A resource based approach in the context of the emerging craft brewing industry

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the perceived resources, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats from the perspective of micro and small brewery owners, managers and brewing masters operating in three countries. To this end, the study adopts the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm, complemented by a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis. Design/methodology/approach: The research provides a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from craft breweries in Italy, Spain and the UK. In all, 165 valid responses were obtained from an online questionnaire, and an additional 24 face-to-face and telephone interviews with craft brewing operators in these three countries were conducted to further enrich the data. Independent samples t-test and Scheffé post hoc were used to analyse part of the quantitative data, while content analysis and word association were used for the qualitative component. Findings: Product quality and uniqueness of product emerged as important perceived resources and strengths, suggesting an alignment with some of the resource-related attributes postulated by the RBV, such as valuable, rare and (un)substitutable. Other elements, such as natural and sustainable resources, including water quality and the current and future involvement in growing or sourcing raw products locally emerged as key resources, and are suggested as additional attributes. These strategic and tangible resources are however challenged by perceived weaknesses, particularly lack of financial, infrastructure and commercialisation resources, as well as threats from competition. Originality/value: The exploratory study focuses on craft brewing from the perspective of micro/small operators. This industry has received very limited attention from the literature. The use of the RBV, with the potential to increase understanding of an emerging industry, and develop the theory further in this domain, adds to the originality and value of this research. © 2016, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Peru's emerging craft‐brewing industry and its implications for tourism

“…The gathered data identified various key resources that strongly highlight the potential for competitiveness of Peru's craft-brewing industry. As illustrated (Table 3), some points, particularly product quality, or knowledge accumulated by operators, are in line with contemporary studies (e.g., Duarte Alonso et al, 2016;Zhang et al, 2015). However, contrary to previous craft-brewing research, the majority of participants (10) agreed that the growing international popularity of Peru's gastronomy provided a key supporting and complementing factor to craft beer products.…”

“…In total, 13 respondents participated in the study, returning an overall response rate of 22% (13/60). Alonso et al, 2016;Zhang et al, 2015) was consulted in designing the questions of the study. The initial questions within the interview/ online questionnaire focused upon the demographic characteristics of participants and their firms (Table 1).…”

Strengths, innovation, and opportunities in a burgeoning industry: an exploratory study

“…To some extent the contemporary literature on craft brewing entrepreneurship has accompanied the developments taking place in this industry. Nevertheless, many knowledge gaps remain, especially concerning small and microbreweries (e.g., Duarte Alonso and Alexander, 2017;Duarte Alonso, Bressan, and Sakellarios, 2016;Murray and Kline, 2015). For instance, Cabras, Canduela and Raeside (2011) acknowledge both the scant research, and also the difficulty of investigating micro and small breweries due to firm diversity, which includes brew pubs and craft beer producers.…”

“…Nevertheless, many knowledge gaps remain, especially concerning small and microbreweries (e.g. Duarte Alonso and Alexander, 2017; Duarte Alonso et al , 2016; Murray and Kline, 2015). For instance, Cabras et al (2011) acknowledged both the scant research, and also the difficulty of investigating micro and small breweries due to firm diversity, which includes brewpubs and craft beer producers.…”

“…Only recently has one study addressed these areas among European craft breweries. Indeed, Duarte Alonso et al (2016) recognised the value of identifying key resources, such as the quality and uniqueness of craft beer products, for firms’ long-term sustainability. Similarly, in terms of opportunities, Duarte Alonso et al ’s (2016) research revealed the potential for exports and for more consumer demand, and through increasing consumer awareness for craft beer products.…”