What does a state brewers guild do when craft beer becomes mainstream, and the industry faces new headwinds? Executive Editor Jon Sicotte talks with Scott Graham, Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild, about the guild’s evolution, Michigan’s brewing community, and the opportunities ahead for craft beer. Graham shares the thinking behind the Great Beer State Collaboration, which brings breweries together around beers made with Michigan ingredients, and discusses the challenges of getting busy breweries involved. He also talks about Michigan’s agricultural strengths, beer tourism beyond Grand Rapids, changing consumer habits, the role of festivals, and why guild advocacy in Lansing matters. Although the market has matured, Scott notes that locally brewed beer still represents less than 10% of beer sold in Michigan, which leaves room for continued growth. In this episode:
- How the Michigan Brewers Guild and the state’s brewing industry have changed
- The Great Beer State Collaboration and the value of Michigan-grown ingredients
- Industry headwinds, festival trends, and reaching younger consumers
- Beer tourism and Michigan’s agricultural advantages
- Why guild membership and legislative advocacy matter
