Start your own brewery – your path to professional beer production

Craft beer is more than just a trend—it’s a movement that inspires people all over the world. People who love beer often dream of perfecting their own recipe, creating special flavours and sharing their beer with others. But what is the appeal of starting your own brewery?

For many, it is the idea of creating something of their own, a product with character and quality that stands out from industrial mass-produced goods. It’s about the art of brewing, the balance between tradition and innovation and the opportunity to experiment with new ingredients and brewing processes.

At the same time, a brewery is also an entrepreneurial adventure – from the initial idea to the first beer sold.

So before you take the first step, you should ask yourself:

The answers to these questions will determine many other decisions – from the choice of brewing equipment to the long-term business strategy.

It’s a big step from hobby brewer to professional beer producer. In addition to solid brewing skills, economic know-how and knowledge of operational processes are crucial.

The following steps are helpful for optimal preparation: attending specialist seminars and brewing courses, visiting existing breweries or studying specialist literature and technical documentation.

Salm offers its customers free training at its breweries in Vienna.

The location of your brewery is one of the most important decisions, as it influences production processes, storage capacities and logistics costs. A well-chosen location can significantly determine your success.

Important factors are:

Breweries with an attached restaurant, in particular, benefit from a location with a high visitor frequency. Those focussing on retail or online sales, on the other hand, should pay more attention to an efficient infrastructure and good delivery routes.

Setting up a brewery requires sound financial planning. The costs vary considerably depending on the size, technology, location and individual requirements. While small breweries can often start with a six-figure sum, larger production operations quickly require investments in the millions.

Important note: The following information is intended as a rough guide and may vary significantly depending on the supplier, location and technical requirements. Anyone considering starting a brewery should obtain detailed offers from brewing equipment manufacturers and financial consultants in advance.

An example of a microbrewery with a batch size of 5 hl could include the following basic costs:

However, actual costs may be higher or lower, depending on individual circumstances and technical requirements.

Financing options:

Many brewery founders rely on a combination of equity, bank loans and funding programmes. In Austria, there are various contact points, including the chamber of commerce (WKO) and regional funding centres, which offer financial support for start-ups.

In addition, some start-ups use crowdfunding platforms to cover initial production costs and build a community of supporters at the same time.

The costs of a brewery depend on various factors. Here are some of the most important items to consider:

A well-developed business plan is often a prerequisite for loans and subsidies.

Selling your own beer is at least as important as producing it. The best recipes and brewing technology of highest quality are useless if nobody knows the beer. Successful breweries rely on clear positioning and creative marketing.

Which distribution channels are suitable depends on the brewery’s concept:

ideal for breweries with their own tap room or tasting room

good possibility to establish a regular distribution network

via your own online shop or platforms such as beer subscription services

A well thought-out distribution concept ensures that the beer not only tastes good, but is also sold successfully.

Sustainable breweries rely on water recovery, energy-efficient brewing technologies and recycling concepts for by-products such as spent grains and yeast. These measures can not only save costs, but can also be a selling point for environmentally conscious consumers.

Starting a brewery is an exciting but also challenging undertaking. In addition to high-quality brewing equipment and economic know-how, a clear business strategy is crucial. With proper planning and a reliable partner, a successful start is guaranteed.

Get in touch now and take the first step towards your own brewery!

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and does not replace legal or tax advice. For specific questions about business registration, beer tax or legal requirements, please contact the relevant authorities or a specialised consultant

Detailed information on the commercial regulations for starting your own brewery in Austria can be found at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO).