More than 5,300 independent US craft brewers will be able use the logo on their bottles, according to Brewers Association president and CEO Bob Pease.
“Independent craft brewers continue to turn the beer industry on its head by putting community over corporation and beer before the bottom line,” said Pease.
‘Better beer’
He added: “They continue to better beer and our country by going beyond just making the beverage. These small businesses give back to their backyard communities and support thousands of cities and towns across the US.”
Beer lovers are interested in transparency more now as bigger brewers continue to take over smaller craft brands and grow confused about ownership, he added.
SIBA chief executive Mike Benner said: “We are aligned with the Brewers Association that independence is a hallmark of craft brewing with our own ‘Assured Independent Craft Brewer’ seal and welcome their commitment to driving forward beer from independent craft brewers with this new certification.”
It was important for beer drinkers to understand who made the products they consume, he added.
350 breweries
There are around 350 breweries in the UK sporting the Assured Independent British Craft Brewer seal, he added.
“It is vital that beer drinkers are able to differentiate between what is a beer from a truly independent British craft brewer and what is a beer from a global brewer.
“Our research shows that consumers believe craft beer comes from relatively small, independent producers, something the big brewers have long tried to play on. Clearly this is an issue around the world as the craft beer revolution gathers steam globally.”