The Brewers Association is celebrating the success of its Export Development Programme (EDP) American craft brewery members at two international beer competitions. Both the Brussels Beer Challenge and European Beer Star yielded an impressive haul of medals.
Judging at the Brussels Beer Challenge. Photograph: Bart Van der Perre
The 14th edition of the Brussels Beer Challenge was held in Marche en Famenne, Belgium, earlier his month. Over three days, 1,701 beers from 36 countries were evaluated by a panel of 78 international judges. The beers were categorised by origin, specificity, and style, ensuring a comprehensive and fair judging process.
American craft breweries performed strongly in the competition, winning a total of 28 medals (up from 19 in 2024), including six gold, eight silver, and 14 bronze. Special mention goes to Firestone Walker Brewing Co for Union Jack, which was awarded the title of best American beer in the competition.
Held annually in Nuremburg, Germany, the European Beer Star Awards took place in August for the 22nd time. As one of the world’s most respected beer competitions, it celebrates authentic and high-quality beers rooted in traditional European brewing techniques.
The competition received 2,202 entries from more than 510 breweries across 43 countries. The competition was judged by 45 experts from 33 countries. American craft brewers excelled once again, securing 19 medals: five gold, three silver, and nine bronze.
“Year after year, American craft brewers excel on the world stage, winning top honours at prestigious European beer competitions,” said Lotte Peplow, the Brewers Association’s American craft beer ambassador for Europe. “Such success creates a point of difference and drives awareness, helping to develop distribution opportunities in global export markets.
Winners and judges at European Beer Star
“This year’s impressive medal haul is a true reflection of the skill and creativity of American craft brewers, the world class quality of their beers, and their innovative, boundary-pushing approach to brewing. Congratulations to all of the winners!”
Success at international beer competitions helps to raise awareness of American craft beer abroad and assists EDP member breweries to generate publicity for their brands in overseas markets. As part of its programming, the EDP helps facilitate US brewery participation and performance in selected competitions by covering entry fees and consolidated airfreight shipment to judging sites.
The work of the EDP is made possible by grants from the United States Department of Agriculture. The Brewers Association is committed to increasing trade relationships, enhancing media visibility, and raising consumer awareness of American craft beer internationally via festival participation, trade conferences, retail promotions, media campaigns, and international beer competitions.
