The 2022 Craft Brewers Conference marked the debut of the Steel Keg Association, a coalition of six leaders from different sectors of the draft beer space, such as Micro Matic, MicroStar Logistics, Schaefer Container Systems and Thielmann.
The association of course advocates for and markets the use of steel kegs. Because stainless steel kegs are reusable have and 30+ year lifespans, the association makes a compelling sustainability argument:
“Steel kegs are the ultimate reusable containers. When you choose draft from steel kegs, you’re making the most sustainable choice and joining the effort to remove 6 Billion single-use packages from recycling and landfill streams,” says Dan Vorlage, Executive Director of the Steel Keg Association and MicroStar Logistics’ VP of Global Marketing. “Additionally, steel kegs deliver bulk liquids, driving critical economic benefits for bars and restaurants. Consumers appreciate the uniquely fresh draft beer experience they can’t get at home.”
And now it is your turn, if you so desire, to show that you too are a champion of steel kegs.
The Steel Keg Association is accepting nominees for the inaugural “Keg Champion Awards” that will recognize U.S. breweries, bars and restaurants of all sizes for embracing the remarkable benefits of reusable steel kegs in their draft beverage programs.
“Given all the good kegs do, it’s time to recognize all of the Keg Champions out there,” Vorlage says.
Any bar, brewery or restaurant that serves draft beer is eligible to win. To nominate a hospitality business for the award, visit the SKA’s Keg Champion website right here before April 14.
All nominated businesses will receive a Keg Champion recognition package including a window cling, back-of-house info poster, stickers, and more (while supplies last) to help share the honor with their community.
The SKA will select Keg Champion Award winners in 7 categories:
- National Restaurant (locations in 30+ states)
- Regional Restaurant (locations in 2 – 29 states)
- Local Restaurant (located in a single state)
- Large Brewery (500,000+ bbls of production / year))
- Mid-Sized Brewery (10,000 – 500,000 bbls)
- Small Brewery (less than 10,000 bbls)
- Draft Innovation
Each winner will receive bragging rights and a coveted Keg Champion Award. The SKA will donate $1,000 to the charity of each winner’s choice.
Winners will be announced during Earth Week (April 15 – 22).
Patrick Cairney says
I’ve been known to tap a few of those
Turn It Up Media says
Love it!