As Briess Malt & Ingredients celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, the fifth-generation family business is finding that its “clean label” philosophy is more relevant than ever.
CEO Craig Briess tells Mid-West Farm Report that the company’s long-standing commitment to natural, minimally processed ingredients has positioned them perfectly to capitalize on modern health trends, such as the MAHA movement. The family business serves more than 50 percent of the craft beer market.
However, growth is met with logistical hurdles. While the company has reactivated its maritime port in Manitowoc, its rail operations suffer from aged infrastructure.
“Our rail track is underweighted, meaning that it carries a lot less than the national average,” Briess says, explaining that “light loading” cars results in a nearly 10 percent loss in efficiency.
On the global stage, trade remains a lopsided battle. Briess highlights a staggering disparity in international commerce.
“The tariffs going into Europe are about 40 times higher than for Europeans importing products into the United States.”
Despite these barriers, the company remains focused on its core mission of quality as it navigates the policy uncertainties of the new year.
Leave a Reply