Blog

/ / /

Craft Brewery Insurance: A Guide to Protect Your Business

Craft breweries have seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years, with over 200 breweries operating in Canada alone. This growing industry presents unique challenges and risks that require specialized insurance coverage. As a craft brewery owner, it is essential to protect your business from potential liabilities and unforeseen circumstances.

The Unique Exposures Faced by Craft Breweries

Craft breweries differ significantly from larger multinational breweries in terms of size, production scale, and business operations. Many craft breweries operate as brewpubs or in conjunction with restaurants, making their insurance needs more complex. Understanding the specific risks and exposures faced by craft breweries is crucial in selecting the appropriate coverage.

Selecting the Right Coverage

In addition to general and property liability coverage, craft breweries should consider the following insurance policies to address their unique exposures:

1. Boiler and Machinery Coverage

Smaller breweries may struggle with production interruption caused by equipment breakdown. Boiler and machinery coverage helps cover repair or replacement costs for damaged equipment and compensates for losses resulting from production interruption and downtime.

2. Supply Chain Insurance

Craft breweries often rely on regular shipments from suppliers for their ingredients. Supply chain insurance protects against decreased production or increased production costs if a supplier is unable to provide the necessary materials. This coverage ensures that your brewery can continue operations even in the face of supply chain disruptions.

3. Spoilage and Product Recall

Contamination or spoilage of a batch of beer during the brewing or packaging process can result in significant financial losses. Spoilage coverage reimburses the initial production cost and lost revenue. Product recall coverage is crucial if contaminated beer reaches store shelves, as it helps cover the costs of removing and replacing the tainted product.

4. Liquor Liability

Craft breweries that operate with a restaurant or offer beer tastings need liquor liability coverage. This insurance protects against damages to persons and property caused by patrons who were overserved at your establishment. Liquor liability coverage is essential in mitigating potential lawsuits and financial liabilities.

By combining these policies based on the specific needs of your craft brewery, you can ensure comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. Some insurers even offer packages tailored specifically for craft brewers, providing additional customization options.

Working with an Expert Insurance Provider

As the craft brewing industry continues to expand, insurance providers are becoming more adept at addressing the diverse risks faced by breweries. To navigate the complexities of insurance coverage for your craft brewery, it is crucial to work with experts who understand the unique needs of your operation.

At Harvard Western Insurance, we specialize in insuring craft breweries and have extensive experience in the industry. Our team of experts can guide you through the insurance selection process, ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date options in brewing coverage. We are committed to providing tailored solutions that address your specific risks and protect your business effectively.

Thanks for reading our article; I hope you enjoyed this month’s topic on craft brewery insurance. Here are some more ways to access more insurance information and tips: