Bright Brewery is thrilled to announced that our National Sales Manager, Evin Craney, has been elected as a Director to the Board of the Independent Brewers’ Association (IBA).

Evin, who has been with Bright Brewery since 2019, was elected to the board at the IBA’s AGM today.

He takes on the Board seat alongside his existing position as the Chairperson of the IBA’s Trade Engagement Working Group.

Evin has worked in Australia’s craft beer industry for the past 10+ years and said he was excited to join decision-makers at the forefront of the industry.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have been welcomed into the craft beer industry at the start of my working career and am looking forward to moving our amazing industry forward,” Evin said.

“But being an independent brewer in a country dominated by multi-nationals can be a really tough gig. I’m excited to be part of the IBA’s charge to support and represent indie brewers across the country and work to better spread the word of indie beer.”

Evin has a particular interest in gaining more support for indie brewers within ‘big box’ retailers along with goals to expand the Australian craft beer industry internationally.

“Aussie craft beer has come such a long way in such a short time and I think that, now, we need to show the world how good our beers truly are.”

During his time at Bright, Evin has spearheaded several notable projects including ourAustralian-first Paktech recycling scheme, gaining national and international distribution, the update of our core range, and he was instrumental in helping us survive the COVID pandemic – at which time time, he spent nearly 18 months home-delivering Bright beer throughout Melbourne’s suburbs.

Bright Brewery has a long history of representation within the IBA and we currently hold 2 of the 6 Chairs of the IBA’s Working Groups. Our Projects and Sustainability Manager Marthijs Heuperman also Chairs the Sustainability Working Group.

Bright Brewery’s founder and owner Scott Brandon said he was incredibly proud of Evin and Marthijs for getting involved with the IBA, and for helping pave the way forward for indie brewers in Australia.

“No one is more passionate about craft beer and independent breweries than Evin and I’m excited to see what he and the rest of the board achieve this year and into the future,” Scott said.

Evin joins new and existing IBA Board Members:

Matthew Shortal from Great Ocean Road Brewing

Chris Cefala from the Local Brewing Co.

Clare Clouting, Gage Road Brewery

Richard Watkins, Bentspoke Brewing Co.

Callum Reeves, Kaiji Beer

Lauren Jack, Ballistic Brewing Co.

The IBA is the voice for independent brewers around the country, with 432 brewery members and another 110 associate members. The IBA works with government agencies, industry, trade and international counterparts to represent the interests of Australian independent brewers. Working alongside its members, the IBA seeks to build a strong, sustainable future for our industry.