The Art of Craft Beer in a Traditional Wine Nation: A Preliminary Study in a Model Area

This research analyzed the craft beer sector and the position of microbrewers in a specific Piedmontese area i.e. the province of Biella. This area is famous for its textile production, due to its favourable territorial position and climate. The authors discuss the microbrewing phenomenon and identify some actions that may be implemented to promote this handcrafted beer production. The beer producers of the Biella province were interviewed using an ad hoc semistructured questionnaire. These interviews provided some information on the importance of having good raw materials, maintaining a high standard of quality and the necessity for investments in the various activities to increase and create more value, also for the territory itself. Moreover, the data obtained enriches the present literature as to the microbrewery production in an emerging beer country.