KZG’s Eric Orlando Named Executive Director of the Brewers Guild of New Jersey

KZG’s Eric Orlando has been named the first Executive Director of the Brewers Guild of New Jersey. Recently established to represent the policy interests of independent craft breweries and brewpubs in the Garden State, the Guild will work to ensure that positive trends for craft beer in the state continues. By promoting sensible and innovative policies, the Brewers Guild of New Jersey will help increase purchasing opportunities for consumers and the visibility of craft beer throughout the state.

Eric, who has represented the craft beer industry for several years, spoke about his new role and the goals of the organization. “Shepherding the passage of bipartisan craft beer reform legislation in 2012, and guiding the craft beer industry through its early stages has been rewarding both personally and professionally. Now, as the state’s craft beer industry is more established and has a real presence in the halls of Trenton, the demands of a maturing industry need a renewed focus on not only what matters to businesses today, but also the challenges the industry faces going forward.”

Since 2012’s landmark legislation, the craft beer industry has exploded in New Jersey, helping to create thousands of jobs and a billion dollar impact on the state’s economy. However, in an increasingly complex industry, breweries face challenges on many fronts. Issues pertaining to tasting room privileges and self-distribution rights, as well as learning to operate in the age of e-commerce and understanding how changes to federal and state tax policy could impact the industry’s growth, will be of interest to the Guild. Additionally, the group will look to emulate successful brewery programs from other states, including tax and economic incentive programs, as well as marketing opportunities that partner with New Jersey’s agricultural and tourism departments, as a way to stoke growth amongst its member base.

The founding membership of the Brewers Guild of New Jersey, which accounts for more than 75% of the craft beer produced in New Jersey, includes Cape May Brewing Company, Flying Fish Brewing Company, Kane Brewing Company, Carton Brewing Company, Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, Riverhorse Brewing Company, Cricket Hill Brewing Company, Beach Haus Brewing Company and Spellbound Brewing Company.

The press release announcing the launch of the Brewers Guild of New Jersey and Eric’s appointment to Executive Director can be found by clicking here.