Center for Executive and Professional Education

BB401 Basic Business for Craft Beverages

About This Course

This course provides an overview of the craft brewing industry from grower to glass. Participants will be introduced to the various players and processes that go into making and selling craft beer, from growing grains and hops to malting, brewing, distribution, and retail environments. 

The course also covers the different strategies and associated costs of creating a craft beer, along with various types of business models for selling craft beverage products. Business models for distilleries and alcoholic cider facilities will also be included. Students will complete a basic business plan covering the cost of goods sold (COGS) as well as potential revenue from different distribution channels. 

Course Snapshot


Format
 
Online

Frequency
 		Twice per year    


Length

5 weeks

Cost
 		$699

Program Schedule      

This course is currently on hold. The elective course BB407: Regulation and Compliance for Craft Beverages is running separately as an asynchronous course and is open for registration. If interested in receiving updates and information on when BB401 is open for registration, please complete this form to be notified when it is next offered. Thank you! 

Man in apron smiling at tablet with brewery equipment behind him

Business of Craft Brewing

While big name domestic beer sales have decreased, craft brew sales in the US continue to grow, capturing 12.7 percent of the overall market in 2017. With 6,000-plus craft breweries in the US today, a passion for brewing and a good recipe are simply not enough to thrive in such a crowded market.

Craft Brewing Details

What You’ll Learn

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained the knowledge to:

  • Understand the craft brewing industry landscape;
  • Identify competitive dynamics, trends, and opportunities for brewers;
  • Define the process of getting from the field to the end consumer and the associated costs;
  • Evaluate the regulatory environment in specific regions, associated taxes and licenses, and constraints on the different business models;
  • Apply strategies for differentiating product;
  • Create a basic business plan for a new or existing brewery.

The Learning Environment

This course is entirely online and includes live sessions with the instructors, recorded videos, guest speakers, assignments, and quizzes. Approximately 8-10 hours per week is recommended for work on this course.

Additional Information

It is recommended to take this course before BB402: Craft Beverage Business Management. A reliable internet connection and Microsoft Excel are required.

Courses in this Certificate Track

Enrolling in the full certificate program allows for more comprehensive learning in regard to the business of craft brewing.

Program Schedule about this content

Three courses are required to complete the certificate. If pursuing the certificate, all courses in the certificate program must be completed within three years. In addition, please note CEPE's Program Completion Policy. 

Michael Perozzo

Meet the Instructor

Michael Perozzo

Michael Perozzo is a veteran of the craft beverage industry and marketing industry since 2010. After founding the boutique agency ZZeppelin, he began working with craft breweries and coffee roasters. Everything came...

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