Contract brewing, long seen as an industrial practice that devalues the artisanal quality of beers, is now gaining recognition in the brewing world. More and more international competitions now admit contract-brewed beers, with many of these beers even winning prestigious medals, proving that the method does not compromise the quality of the final product.

his article explores the growing recognition of contract-brewed beers through competitions, showing that delegating production to a third-party brewery is by no means a loss of quality. On the contrary, it can be an effective way to ensure a superior product, benefiting from the expertise and modern infrastructure of specialized breweries.

What is contract brewing?

Contract brewing is a process in which a brand or brewer outsources the production of its beer to another brewery while remaining the creator and owner of the recipe. This model is particularly advantageous for brewers who lack the financial or technical resources to produce their own beers on a large scale. Through contract brewing, they can outsource production while maintaining full control over the recipe, the quality of ingredients, and brewing methods.

Contract breweries offer flexible production capacities and ensure compliance with the client’s specifications, whether for traditional, craft, or organic beers. Contrary to popular belief, contract brewing does not mean a compromise on quality. Beers produced in this way are often brewed in modern facilities under the supervision of experienced master brewers.

Be careful not to confuse private-label beers with contract-brewed beers!
Private-label beers carry the name and design of a specific brand but are often produced by large industrial breweries, whilst applying different labels to the same beer. These beers are designed to meet a certain standard of quality and taste, with large-scale production.

Contract-brewed beers recognized in international competitions

Some of the most prestigious competitions in the beer world, such as the World Beer Awards, European Beers Star Awards and the Concours Général Agricole de Paris, now allow contract-brewed beers to compete. This acceptance reflects a shift in perceptions and the growing recognition of contract brewing as a valid and high-quality model.

Several contract-brewed beers have already won gold, silver, or bronze medals in these competitions. These awards prove that the quality and authenticity of beer are not compromised by production in a third-party brewery. Contract brewers are careful to adhere strictly to clients’ recipes and production processes, ensuring exceptional quality.