Summer Beer Festival cultivates craft beer market in Taipei

2016/07/06

The inaugural Summer Beer Festival wrapped up July 3 at Taipei Expo Park, giving locals the opportunity to learn more about the burgeoning craft beer market while sampling some of the best homegrown labels on the market.

Organized by Taipei City Government’s Department of Economic Development, the two-day event was notable for the popularity of two local offerings: Alechemist and Ma La Sun. The former is brewed in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City and hit the shelves in 2015, while the latter hails from Nantou County’s Sinyi Township in central Taiwan and has been available since 2014.

Robert Chen, co-founder of Alechemist Co., said Taiwan’s wide variety of high-quality agricultural produce like rice, wheat, white corn and tangerines makes it perfect for developing world-class small-batch craft beer. “Factor in the passion of Taiwanese with overseas experience in this niche market, and you have the right ingredients for the success of the product.”

According to Chen, events such as the Summer Beer Festival are helping his company achieve sales of 5,000 bottles per month. “They familiarize locals with craft beer and create greater demand,” he said.

Similarly bullish on Taiwan’s craft beer market is Peng fung-wei, a staffer with Ma La Sun brewer Sinyi Township Farmer’s Association. “Unfiltered and unpasteurized draft beer is less bitter than those churned out by the big producers,” he said. “We aim to attract novice beer drinkers looking for something a little special.”

STFA entered the alcohol business in 2002 with a selection of plum wines. In 2006, it unveiled a range of millet wines suggested by Wei Te-sheng, director of the 2008 local box office smash “Cape No. 7.” The tipples proved popular with consumers, paving the way for the association’s ongoing suds venture.

In addition to Alechemist and Ma La Sun, up to 10 craft beer producers like 23 Brewing and Sambar Brewing have emerged in Taiwan over the past three years. Using a variety of Taiwan signature produce such as fruit, green algae, honey and oolong tea, these firms are playing an invaluable role in fostering local craft beer culture.

Taiwan Beer, brewed by state-owned Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corp., accounts for about 70 percent of the local market, with overseas brands and craft labels making up the rest. An industry analyst familiar with the situation believes craft beer could expand market share going forward if the economy rebounds as anticipated.

* Please drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=246046&ctNode=2194&mp=9)