The Brewers’ Research and Education Fund (BREF) is now open for applications, looking for the brightest and best ideas to benefit the brewing and pub industries.
The coat of arms of the Brewers’ Company, which administers the Brewers’ Research and Education Fund
For more than a decade, the BREF has supported ideas that seek to improve and support the UK brewing industry. This has included awards for projects focusing on climate risk and resilience, hop diversification, benefits of moderate beer consumption, and educational activities.
The fund offers 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 and Pub Association (BBPA), the BREF is now administered through the Brewers’ Company.
“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,” said Nick Tindal, clerk to the Brewers’ Company.
“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 and across the industry, including:
- Richard Westwood (former chief operating officer, integration, at Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Co)
- Fergus Fitzgerald (head brewer, Adnams)
- Miles Jenner (head brewer and joint managing director, Harveys)
- Andrew Runcie (head of operations initiative management, Molson Coors) and
- Georgina Young (brewing director, St Austell Brewery).
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “Brewers have never lacked ideas, and their innovation and creativity must be fostered. What matters now is ensuring the best of them can shape the future of our sector.
“We look forward to backing ambitious thinking that strengthens resilience, drives progress, and helps secure a sustainable future for brewing and pubs across the UK.”
