Accelerating Insights by Talking with Your Competitors

One thing small breweries are doing differently — and something most industries rarely consider — is talking openly with their peers. They discuss everything from operational strategies to keeping staff employed. By sharing insights, they collectively figure out what’s working and what isn’t.

This tight-knit community has built a foundation of trust that allows them to share knowledge freely, from navigating government regulations to creative marketing strategies. Brewers taste each other’s beers, swap recipes, tour facilities, collaborate on brews, and even work for each other.

Evaluating What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Breweries embrace rapid experimentation — low-cost, quick changes to test the market. In digital product development, this is called rapid prototyping: research, make, test, repeat.

For example, when hand sanitizer ran low, some breweries assessed their capabilities, produced a small batch, and tested the market. Sales were solid, and word spread quickly. Now, leaders like DogFish Head and Three Floyds, along with dozens of other breweries, are implementing this strategy.

Modernizing! Going Digital from Analog

Under normal circumstances, breweries rely on in-person sales and taproom visits. Quarantine has forced creative solutions:

  • Shipping samples and hosting virtual tastings
  • Selling growlers in batches instead of single servings
  • Pre-ordering online and preparing in advance
  • Using analytics to optimize production and reduce waste

These logistical improvements and infrastructure upgrades are helping breweries adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

Where Do We Go from Here?

With millions unemployed and uncertainty around reopening, industries need to find stable ground to rebuild. These innovative practices aren’t just for breweries — they’re examples any industry can learn from as they navigate disruption.

How Can We Help?

I own a brewery, a BBQ joint, and manage a digital product agency. We offer digital product teams and a playbook for innovation, helping companies identify quick transformative opportunities.

If you’re interested in discussing how your company or industry can adapt and innovate, reach out to me.

Meanwhile, I’ll be picking up a growler of hand sanitizer from my local brewery 😉

— Jonathan ✊