers Association. Following yesterday’s announcement, he emailed a statement to the Association’s members addressing the news about the AHA and the BA’s plans for the future. 

“First, homebrewing is near and dear to our hearts. Many of you started as homebrewers,” said Watson. “The craft beer revolution of the 1990s and early 2000s sprang from the shoulders of homebrewers who went pro and started their own breweries. But times change. And so, after 42 years of integration and partnership, the time has come for both organizations to venture on to new journeys independent of one another.”

“We look forward to supporting the AHA throughout 2025 and beyond as they transition to their new future, and I’m excited for the AHA to have the autonomy and flexibility to pursue their own path. Moving forward, this organizational shift allows us to focus solely on you, our professional members, and modernize our offerings and member value to align with your business needs and goals.”


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Speaking about that path forward for the professional side of brewing, Watson said, “We will spend the weeks and months ahead listening to you. We aim to continuously evolve how we can support you in the changing and challenging business climate, help you make the best beers and beverages, and be as successful as possible. I’ll be traveling to numerous events this year and reaching out, but I welcome your thoughts throughout the year, and I look forward to learning how the BA can further support you.”

Watson concluded with an invitation. “Finally, I’d like to invite all of you to join us at the Craft Brewers Conference® (April 28-May 1) in Indianapolis, where I’ll be laying out more of my vision for how the BA can evolve to best serve your needs. The Brewers Association is your trade association – we work for you, and in turn, each of you helps shape how we work and how we can accomplish more together.” 


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