SIBA announces posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award for Roger Ryman
As reported by The Morning Advertiser (MA) in May, the British pub and brewing industries paid tribute to Ryman after he passed away peacefully, aged 52, after a battle with cancer.
Ryman, who fronted St Austell’s brewing efforts for more than 20 years, is credited with transforming the independent Cornish family brewer into a nationally recognised brand off the back of now household name brews such as Tribute and Proper Job.
“Brewers from across the UK have been unanimous in their praise of Roger for his huge contribution to the British independent brewing industry over the past two decades,” SIBA chairman Ian Fozard said.
“While Roger’s passing comes as a huge shock and is met with great sadness by the industry, I am very proud to be able to announce, on behalf of the SIBA board of directors, that this year's SIBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award is posthumously awarded to Roger .
“We hope this small tribute to a great brewer will make clear the impact he had on his peers within the brewing family.”
SIBA chief executive James Calder added: “Roger’s passion and knowledge of brewing was clear to anyone who was lucky enough to work with him during his influential career in the brewing industry.
“I was privileged to meet Roger last year following a fascinating and impassioned talk he gave at the Brewers Congress and it was immediately clear the enjoyment he took in his work, and the insight he had to share with others in brewing. He was a titan of the industry who will be sorely missed and long remembered.”
The presentation of the award to Ryman’s family will be made in due course.
Huge role
Ryman’s first St Austell brew in 1999, a short-term seasonal beer to celebrate the then upcoming total eclipse of the sun named Daylight Robbery, was later relaunched as Tribute, due to its popularity.
“Roger was a world-class brewer and a leader in his field, who we were incredibly lucky to work alongside,” Kevin Georgel, St Austell Brewery chief executive, said.
“Passionate about people, he played a huge role in nurturing and developing young talent – both at St Austell Brewery and throughout the brewing industry.
“The growing reputation and quality of our beers, since Roger joined our business in 1999, is testimony to his talent, hard work, leadership and passion. He has left a huge legacy and is sorely missed by all who knew him and worked with him.
“On behalf of everybody at St Austell Brewery, and Roger’s friends and family, I’d like to thank SIBA for honouring Roger with this year’s lifetime achievement award – a thoroughly deserved recognition.”
