More and more independent breweries are being acquired by larger beer conglomerates, most notably AB In-Bev, who not only purchased a swath of breweries in the past few years, but also distributers, and a beer rating website. Now, The Brewer’s Association, an organization seeking to support “small and independent craft breweries,” has found a way to distinguish which beers come from such producers, and which are now subsidiaries of larger organizations. The organization has developed an optional seal to be placed on the label.

The image is of an upside-down beer bottle, representing how “Craft beer has disrupted the beer market over the last three decades in a way that’s indicative of turning something upside down,” according to CraftBeer.com publisher Julia Herz. Any brewery can sign for use of the icon, provided they achieve three criteria: small, meaning annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or fewer; traditional, which disqualifies flavored malt beverages and other similar brands; and independent, which means “Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.”

Regardless of potential problems with the label, it speaks to a growing concern in the brewery scene to remain transparently independent and craft focused. Considering the rate of acquisition and consolidation on the market, it’s little wonder such concerns abound.

Photo via the Brewer's Association