Craft brewing is increasingly seen as an anchor sector for both urban and rural regional socio-economic development. It represents a geographically widespread and highly diverse nexus of production, consumption, nutrition, differentiation, and well-being (as well as acting as a social lubricant.) Craft brewing has a dual appeal in it being simultaneously high-growth and yet with an artisanal folk ethos that is almost consciously archetypal.

As well as providing a convivial ethos for community development, craft breweries are acknowledged to generate specialist tourism, boost sustainability, provide specialist skill development and employment. Characteristically the sector is also seen to have benefits for ‘its role in local economic development, the promotion of local identity, and its innovative approach to business operation based on human connection and community support’. As well as providing a convivial ethos for community development, craft breweries are acknowledged to generate specialist tourism, boost sustainability, provide specialist skill development and employment.

This paper examines the potential of the craft beer sector as a regional development lever. Focusing on three culturally linked but politically distinct small nations, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, it takes a historical journey from the inception of this sector to the present day. Discussion focuses on highlighting the complex interactions between brewing, society, policy and economy. We review current policy and sectoral realities for our Celtic context and propose a grounded and holistic vision of regional craft-brewing policies, particularly around more circular and zero-waste ecosystems.