The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) has expanded its membership offering, introducing a new category designed to welcome independent retailers, venues, industry supporters and beer enthusiasts into the organisation.<\/p>\n
The new True Indie Supporter membership category aims to provide a pathway for businesses and individuals who want to support Australia\u2019s independent brewing sector but have not previously been eligible for IBA membership.<\/p>\n
According to the IBA, the move follows strong feedback from across the industry, including retailers, venues and sole traders looking for ways to become more involved in the independent beer movement.<\/p>\n
IBA Chief Executive Officer Sabrina Kunz said the initiative reflects the broad community that supports independent brewing in Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Independent beer movement has always been broader than breweries \u2013 and we are excited to welcome further parts of the supply chain, and indeed consumers or passionate advocates to wave the indie beer flag as a True Indie Supporter,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
The association said it had received significant interest from individuals and businesses that wanted to demonstrate their support for independent beer but were unsure how they could engage with the organisation.<\/p>\n
As a result, the new membership category has been created to broaden participation and strengthen the IBA\u2019s ability to undertake collective action on behalf of the sector.<\/p>\n
Jono Outred, Membership Engagement Officer at the IBA, said interest in the organisation continues to grow across the brewing industry and wider supply chain.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithin my role of membership engagement and communications, I\u2019ve seen support for the IBA growing pretty strongly, across all breweries of all sizes, and in the supply chain. But it isn\u2019t just breweries and trade partners looking to join us, its individuals and businesses like bars and bottle shops as well \u2013 its people who believe strongly in the importance of independent beer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Outred said the new category would help the organisation engage a broader community of supporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited we are able to deliver this option to our community and have the opportunity to engage even more people on the benefits of the IBA and the extensive work we are doing.\u201d<\/p>\n