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Bristol brewer recognised at ‘Oscars of beer industry’
A Bristol brewery has won a major industry accolade in recognition of its community engagement.
Bristol Beer Factory, based in south Bristol, has won this award at a recent ceremony held in Liverpool.
The event, organised by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), recognises excellence within the UK brewery industry across several categories, from pump clip, can, and bottle design to sustainability. It is often referred to as the “Oscars of the beer industry”.
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Bristol Beer Factory has sealed the win under Community Engagement category after fierce competition from the likes of Hand Brew Co. in Worthington, Hogs Back Brewery in Farnham and Tap Social in Oxford.
Bristol Beer Factory was recognised for its community engagement at SIBA Awards
Founded in 2001, Bristol Beer Factory has championed social causes and a variety of community-driven projects. From 2023, the brewer has provided stock, space and support worth £170,000 to the community.
Sam Burrows, managing director of Bristol Beer Factory, welcomed the recognition. He said: “Our community means everything to us, which is why we donate 2 per cent of every brewery sale to local charities.
“The system is broken, and those with the power to make change are not getting it right. Our community made us who we are, and we will always have their back. That’s why we donate 2 per cent from the sale of every keg, cask, and can leaving our brewery yard to local charities. Together, we can raise up our city.”
SIBA Awards were held in Liverpool where Bristol Beer Factory bagged two major awards
Presenting the award to Kari Halford, community manager at Bristol Beer Factory, Sunday Times columnist and beer writer Pete Brown lauded the brewer.
The author of several books on beer, including Miracle Brew and Beer By Design, said: “Bristol Beer Factory impressed judges with a broad range of community engagement activities across the year, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity and supporting hugely worthwhile causes across Bristol.
“In what was an incredibly tough category, Bristol Beer Factory stood out as a business delivering measurable change in a city hugely lucky to have its support.”
Kari Halford, community manager at Bristol Beer Factory, accepting the SIBA award for Community Engagement category
Among the many community initiatives Bristol Beer Factory is involved in are The Coexist Community Kitchen, a non-profit cooking school in Easton; Bristol Bisons, an inclusive rugby team that offers a safe space regardless of sexuality, gender, or ethnicity; The Mazi Project, a charity for young people who experience food insecurity; and Help Bristol’s Homeless.
Furthermore, it has joined forces with the Southville-based mental health charity Talk Club, where they donate 5 per cent of total Clear Head sales directly to the charity every year.
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On the night, Bristol Beer Factory has also won the Best Collaboration award with Charles Faram for their joint creation of Brush Up Euro Lager, with all profits donated to Upfest, a project that supports public art that sparks conversation and engagement.
All photos: SIBA/Bristol Beer Factory
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