BB402 Craft Beverage Business Management

About This Course

From employee management to sustainability implementation, participants will learn how to align their business models with their missions. This course covers the aspects of the craft beverage business from the business operations and supply chain management perspectives. Participants will be introduced to brewery and distillery production and operations as well as the interfaces between brewery/brewpub and brewery/distributor.

This course also introduces the role of distributors and how to manage products in the supply chain, including the three-tier distribution system, franchise law and regulations, and contracts. Instructors will explain how these areas affect self-distribution, pub and distillery issues, and internet and direct sales.

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 BB402 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:

Identify the appropriate capacity plan for a brewery along with fixed and variable operating costs;
Develop a forecast and production plan for weekly operation of a brewery or distillery;
Determine the ROI for capital investments such as energy conservation improvements, bulk grain storage, and water and/or effluent treatment;
Implement a basic quality control program;
Understand brewery inventory management;
Recognize the key interactions with pub, food, and direct sales;
Create an operations and distribution plan.

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 BB401: Basic Business for Craft Beverages prior to this course. 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.

BB401: Basic Business for Craft Beverages (Recommended before BB402: Craft Beverage Business Management)
BB402: Craft Beverage Business Management
BB403: Strategic Craft Beverage Marketing
BB405: Craft Beverage Distribution
BB407: Regulation and Compliance for Craft Beverages

Program Schedule

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.

Meet the Instructor

Cameron Johnson

After completing his Master's degree in Architecture through Washington State University in 2012, Cameron Johnson worked for several different design firms in the Spokane area, specializing in sustainable residential...

See full profile