New approaches and future scenarios for craft microbreweries

Craft microbreweries position themselves, as a missing link, between the large brewing industry and the end consumer by being able to grasp, thanks to their widespread presence in the territory, the moods and new trends emerging in a sector, which is that of craft beer, in continuous evolution. Small producers, thanks to their smaller size, present greater flexibility in the management of new processes and/or new technologies, manifesting an elasticity that for objective reasons large-scale industry lacks. In addition, the artisanal sector is supported by research centers that have the function (or task) of spreading awareness among consumers, through publications and training, about concepts such as quality, connection to the land, health, sustainability and circular economy principles. Two approaches to enhance the use of hops and an organic method to produce non-alcoholic or low-alcohol craft beer will be presented.