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Michigan Craft Beverage Council’s marketing budget under consideration

The Michigan craft beverage industry is seeking a million in state funding to expand marketing and promotional efforts.

During a recent House Ag Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Bob Jacobson with the Michigan Wine Producers Association explained how the Michigan Craft Beverage Council funds are used.

“We had $350,000 for research grants and I think we ended up with a little under $200,000 for marketing the entire craft beverage industry of Michigan,” he said.

Other funds from the state program were spent on staff at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and education and industry support, for a total $926,100 budget last year.

Nate Hawthorne, also with the council, cited several states with similar but more robust programs as examples of how more investment would support economic growth.

“Yes, we have a good industry, but we can make it better and help grow the state while we’re doing it,” he said.

Jacobson, also a board member of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, said the group’s limited budget is prohibitive from fully participating in the Pure Michigan campaign.

Lawmakers discussed the potential for using craft beverage and liquor licensing fees as a solution.

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council prioritizes advancing the agricultural craft beverage supply chain and is made up of representatives from the state’s beer, wine, and distilling sectors.