US: Brewers associations merge

By Joel Ceausu | 1 November 2004

Two associations are merging to better promote and protect the interests of America's small brewers. The Association of Brewers (AOB) and the Brewers Association of America (BAA) will unite, hoping to give small brewers a stronger voice in the media, and in all levels of government.

The AOB was formed in 1979 and has about 700 members and a home-brewer division.

BAA represents 1400 breweries and is the nation's oldest brewers' association, formed in 1941 to insure small-brewer access to war-rationed materials.

The new Colorado-based group, named The Brewers Association, will begin functioning on 1 January next year.

Sectors: Beer & cider