Master brewers and international speakers will reflect on new trends in beer at the first EDA Beer Summit
On September 30, EDA Drinks & Wine Campus will host an event aimed at professionals in the beer and beverage industry, featuring top-tier brewers and international experts. The EDA Beer Summit will explore the current state and future of the sector, analyzing topics ranging from the impact of terroir on the final product to innovation in the no- and low-alcohol segments. It’s worth noting that Spain is a world leader in the consumption of non-alcoholic beer. The summit will also delve into the molecular dissection of beer. The event will take place at the Basque Culinary Center (San Sebastián) and will include notable participants such as Susan Wheeler, Francois Chartier, and Marco Pruner. The event will conclude with a tasting of selected beer pairings and pintxos prepared for the occasion.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a sensory and educational journey, exchanging knowledge and experiences, and exploring the latest trends in the beer world. Experts will address topics ranging from the NoLo (no- and low-alcohol) category to molecular understanding, as well as innovations and the integration of beer into contemporary gastronomy. The first roundtable, featuring the leading national companies, will include: Javier Aldea, BrewHub Manager at Mahou San Miguel; Karen Peiró, Head of Brewing at Damm Group; Francisco Javier Ruiz Gallego, Master Brewer at Heineken Spain; Antonio Fumanal, Master Brewer at Grupo Ágora; and Carlos Ávila from Cultura Cervecera at Hijos de Rivera. The panel will be moderated by Eduardo Olmedo, Assistant Director of the Spanish Brewers Association. In a second roundtable, craft brewers like Kevin Patricio (Basqueland Brewing), Aran León (La Pirata Brewing), Igor Berrios (Meta Edabeak), and Eneko Neira (Laugar Brewery) will discuss the challenges and opportunities in the craft beer industry, moderated by Jabi Ortega, manager of Basque Beer. The day will conclude with a workshop allowing participants to share reflections, along with a beer and pintxos pairing.
The EDA Beer Summit is organized in collaboration with Cerveceros de España and Basque Beer, with support from the Department of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture, and Fisheries of the Basque Government, and the Provincial Council of Álava. The event is part of the activity program planned by EDA Drinks & Wine Campus ahead of the opening of its locations in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Laguardia, which will include specialized courses, workshops, and specific training in the world of wine and beverages, to be announced accordingly.