Newly formed National Black Brewers Association announced
May 8, 2023
New non-profit the
National Black Brewers Association is dedicated to promoting and supporting black entrepreneurs in the brewing industry
Out of nearly 10,000 craft brewers in the country, only about 1% of them are black. The craft brewing business has grown to nearly $29 billion in beer sales in 2022, a quarter of the total beer revenue in the US, but people of color are still a tiny tiny portion.
A group of like-minded Black entrepreneurs are now setting out determined to change this dynamic. At the Annual Craft Brewers Conference this week in Nashville, TN, they announced the establishment of the
National Black Brewers Association. The first-of-its-kind non-profit organization is committed to:
- Promoting the Black brewing community
- Increasing the number of African American individuals in the brewing industry at all levels of production, especially ownership and brew-masters
- Exercising influence by developing and advocating for effective policies
- Fostering historical context, and legacy surrounding African American influence on brewing in the US
"The launch of the National Black Brewers Association will create a more inclusive and vibrant beer industry by providing black brewers access to the resources, mentorships, and networks needed to thrive," said Kevin Johnson, founder of NB2A.
To help spearhead the organization, the NB2A has announced the appointment of Kevin Asato, a 30-year veteran of the beverage industry, as its first Executive Director. Asato brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position, having previously held leadership roles at major beverage distributors across the country.
"I am honored to be selected as the first Executive Director and to build the foundation that will fuel the growth of Black owned breweries, membership into the organization and celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Black Brewers of America," said Asato.
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