The Brewers’ Research and Education Fund (BREF) 2023/24 is open for applications. The judging board are looking for the best ideas to benefit the brewing and pub industries.
For more than a decade, the BREF has annually supported ideas that seek to improve and support the UK brewing industry. This includes awards for projects focusing on the benefits of moderate beer consumption, sustainability, hygiene, hop diversification, and education.
The fund is an opportunity for individuals, groups, or organisations to be creative in thinking about how the brewing process, breweries, and their supply chains could be supported to make their work even better.
Created through funds originally provided by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), BREF is now administered with the Worshipful Company of Brewers as trustees, and the BBPA promoting the fund and providing the secretariat.
Nick Tindal, clerk to the Worshipful Company of Brewers, said: “The Brewers’ Research and Education Fund is a great example of the Brewers’ Company’s focus on investing in the future of the brewing industry.
“As the trustee of the fund, the Brewers’ Company looks forward to awarding grants to another selection of valuable industry research projects, and the opportunity to further education in beer and brewing.”
Applications will be judged by an advisory committee made up of leaders and experts from across the industry, including: Richard Westwood (chair of the BREF advisory committee), Andrew Runcie (MCUK), Fergus Fitzgerald (Adnams) Georgina Young (St Austell Brewery), and Miles Jenner (Harvey and Sons). Applications can be made here.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “You only have to look at the diverse selection of beers on offer at the bar to see just how creative brewers are.
“As an industry we strive for brilliance, and this fund seeks to support that passion and enthusiasm for innovation in our craft to develop and keep Great British beer thriving.”
