It’s the last day of the CBC and we’re still meeting some really cool people. Beer Sessions Radio™ host Jimmy Carbone caught up with Nate Fochtman, VP Craft & Specialty at Ace Distributing, based out of York, Pennsylvania. He
How many years have you attended the CBC, and what are the highlights thus far for CBC13?
This is my third CBC, and I’ve been learning about the industry trends and data analysis on targeting the sales of craft beer, especially towards women. This seems to be an underdeveloped part of the market that could send the growth patterns exponentially faster upon further research to find out what needs to be done to bring in more females to experience craft.
What other new trends would you like to comment on?
The focus towards local. The future of sustainability with the craft industry is great experiencing the coast to coast breweries and distance transport, but also maintaining the current trend. The majority of Americans have a brewery within 10 miles of their residence.
Also, the increase in experimentation and creation of new beer styles is currently very exciting, and interested in seeing what “sticks” and becomes a new widely used style of beer. Innovation and creativity are so crucial to the advancement and increased growth of the industry.
What are your favorite beer hang-outs when in DC?
I still need to experience them all, but there are some really awesome spots in areas, and locations that I wouldn’t expect, which is always great to see. It increases the opportunity for someone to be exposed to craft beer that may not have in the past. Honestly, I have had no bad experiences at any of the regional breweries. It’s amazing how much great beer is being produced in the nation’s capitol!
What are your favorite new beers you’ve had at CBC13?
Virginia and DC area breweries, we do not have most of them in our market currently. It’s always fun to experience new beers and breweries.