Conference
Brew Asia Conference
Running a profitable business is the key to both survival and growth, particularly in uncertain times. With the theme "Optimize, Innovate & Grow", this year’s conference will see international experts tackle topics that address efficiency in the brewhouse including ingredient and equipment innovations that can help breweries maximize their operational effectiveness and brew consistent quality beers.
Product marketing and distribution will also be addressed to help businesses better understand the best practices behind growing you brand in today’s challenging marketplace.
More than 25 workshops, technical studies and in-depth panel discussions will be delivered over the 2 days of Brew Asia across 3 Conference Tracks covering Brewhouse Operations, Raw Ingredients and The Business of Beer.
Whether you are looking for professional development, innovative solutions, marketing advice or a competitive business advantage, there’s something for every member of the team at Brew Asia 2025.
2025 Programme
DAY 1 | 09:45 - 10:15 | Barth Haas Hall
KEYNOTE
Optimizing Resources for Brewing Efficiency
John Palmer, President, Palmer Brewing Solutions Inc.
SESSION OUTLINE:
The brewing industry is facing competition on many sides. John Palmer kicks off this year's conference with a look at the shifting consumer preferences, and ways of optimizing your resources for core products to improve efficiency and profitability. The areas discussed will be resource management, personnel training, and brewhouse innovations such as hope extracts and and other agents reduce fermentation loss and improve output. He'll also be exploring how existing brewery equipment can be used to produce other short cycle time products such as RTD cocktails.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
John Palmer is the best-selling author of "How to Brew" and co-author of "Water – A Comprehensive Guide for Brewers." A metallurgical engineer by training, he is now president of Palmer Brewing Solutions, Inc., consulting on brewery processes worldwide.
Day 1 | 11:00 - 11:30 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Stop Thinking about Brands! How to Really Build Brands? Pt.1: Concepts
Mathijs Aliet, CEO/Founder, Square44
SESSION OUTLINE:
How do you really build brands and drive sales? This talk flips conventional marketing wisdom upside down. Mathijs will challenge sacred marketing dogmas, show why loyalty is thinner than you think, and reveal the core pillars for building a brand that stays agile, distinct, and relevant. Expect blunt truths and real-world examples that will change how you view branding, because the only way to truly build a brand is to stop obsessing over it.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Mathijs Aliet is the founder of Square44, one of Asia’s largest brand design agencies, operating in 20+ markets across 4 continents. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked with global giants such as Heineken, Tsingtao, and Carlsberg, helping to build billion-dollar brands across the globe.
Day 1 | 11:00 - 11:45 | Joe White Maltings Hall
WORKSHOP
Lager Sensory Workshop: Experience the Unique Impact of Saccharomyces Pastorianus Strains on Beers
Simon Jeanpierre, Technical Sales Support Manager, Beer - APAC, Fermentis
SESSION OUTLINE:
This hands-on workshop explores the fascinating world of lager yeast and its unique impact on fermentation and flavour. Using the same wort base, participants will taste and compare how different lager yeast strains influence flavour attributes, from subtle hop character to ester production and diacetyl reduction. Gain practical insights into yeast selection and learn how to achieve targeted flavour profiles in your lager beers.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
As Technical Sales Support Manager APAC for Fermentis, Simon supports the regional sales team by sharing technical knowledge between R&D and the market. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and in among previous roles spent time researched beer stability at SAB-Miller.
Day 1 | 11:30 - 12:00 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Future-Ready Your Beer Business: Automating Workflows with AI Agents
Spencer Jemelka, Co-founder, Redpoint Brewing Co.
SESSION OUTLINE:
This session explores how AI can automate brewery tasks to save time, reduce costs, and minimize human error. Spencer Jemelka will demonstrate how Redpoint Brewing has deployed AI agents to assist in advanced tasks and streamline operations. He will cover the basics of accessing AI models and creating agents for daily business, providing attendees with the foundational knowledge to build their own custom AI platforms.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Before co-founding Redpoint Brewing, Spencer served as a Taiwan Country Manager for an automotive ERP software company. He has applied his technical background to design in-house solutions for manufacturing planning and has now integrated multiple AI-built solutions into Redpoint’s daily operations.
Day 1 | 12:00 - 12:30 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Crafting Sales Success: National Strategy, Execution & Export Readiness
Chris Roberts, Co-founder, LevelHeads Advisory
SESSION OUTLINE:
This session equips owners, sales leaders, and export managers with practical strategies for sustainable growth. Learn how to refine brand positioning, focus your product portfolio, and structure sales resources for maximum profitability. The session covers everything from segmenting your market and SKUs and structuring sales teams to building visitation schedules and preparing for successful international expansion with the right importers and business plans.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Chris Roberts is a global beverage industry executive with over a decade of experience driving sales growth, market expansion, and brand development across Asia, North America, and Europe. Holding previous positions with Constellation Brands and Heart of Darkness Brewery, his role with LevelHeads Advisory ses him serving as the Southeast Asia Regional Representative for the U.S. Brewers Association, advising brands on go-to-market strategy, portfolio optimization, and international expansion.
Day 1 | 12:00 - 12:45 | Joe White Maltings Hall
WORKSHOP
Hops Around The World Workshop – A Journey Through Global Hop Varieties
Lennart Paul-Pax, Technical Sales Manager, Barth Haas
Chris Swersey, International Business Development Manager, HPA
Alejandro C. Gonzalez, Brewing Solutions Specialist, John I. Haas
SESSION OUTLINE:
This immersive workshop offers a journey through the nuances of hops from major growing regions. The centerpiece is a guided rub & sniff experience with six distinct varieties from the US, Germany, and Australia. Lennart will be joined by Chris and Alejandro who together will guide you through aroma analysis and flavour descriptors, helping you translate these characteristics into brewing applications and refine your hop selection for any beer style.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Chris Roberts is a global beverage industry executive with over a decade of experience driving sales growth, market expansion, and brand development across Asia, North America, and Europe. Holding previous positions with Constellation Brands and Heart of Darkness Brewery, his role with LevelHeads Advisory ses him serving as the Southeast Asia Regional Representative for the U.S. Brewers Association, advising brands on go-to-market strategy, portfolio optimization, and international expansion.
Day 1 | 13:45 - 14:15 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Lager Beer Production
Michael Eder, Brewmaster, World Brewing Academy/Doemens Academy GmbH
SESSION OUTLINE:
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of modern lager beer production with a focus on decoction mashing as well as covering everything from raw material selection to fermentation and maturation. Michael will explore different lager beer styles and discuss the key parameters for achieving high-quality and consistent results, offering valuable insights for brewers looking to perfect the world's most popular beer style and meet growing consumer demand.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Michael Eder is a Brewmaster and Department Head at the Doemens Academy, as well as an educator for the World Brewing Academy - a joint venture with the Siebel Institute of Technology. He is a global expert in brewing technology, responsible for education and training both in Germany and internationally.
Day 1 | 13:45 - 14:30 | Joe White Maltings Hall
WORKSHOP
Data Driven Decisions: Visualizing Your Production Data To Optimize Inventory, Streamline Operations & Generate Increased Profit
Pulkit K Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient
SESSION OUTLINE:
Breweries don’t need more data; they need better insights. This presentation explores how to transform siloed data into clear visuals for trend analysis. Using real-world examples, PK will provide tools to generate data visualizations for KPIs like tank utilization, beer loss, and COGS. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to track metrics, make smarter decisions, and drive success.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Pulkit K. Agrawal (PK) founded Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient® after working as a Process Engineer at Ballast Point. He launched the leading brewery operations management software in 2018 offers grain-to-glass process and quality data tracking that now supports over 450 breweries globally.
Day 1 | 14:15 - 14:45 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Rice & Adjuncts for Brewing Purpose
Michael Eder, Brewmaster, World Brewing Academy/Doemens Academy GmbH
SESSION OUTLINE:
Rice & Adjuncts For Brewing Purpose: With more breweries across the region experimenting with brewing with rice and other adjuncts, this is an essential session for the modern brewer. Michael will explore the use of unmalted raw materials, discussing the reasons for using adjuncts, their impact on the brewing process and final beer character. He will also be looking at the technological requirements for handling them correctly, providing a practical guide to efficient and innovative recipe development.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Michael Eder is a Brewmaster and Department Head at the Doemens Academy, as well as an educator for the World Brewing Academy - a joint venture with the Siebel Institute of Technology. He is a global expert in brewing technology, responsible for education and training both in Germany and internationally.
Day 1 | 14:45 - 15:15 | Joe White Maltings Hall
PANEL DISCUSSION
Brew Better Beer Brands: An Interactive Marketing Workshop
Moderator: Oliver Woods, Founder, Beer Asia
SESSION OUTLINE:
How do you cut through the noise and make your beer the one drinkers remember?
In this interactive workshop Oliver Woods will talk with some of the region’s leading beer marketers who will share strategies and spark debate on what really works today in beer marketing. Blending panel insights with open discussion, this session is designed to give you practical ideas, proven tactics, plus some immediate inspiration to make your brewery’s marketing more effective
Day 1 | 15:15 - 15:45 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Post-Craft Beer: Building a Sustainable, Locally Rooted Brand Beyond the Hype
Shiro Yamada, CEO & Founder, Far Yeast Brewing Co.
SESSION OUTLINE:
What happens when the craft beer boom fades? Shiro Yamada shares the story of Far Yeast Brewing, which moved from Tokyo to a remote village to double down on local identity. Learn how partnerships with regional farmers created beers with a sense of place, and discover how to rethink "local" not as a limitation, but as a strategic advantage to thrive in today’s maturing beer markets.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
After a career in the internet industry and earning an MBA from Cambridge, Shiro Yamada was inspired to move into brewing by the rich diversity of European beer culture. In 2011, he founded Far Yeast Brewing to bring that diversity to Japan. In 2020, he deepened the brewery's ties to its local community by relocating its headquarters from Tokyo to the village of Kosuge in Yamanashi Prefecture. He now also serves on the board of the Japan Craft Beer Association.
Day 1 | 15:30 - 16:15 | Joe White Maltings Hall
WORKSHOP
Recipe Development
Supapong Pruenglampoo, United People's Brewery
Daniel Baillon , Joe White Maltings
Lennart Paul-Pax, Barth Haas
Nguyen Duc Huy, Fermentis
SESSION OUTLINE:
Join this interactive recipe development workshop to learn the thought process behind creating a new beer from scratch. Using the 2025 Conference Brew as a live example, our panel of international hops, malt & yeast experts will guide you through the entire creative process. Explore style selection, recipe formulation, and the art of choosing the right malts, hops, yeast and adjuncts to achieve a specific flavour profile.
Day 1 | 15:45 - 16:15 | Barth Haas Hall
PANEL DISCUSSION
Shifting Trends: Adapting To Change
Moderator: Napat Thongtaksin, Founder, Beer X Story
SESSION OUTLINE:
Change is inevitable. This panel discussion, beer podcaster Napat Thongtaksin explores how brewers can anticipate and adapt to the key forces shaping the industry, from shifting consumer trends to evolving government regulations. Using real-world examples from markets like Thailand and Vietnam, the panel will discuss proactive strategies for navigating this ever-changing landscape to build a resilient and successful business.
Day 2 | 10:00 - 10:30 | Barth Haas Hall
KEYNOTE
Thoughts on 50 years of Innovation
Fal Allen, Brewmaster & Head of R&D, Anderson Valley Brewing Co.
SESSION OUTLINE:
In his keynote address Fal reflects on 50 years of brewing innovation, from the first light beers to the explosion of craft. This journey explores early successes, the pivotal role of hops, and cautionary tales of innovation failures such as the rise and fall of Brut IPA. Fal will examine the proliferation and death of styles, the rediscovery of classics, and what true innovation means for the modern brewer in today's multi media landscape.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
There are not many people in the industry who have seen as much as Fal Allen. An early pioneer of US craft beer, Fal's been brewing professionally since 1988. His extensive career includes roles at Redhook Brewery, five years as brewmaster for Singapore's Archipelago Brewery, and authoring influential books on Gose and Barley Wine. He is currently the Brewmaster and Head of R&D for Anderson Valley Brewing Company, as well as a captain in the Anderson Valley Fire Department!
Day 2 | 11:00 - 11:45 | Joe White Maltings Hall
WORKSHOP
Stop Thinking about Brands! How to Really Build Brands? Pt.2: Workshop
Mathijs Aliet, CEO/Founder, Square44
SESSION OUTLINE:
In this in-depth workshop, participants will learn how to build a distinctive 360-degree brand across all major touchpoints—pack, on-premise, digital, and social. Mathijs will provide a practical framework for translating your passion into a powerful brand, with a clear focus on driving distinctiveness, prominance, and mental availability in a crowded marketplace to truly drive sales.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Mathijs Aliet is the founder of Square44, one of Asia’s largest brand design agencies, operating in 20+ markets across 4 continents. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked with global giants such as Heineken, Tsingtao, and Carlsberg, helping to build billion-dollar brands across the globe.
Day 2 | 11:30 - 12:00 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Yeast Management in the Digital Age: Improving Consistency and Efficiency
Lindsey Male, BSc, PhD., Project Manager, Aber Instruments Ltd.
SESSION OUTLINE:
Yeast management remains an underutilized aspect of fermentation control. This talk explores how capacitance technology can optimize the process by detecting only living yeast cells. Learn from real-world case studies how automatically adjusting pitching rates and selectively harvesting the healthiest yeast can improve consistency, reduce fermentation times, enhance beer quality, and minimize beer loss, moving beyond estimation to a precise, data-driven approach.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Dr. Lindsey Male is a Product Manager at Aber Instruments, overseeing the brewing product suite. Combining a background in yeast microbiology with a PhD in predictive modelling of brewer’s yeast, Lindsey focuses on bridging scientific insights with practical brewing solutions.
Day 2 | 12:00 - 12:45 | Joe White Maltings Hall
SENSORY SESSION
Finding Balance: A Sensory Exploration of Lager Fermentations and their Off-Flavours
Scott Sharp-Heward, Technical Manager – New Zealand & India, Lallemand Brewing
Daniel McCulloch, Regional Manager – Asia, Lallemand Brewing
SESSION OUTLINE:
Well-executed lagers are defined by delicacy and sessionability, but what happens when things go wrong? This workshop focuses on the faults that can compromise lager quality. Participants will have the opportunity to taste a number of faulted beers to expand their sensory vocabulary, identify specific issues, and learn practical advice for improving their knowledge of lager brewing and fermentation.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
With extensive experience across the APAC region, Daniel and Scott are key members of the Lallemand Brewing technical team. Daniel is a seasoned Quality Manager and Brewer, while Scott’s background is in production and quality brewing in New Zealand and the UK. Together, they support hundreds of breweries, bringing a wealth of technical expertise in brewing, quality control, and fermentation science to customers.
Day 2 | 12:15 - 12:45 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Aspects of Drinkability and its Impact on Winning Medals in Beer Competition
Kilian Kittl, Managing Director, Private Brauereien Bayern
SESSION OUTLINE:
Drinkability, the characteristic of a beer that encourages continued drinking, is key to boosting sales and winning awards on the way. This presentation explains the parameters that influence drinkability and discusses the technological possibilities for brewers to improve it. Kilian will highlight the importance of drinkability for success in beer competitions like the European Beer Star, supported by firsthand results and insights.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Kilian Kittl is the Managing Director of Private Brauereien Bayern, an association representing craft brewers in Bavaria. A graduate of TUM Weihenstephan, he is also the responsible Project Director of the prestigious European Beer Star beer competition.
Day 2 | 12:45 - 13:15 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Out of Africa: Brewing Trends from Across the African Continent
Lucy Corne, Co-Founder & Competition Director, African Beer Cup
SESSION OUTLINE:
Africa’s craft beer scene is ramping up. This seminar explores its upward trajectory, where brewers are creating cutting-edge styles with ancient grains such as millet and sorghum. Learn how brewers are standing out in macro-dominated markets, using local ingredients to create beers with a deep sense of place, and spearheading community projects to build brands relevant to local consumers.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Lucy Corne is a South Africa-based beer writer, educator, and Africa’s first Advanced Cicerone. She is the co-founder and competition director of the African Beer Cup and has documented the continent’s beer scene for publications around the world.
Day 2 | 13:45 - 14:15 | Barth Haas Hall
PRESENTATION
Taihu's Trailblazing Journey in Craft Beer Innovation
Winnie Hsu Juo Wei, CEO & Head Brewer, Taihu Brewing
SESSION OUTLINE:
This session explores Taihu Brewing’s innovative practices and product development strategies within the unique Taiwanese craft beer market. Winnie will look at how the brewery has leveraged special ingredients to push boundaries and create a new drinking culture and share the story behind its growth and success. This talk aims to inspire and provide valuable, practical ideas for fellow brewers seeking a fresh perspective for their own ventures.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Winnie Hsu joined Taihu as Head Brewer in 2015, she was initially responsible for all brewing operations, including product development, R&D, production-scale brewing and is now the brewery's CEO. Recognized as one of Asia's top brewmasters, she has been the primary driver of Taihu’s growth from a chaotic startup to the second-largest brewery in Taiwan.
Day 2 | 13:45 - 14:30 | Joe White Maltings Hall
PRESENTATION
Adjusting Water for Style
John Palmer, Palmer Brewing Solutions, President
SESSION OUTLINE:
John discusses the primary goal of water adjustment (mash pH) and then integrates flavor adjustment into that methodology. This presentation will bring together key aspects of the Water book to help brewing water adjustment make sense.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
John Palmer is the best-selling author of "How to Brew" and co-author of "Water – A Comprehensive Guide for Brewers." A metallurgical engineer by training, he is now president of Palmer Brewing Solutions, Inc., consulting on brewery processes worldwide.
Day 2 | 14:15 - 14:45 | Barth Haas Hall
PANEL DISCUSSION
The Road Ahead …
Moderator: Charles Guerrier, Founder, Brew Asia
SESSION OUTLINE:
Wrapping up this year's conference with a look to the future - moderator Charles Guerrier, founder of the Asia Brewers Network, asks "what's on the road ahead?". Joined by panelists from key markets across the region, this final session will explore the emerging trends, potential challenges, and key opportunities that will define the brewing industry in the year to come.
Day 2 | 14:45 - 15:30 | Joe White Maltings Hall
WORKSHOP
The World Of Sake
Josh Hembree, Master Brewer & Co-Founder, Setting Sun Sake
SESSION OUTLINE:
This year’s ‘Beyond the Brewhouse’ masterclass explores the fascinating world of sake. Master Brewer Josh Hembree will lead participants on a technical journey through rice wine production, from its unique fermentation methods to its distinct characteristics and flavours. This highly anticipated session will include an instructed tasting, providing a practical and appreciative look into the rich culture and complexity of Japan’s national beverage.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Josh his nearly 20-year fermentation experience with a carreer spanning both beer (Stone Brewing, Paulaner) and sake. He is one of the few foreigners to pass Japan’s Level 2 Nanbu Brewer’s Guild exam, and in 2016 co-founded Setting Sun Sake Brewing Company, San Diego’s first dedicated sake brewery. He specializes in American sake, combining Japanese techniques with local ingredients emphasizing creativity and collaboration through global partnerships and community education.