The 5th Ingredient Blog

Picking brewery management software is one of those decisions that shapes your entire operation for years. Get it right, and your production data, inventory counts, compliance filings, and COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) all live in one place. Get it wrong, and you end up with a patchwork of disconnected tools that nobody trusts. This […]

How to Calculate and Improve Brewery Profitability Running a profitable brewery requires more than making great beer and growing your sales. You also need to know what every batch, in every format you offer, truly costs to produce. That’s why tracking COGS closely is so critical. In case you’re new to the world of beer-related […]

The short answer: A brewery can prepare for a product recall by connecting every raw-material lot, yeast generation, production batch, packaging run, finished-goods code, and shipment in one traceable record. It should also maintain a written recall plan and test that plan with regular mock recalls. Beer30®, the brewery management software developed by The 5th […]

If you have ever added fruit to a beer and dealt with trub buildup, clogged filler heads, or haze in a finished product that was supposed to run clear, The HOPGUILD has something worth knowing about. The HOPGUILD, Beer30 Marketplace Vendor and one of the craft brewing industry's most trusted ingredient suppliers, has expanded their […]

So, you’re considering Beer30 as your brewery management software, but wondering what it takes to get started? If you're considering Beer30 as your brewery management software, you may be wondering what the implementation process looks like. Whether you're switching from another platform or implementing brewery software for the first time, the process can seem overwhelming. […]

A New Beer Market The craft beer market has changed dramatically. The days when simply making great beer and dropping it off at accounts guaranteed success are gone. Today's breweries face increased competition, changing consumer preferences, tighter retailer budgets, and a growing number of beverage options competing for the same tap handles and shelf space. […]

For many craft breweries, the taproom isn’t just a brand showcase… it is the business. If the majority of your revenue flows through your own doors and over your own bar, then every pint poured, every visit extended, and every guest converted into a regular customer matters. A LOT. The good news is that, unlike […]

Hello Craft University students, and thank you for supporting our efforts to help bring more actionable information and insights to breweries of all sizes and business models. With that in mind, we will occasionally be sharing articles from some of the top experts from across the industry, to help leverage their knowledge and connections for […]

By Ryan Mayfield of Craft Leadership There comes a moment in every brewery’s life when growth stops feeling exciting and starts feeling exhausting. The tanks are full, the taproom is busy, the distributor is calling, and suddenly the same creative energy that launched your brewery now fuels 80-hour weeks, endless decisions, and the creeping worry […]

Eight years ago, on October 17, 2017, Pulkit K. Agrawal founded  The 5th Ingredient on a simple idea: travel the world and help breweries use their data to make better process improvement decisions.   At the time, brewing software was often clunky, siloed, or too focused on accounting. Brewers were juggling spreadsheets, paper logs, and sticky […]

Across the U.S., more breweries are expanding into distilling to diversify revenue and attract new customers. From whiskey and gin to ready-to-drink cocktails, craft beer brands more than ever see spirits as a natural next step. But there’s one big challenge breweries run into right away: shared ingredients. When you’re juggling the same grains, yeast, […]

The craft beer market is competitive. Tasting rooms are full of choice, distribution channels are crowded, and consumer preferences are always evolving. That’s why more breweries are turning to a variety of ways to diversify, including distilling. From small-batch whiskey to botanical gins to ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs), spirits open the door to new audiences, higher […]

The craft beer market isn’t what it used to be. As consumer tastes shift, breweries are no longer just breweries; they’re beverage brands. From hard seltzers and THC-infused drinks to ciders, non-alcoholic options, and even nootropic beverages, today’s brewers are branching out far beyond beer. But with innovation comes complexity. And that’s where the right […]

The next big shift in craft brewing might not come from a hop farm; it could come from a dispensary. As consumer preferences evolve, breweries are finding themselves at a crossroads: keep doing what’s familiar, or start exploring bold new frontiers like cannabis-infused beverages (cannabev). And while THC- and CBD-based drinks still carry a whiff […]

Running a brewery is a balance of art, science, and business. While crafting a great beer is at the heart of it all, long-term success comes down to smart decision-making backed by real, timely data. Like any business, if you’re not making money, you’re not going to last. Two of the most important metrics every […]

Running a brewery is like juggling chainsaws…if the chainsaws were also on fire. You're managing everything from grain deliveries and fermentation schedules to customer orders and profit margins. It's no wonder more and more brewery owners are saying, "enough with the chaos" and turning to brewery software to help get their operations under control. But […]

Efficiency isn’t just about brewing more beer; it’s about brewing smarter and making sure you’re not losing money. For breweries of any size, maximizing batch efficiency is one of the most impactful ways to reduce costs, minimize waste, and improve profitability without compromising on quality. But to improve efficiency, you first need to understand where […]

Beer loss happens. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of how much—and more importantly, why. Whether it’s trub left behind in a fermenter, foam out the top of the bright, or that mysterious “where the hell did that 3 BBL go?” during packaging, beer loss is simply part of the game. Here's […]

April 15, 2025 – The 5th Ingredient, creator of the popular brewery management software Beer30, is excited to announce the launch of their “Brewery Command Center”, a revolutionary new data and insights platform that allows managers and operators to see nearly every aspect of their business’s key operations at a glance. These new dashboards provide […]

Your Guide to Maximizing the Craft Brewers Conference Experience The Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) is one of the most valuable events of the year for breweries of all sizes. Whether you're attending as a production lead, brewery owner, or someone still in the planning phase, CBC is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow — […]

At Beer30, we’re all about helping breweries utilize our brewery software to streamline their operations, make data-driven decisions, and focus on what they do best—brewing incredible beer. That’s why we were thrilled to have our VP of Sales and Marketing, Aaron Gore, featured on Branding for Breweries Podcast to discuss the future of brewing and […]

Running a successful taproom isn’t just about brewing great beer…well, that’s a big part of it, but it’s more than just beer. You need to create an experience that keeps customers coming back. Having and keeping quality staff is hugely important, and training them to not just do their job but to do it in […]

This past weekend, the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) held its inaugural induction ceremony. The event celebrated the pioneers and visionaries who helped to pave the way for the success of the country’s craft beer industry. We’re excited that Beer30’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Aaron Gore, who also serves as the Secretary […]

The brewing industry isn’t what it used to be. As one brewer put it, “Craft has matured, it's almost like a real job now (almost). F*ck the passion tax, pay a person what they're worth.” Sure, the passion is still there for most brewers, but the field has grown into a competitive and professional industry […]

Let's be real: running a brewery isn't just about brewing great beer anymore. It's about running a smart, efficient business. Enter brewery software—your new best friend in navigating your craft brewery operation. Streamlining Production Processes One of the primary benefits of brewery software is its ability to streamline production processes. These software solutions ensure a […]

As we dive into 2025, the landscape of craft brewing continues to develop. Let's take a look at the trends that could boost your bottom line and keep your brewery ahead of the competition.  There’s a lot that’s changed since we wrote about this last year, and some things that have only become more prevalent. […]

As a brewery owner, maintaining quality control is paramount. Consistent taste, aroma, and appearance are crucial for customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. With the complexities involved in brewing, breweries increasingly turn to Brewery ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software to enhance their quality control measures. This technology integrates various functions within a brewery, offering a comprehensive […]

Running a brewery is both a labor of love and a business challenge. While you’re crafting the perfect brew, it can be easy to overlook the small inefficiencies that can quietly eat away at your profits. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire operation to turn things around. Leveraging real-time data can […]

Starting a brewery often stems from a passion for crafting unique, flavorful beers. Many brewers begin their journey as amateurs, brewing in their garages or basements, perfecting recipes, and dreaming of turning their hobby into a thriving business. However, transitioning from an amateur operation to a professional brewery comes with a unique set of challenges. […]

Transitioning to new brewery software can be challenging and is often misunderstood as a simple change that happens overnight. The reality is that just as training a new brewer requires patience, shifting to a new software demands time, effort, and a strategic approach. By employing proven product adoption principles, breweries can make this transition seamless, […]

Effective brewery management is essential for growth and sustainability in the competitive brewing world. The right management strategies can make a significant difference as breweries strive to stand out in a crowded market. This blog explores a number of approaches that can help breweries streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth. One of the most […]

For many breweries, managing daily operations often begins with spreadsheets, tracking everything from production to raw materials and sales. Spreadsheets offer a low-cost, flexible solution, but as your brewery scales, they can become more of a burden than a benefit. Over time, spreadsheets are prone to errors, difficult to manage, and can take significant time […]

Precision and consistency are crucial to delivering high-quality products in the ever-evolving craft beer industry. Maintaining a consistent production schedule can be challenging, with numerous variables affecting the brewing process, from ingredient availability to fermentation times. Brewery scheduling software offers a streamlined approach to managing the complexities of brewing operations. Here's how you can achieve […]

For growing breweries, inventory management, workflow efficiency, COGS tracking, and making sure you’re getting the best ROI are incredibly important. While it’s possible to manage all of these things on your own using spreadsheets and Google Docs, utilizing brewery software to keep track of your data can be vital. Brewery software can save you time […]

Fermentation is where the real magic of brewing happens, but it can also be a major headache when things go wrong. Whether you’re dealing with stalled fermentation, funky off-flavors, or just trying to keep your batches consistent, these are common challenges every brewer faces. Let’s break down some common fermentation issues and how to fix […]

For many brewers, changing brewery software or switching to brewery software from spreadsheets may feel like an unnecessary headache. After all, many breweries can function on a solid combination of spreadsheets and whiteboards. However, what brewers might not realize is that relying on other software companies or traditional methods like spreadsheets for organization and data […]

As the demand for non-alcoholic options continues to rise, many brewers may be wondering if venturing into the market of N/A beer is the right choice for your brewery.  Before you decide, it’s important to understand what goes into brewing N/A beer, if it’s worth it, and what the alternatives are to brewing non-alcoholic beer.  […]

Are you looking for effective brewery software to streamline your operations? Beer30 Brewery Software has officially integrated with Square POS, offering breweries real-time syncing of their inventory and sales. This powerful integration is designed to simplify your brewery's inventory management, reduce errors, and save time. To find out how you can seamlessly integrate Beer30 with […]

Hey mates, it’s that time of year again in Australia, the End of the Fiscal year is upon us. That means it’s time to bust out the log books and make sure your accounts are in order, regulations are being met, and start your financial planning for next year.  And we know that this sounds […]

The Craft Brewer’s Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas is just around the corner and we are beyond excited to see everyone attending the biggest brewing conference in the United States!  For us at Beer30 and The 5th Ingredient, we love being able to connect with brewers and see what you’ve been up to.  We hope […]

We're excited to announce that the new Finished Goods Traceability Module is here!  This innovative update to Beer30 software transforms inventory management, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction for breweries. Enhancing the existing "Sales Traceability Module," this upgrade introduces comprehensive tracking capabilities.  Now, you're empowered to closely monitor cases and kegs of finished beer on a […]

When it comes to running a brewery, staying up to date with industry trends is not just important—it can be a lifeline for survival. Over the past few years, we've witnessed a notable number of brewers having to scale back operations and many even having to close their doors permanently. As with any business, there […]

Do you dream of your beer winning awards at the prestigious World Beer Cup or standing out at a local competition? To brew the next award-winning beer, having top-tier quality control standards in place is essential. Professional brewing software plays a crucial role in managing and monitoring every step of your brewery’s production process, turning […]

Inventory management is a delicate balancing act for breweries. Stock too much of one ingredient, and it could spoil, leading to wasted resources. On the other hand, too little of a critical ingredient can halt production, result in missed distribution orders, and leave customers without their favorite beer. Every day, brewers face the challenge of […]

5 Ways Brewery Software Can Help Your Bottom Line in 2024 Track Data, Improve COGS, and Drive ROI At Your Brewery  With 2023 soon coming to an end, and 2024 just around the corner, it’s time for brewers to begin thinking of the new year. This means looking at new ways to increase production, expand […]

As the year 2024 approaches, every brewery owner must prepare not only to brew great beer but also to manage the financial side of the business effectively. A robust financial plan is essential to ensure profitability, manage costs, and streamline operations in the competitive brewing industry. Utilizing brewery accounting software like Beer30 can simplify many […]

In April of this year, we rolled out our Demand Planning module and we’re happy to announce that we’ve just made it even better with the new Package Forecasting feature!  This new update will make it simple to break down how the supply volume in the production forecast will be packaged out into salable goods. […]

Our Customer Experience team works hard to make sure our customers have the support that they need. We wanted to take a moment to introduce the team for those of you who may not know them already.  So, what sets us apart and makes Beer30 and The 5th Ingredient’s Customer Experience (CX) team an industry […]

At The 5th Ingredient, we’re proud to announce the release of Version 10 of Beer30 and Bucha30 Brewery Software. This update represents a major milestone in the software's ongoing development, offering breweries a range of fully customizable features. With Version 10, breweries can now take advantage of Beer30's brewery inventory software with Demand Planning Module […]

How Beer30's Brewery Accounting Software Can Drive Your Brewery's ROI In the world of brewery management, few terms hold as much significance as ROI (Return on Investment). For brewery owners, maximizing ROI is key to maintaining profitability and long-term success. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through implementing efficient systems that […]

Introduction to Brewery Inventory Software Running a brewery efficiently requires more than just brewing great beer. Effective inventory management is essential to prevent production disruptions, maintain quality, and ensure profitability. Beer30's brewery inventory software takes inventory management to the next level by incorporating Material Resource Planning (MRP) to automate forecasting and optimize brewery operations. What […]

You’ve put all of the effort into crafting the perfect brew. So, you may as well make sure you’re serving it properly to achieve the ideal drinking experience. After all, craft beer serving temperature is important to make sure that the beer isn’t too flat and the flavor still comes through the way you want […]

The beer industry has undergone significant shifts in recent years, with 2021 bringing about many changes that followed an equally tumultuous 2020. While the craft beer industry faced numerous challenges, fewer breweries closed than originally anticipated. In fact, many adapted by introducing new innovations and reshaping how beer is consumed. The great news is that […]

It’s a common misconception that craft breweries don’t need to worry about managing cash flow. Some believe that brewers don’t have to pay high rent, large utility bills or any other bills that drive traditional businesses into financial straits. However, we know that couldn’t be further from the truth! You still have expenses and need […]

Hard seltzer is everywhere. Commercials, billboards, your local grocery store aisle…You name it (within reason) and there’s probably a trace of seltzer there. It’s pretty easy to state that this is a trend in the brewing industry that shouldn’t be expected to go anywhere any time soon! As a brewer, you know the importance of standing out in […]

Let’s talk taproom sales! The bread and butter of your brewery is how much product you are able to sell. A brewery’s ability to generate revenue should be a key primary focus of their business. One of the best ways to boost this is through a taproom. Taproom sales can not only improve sales but […]

When you’re working in your brewery, do you have a whiteboard that serves as the means in which you communicate to your team about all the different stuff that’s happening across your tank farm? If your brewery is still using a whiteboard to track production across your tank farm, you might be missing out on […]

Breweries in Planning and Beer30 Cheers to breweries in planning! As we know, there’s a LOT that goes into the beginning stages of a business. Breweries are no exception. From planning to taxes to inventory to perfecting each brew, there’s plenty of day-to-day processes that can get a bit overwhelming. With so many moving parts, […]

Beer30 Software for Your Brewery Running a brewpub or taproom can be stressful. Tracking orders, inventory and taxes can be pretty challenging. No matter how big or small your brewery is, you need business management software to run smoothly. Beer30 brewery management software for brewpubs and taproom breweries is a customizable application tailored to your […]

Everyone’s familiar with the supply chain issues that have become a pandemic all their own, and consumers everywhere are feeling frustrated with the new “normal.” From toilet paper in 2020 to things like our favorite snacks, meat, and now aluminum, it seems there’s always something missing from the shelves these days. The industry most affected […]

What do home brewers and industrial brewers have in common? They all create wort and pitch yeast to make beer. The processes used may be different, but the one constant thing is “yeast.” Without it, beer production wouldn’t be possible. Yeast is the most important part of fermentation. This little microbe is the cornerstone of […]

Chances are you’ve heard about the tax relief increase for brewers in Australia. The recent increase in tax relief for Australian brewers brings exciting opportunities for the craft beer industry. This change benefits small brewers by providing essential financial support, allowing them to grow and compete in a saturated market. Brewery software plays a crucial […]

Despite the lingering effects of the pandemic-induced shutdowns, craft beer industries have begun to return to normalcy in the last year. It was the first time that production declined by 9% in the modern craft era, caused by the pandemic. However, the industry still faces some challenges. It is no longer the case that breweries […]

Small craft breweries are feeling the pinch in today’s market. With over 1,000 new brewpubs and microbreweries opening annually in the U.S., efficient operations and data management have become essential for success. This is where brewery software plays a pivotal role, offering tailored solutions designed to streamline processes for microbreweries and craft brewers. According to […]

Craft beer is a vast and constantly evolving industry. Only a generation ago, we had a few macro and micro options to choose from. When you think in terms of how far our industry has come, it seems like there can’t be much more that can be done! We’ve seen the rise of rosé beers, […]

Beer30: a brewery accounting software built with the brewer in mind. Beer30 is more than just brewery software—it’s an easy-to-use, brewer-focused solution designed to streamline your brewery’s operations and finances. Our goal is simple: help breweries save time, increase profits, and brew more efficiently. That’s why we’ve integrated Beer30 with two of the world’s leading […]

With the End of Financial Year stocktake approaching, use this month to integrate with Beer30 and make sure your brewery is in order for Start of Financial Year 2022. As the End of Financial Year (EOFY) approaches, now is the perfect time to integrate Beer30, a powerful brewery software designed to streamline brewery inventory software […]

Follow these 4 steps to improve the fundamentals of data analytics at your brewery and transform your data into cost savings. From tracking data, to analytical assessment, to performance indicators—let’s explore how brewery analytics can be used for your KPIs and success metrics. Successful breweries must go beyond brewing great beer—they need to maximize efficiency […]

Managing raw material inventory, particularly yeast, is crucial for any brewery aiming to improve efficiency and profitability. Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient is the perfect brewery inventory software, offering robust solutions for tracking and managing yeast—the most variable and essential ingredient in beer production. Additionally, Beer30 features unique yeast genealogy software that helps brewers visualize […]

So, you’re considering Beer30 as your brewery management software – but wondering what the startup process involves? If you're considering Beer30 as your brewery management software, you may be wondering what the implementation process looks like. Whether you're switching from another platform or implementing a management system for the first time, the process can seem […]

So, you’re considering Bucha30 as your brewery management system – but wondering what the startup process involves? Are you ready to streamline your kombucha brewery operations with Bucha30? Whether you're transitioning from another platform or implementing a brewery management system for the first time, we understand the startup process may seem overwhelming. But with Bucha30, […]

With the End of Financial Year stocktake approaching, use this month to integrate with Beer30 and make sure your brewery is in order for Start of Financial Year 2022. Stocktake and inventory management varies from brewery to brewery…but not much! Nearly every brewing professional has stress inducing memories of all-hands-on-deck floor counts, or poring over […]

In a major advancement for brewery management, Precision Fermentation® has partnered with The 5th Ingredient® to integrate the groundbreaking BrewMonitor® system with Beer30™ brewery software. This revolutionary combination allows brewers to view real-time fermentation data directly within their Beer30 dashboard, streamlining the brewing process and enhancing decision-making with automated, real-time performance readings from fermentation tanks. […]

Back in the day, the life of a brewer was rather regimented. Going back to the early ages of kettles boiling over crackling, smoldering logs as brewsters churned out beers as liquid sustenance for their Old World villages and townships, variety was not a concern. Like many of the world’s consumables, adherence to tried-and-true recipes […]

As we’ve discussed before, managing raw material inventory—such as yeast—is essential for maximizing the efficiency and profitability of any brewery. When thinking about inventory, most brewers picture stacks of hop boxes in the cold room or grain sacks by the mill. Monitoring these everyday ingredients is crucial, especially when using a powerful brewery software like […]

People often ask us - 'how did Beer30 come to be?' 'Where did you get the idea?' The answer is pretty simple. Our team members have 15+ years of experience working at, consulting for, and providing services for breweries! We know what it’s like to have to rely on paper logs. We know it’s essential […]

Here at The 5th Ingredient we are incredibly excited to announce our launch of Bucha30 - the first brewery management software specifically designed for kombucha brewers. That’s right - you can stop using that generic brewery management software or maker, and start using a program that is tailored to fit your distinct needs as a […]

Beer30, a brewery management software, has risen from seemingly nowhere to become one of the most powerful and fastest-growing systems in the industry. With all the buzz surrounding Beer30, we thought we would give you a deeper look into the Founders' unique journeys and how they came to be partners, so our customers could understand […]