Print
Restaurants

Sustainable Farmers Tap Into Craft Beer Market

By Jessica Maurer, posted Aug 30, 2017
The Farm-Infused Brewer's Fair will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday. (Logo courtesy of Tonic Branding)

Local sustainable farmers, craft brewers and area suppliers are coming together Wednesday in downtown Wilmington at the first-ever Farm-Infused Brewers Fair at Ironclad Brewery.

North and South Carolina farmers will be on hand along with wet/dry hop farmers to help brewers source large quantities of local, quality ingredients. Ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey can be used to create flavorful infused brews.

Christy Joyce, member of the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild and one of the event’s organizers, explained that because hops are often sourced from the same regions, craft beers can tend to develop very similar flavor profiles. Brewers are seeking to combat this by infusing beer with fresh produce to create unique flavor combinations.

Because large quantities of produce are needed for the infusions, the craft beer industry is one of the fastest-growing markets for farmers, according to Joyce. The Farm-Infused Brewers Fair is the first of its kind to help local, sustainable farmers capitalize on this growing trend, build new partnerships, and generate additional revenue. Brewers will be able to buy directly and place preorders for next year.

“In some ways the brewers are influencing what the farmers decide to plan for the next season,” Joyce said. “By setting up this type of event where brewers can present their needs to farmers, the farmers can better plan for the upcoming season.”

Joyce said that in many cases, just one order from a brewery could surpass what a farmer might sell in an entire day at a farmers market.

Ironclad Brewery owner Ted Coughlin said he was contacted about hosting the fair, which has been promoted throughout the state, because of Ironclad’s large event space.

“I think the idea of connecting regional farmer and regional brewers and creating these kind of partnerships could be great for the local economy,” said Coughlin.

The Farm-Infused Brewer’s Fair will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ironclad Brewery, 115 N. 2nd St. Admission to the event for brewers, home brewers and the general public is $25. Find out more on the event's Facebook page

Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email [email protected].

Story On The Map

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign5

The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership

John Monahan - Vistage
Jane

The Childcare Cost Dilemma

Jane Morrow - Smart Start of New Hanover County
2022052 75 142344351

Bridging Futures: The Case for Toll Funding in Wilmington’s Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Revamp

Natalie English - Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

NCino's Fourth-quarter Earnings Signal Rebound From Liquidity Crisis

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 27, 2024

In The Current Issue

INFO JUNKIE: Jack Fleming

Jack Fleming, owner of Socialry Marketing & Scourz and emcee for 1 Million Cups Wilmington, shares his media and tech picks....


Hacking Cyberdefense Shortage

A shortage of cybersecurity professionals influenced professor Ulku Clark and her team to slowly evolve UNCW’s offerings to now include eigh...


Q&A: Andrews Reflects On Leadership

Pender County Manager David Andrews is slated to retire this summer after 33 years in local government....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments