Beer&Craft Drink Forum 2026: A Professional Gathering of Ukraine’s Craft Beverage Industry – Forum Highlights, Key Discussions and Shared Goals

The XVIII Beer&Craft Drink Forum 2026 for Brewers, Distillers and Beverage Producers, organised by Technologies & Innovations Media Group, took place on 22–23 October at the Optima Collection Bergschloss Hotel in Rivne. The event brought together more than 100 industry representatives from various regions of Ukraine, working in brewing, distilling and other beverage production sectors, who are committed to developing their businesses and attracting new consumers.

The Forum served as a platform for presenting raw materials, equipment and advanced technologies for breweries and beverage producers. It also provided an opportunity to exchange experience, explore new business opportunities and find solutions aimed at improving product quality and strengthening connections with target audiences.

During the Forum, participants discussed key industry development issues, including the state of Ukrainian brewing in 2026 and market prospects; production costs, ways to reduce expenses and improve brewery profitability; the role of packaging, design and technology in building a successful beer brand; and opportunities for breweries to evolve into multi-brand businesses by expanding into distillates, cider, wine and other beverages.

On the second day of the Forum, 23 October, participants went on a business tour of Riven Brewery and Volynsky Brovar Brewery. Read on to find out more about the event and its highlights.

The Forum opened with a minute of silence in tribute to the heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom and to all those affected by the war. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Kateryna KONIEVA and Nadiia YASHCHUK, founders of Technologies & Innovations Media Group.

“This is a whole story in itself: ten years have already passed, and we have entered the eleventh year since our first Forum. We have travelled this path together with you, not only witnessing the industry`s development but also actively contributing to its transformation.

“Think back to 2016: there were only a few breweries in Kyiv and a small community of people passionate about craft beer, exploring their own styles and looking for new opportunities. We did not yet know what the market would become, but we could see that this sector had a real future. That is why we decided to support you and launch this project. A lot has happened since then. Unfortunately, the craft beer market has not grown in terms of volume, but there are still many dedicated people who love what they do, introduce new technologies and continue to explore new opportunities. We are ready to give attention to large, medium-sized and craft producers alike, help the industry grow, bring its representatives together and encourage the adoption of modern technologies. Over the years, we have organised 18 Forums and published the Beer Insight guide to Ukrainian beer. For five consecutive years, we also organised the East European Beer Award tasting competition, which brought together up to 120 judges and more than 400 beer samples. In 2021, on the eve of the full-scale war, we had to discontinue this project. Despite all the challenges, we continue to publish our print magazine Beer. Technologies & Innovations and develop the techdrinks.info website. Today, the Forum is an opportunity to discuss the most pressing issues, exchange experience, showcase your businesses and learn from others. Be active, take part in discussions and make new connections. This is precisely why we come together: to support one another and move the industry forward,” emphasised Kateryna Konieva.

Nadiia Yashchuk, Director of Technologies & Innovations Media Group, expressed her gratitude to both long-standing and new partners for supporting the Forum and their willingness to contribute to the industry`s development despite the challenging circumstances.

In particular, she acknowledged the event`s main partners: the Main Organisational Partner – the Association of Independent Breweries of Ukraine; the Main Legal Partner – IP Law Firm Pakharenko & Partners; the Main Laboratory Partner – Donau Lab Ukraine; the Main Technology Partner – SOCIETE INDUSTRIELLE LESAFFRE / Fermentis brand; the Main Business Tour Partner – Volynsky Brovar Brewery; as well as Riven Brewery and KANT Restaurant & Brewery, which also supported the Forum as partners.

Marian Hoda, Director of Riven Brewery – the Forum`s Main Organisational and Beer Partner – also welcomed the participants.

“It is a pleasure to welcome you to our wonderful city of Rivne, to our brewery and to the Optima Collection Bergschloss hotel and restaurant complex. We have hosted similar events in Rivne before and are always delighted to cooperate with our partners. It is wonderful to see familiar faces and representatives of businesses of different sizes. This demonstrates that the boundaries between large-scale producers and craft brewers are becoming less distinct. Craft producers have established themselves through quality, dedication and popularity. Today, we also have distillers, suppliers of raw materials, technology and equipment represented here. I would like to thank the organisers and wish everyone new connections, successful contracts, fruitful cooperation and positive experiences.”

On 22 October, the organisers once again brought together the community of brewers, distillers and producers of various beverages to discuss current industry challenges, market trends and business development opportunities.

The Forum programme featured presentations by leading industry experts and representatives of technology companies, as well as four panel discussions. Participants explored the future of Ukrainian brewing in 2026 and the direction of the market, ways to control production costs and improve brewery profitability, and why packaging, design and technology are essential to building a successful brand.

Special attention was also given to business diversification – expanding into the production of distillates, cider, wine and other beverages, which opens up new opportunities for breweries.

Technological Solutions for the Modern Brewery

As part of the Forum, industry experts presented advanced technological solutions designed to help producers monitor beverage quality, prevent production risks, optimise equipment performance and improve bottling and packaging processes.

Stable beverage quality requires precise control of production processes. Volodymyr Pashko, Director of Donau Lab Ukraine, the Forum’s Main Laboratory Partner, presented Anton Paar portable instruments designed to monitor key beverage parameters.

Donau Lab Ukraine is a distributor of leading global manufacturers of laboratory equipment, including the Austrian company Anton Paar. The EasyDens, SmartRef and pH2Go instruments enable users to quickly measure density, extract content, alcohol content, pH and temperature. Thanks to their compact design, ease of use and measurement accuracy, they are suitable for breweries, wineries and other beverage production facilities.

“Product quality is primarily about compliance with specifications. If a beverage meets the established parameters, it can be considered a quality product. Taste characteristics are a separate matter related to sensory perception. In our work, it is important to focus on indicators that can be objectively measured and monitored. Accurate measurements are precisely what make it possible to verify a product’s compliance with specifications and ensure consistent quality,” said Volodymyr Pashko.

Oleksandr Nakonechnyi, Deputy Director of BIBUS Ukraine, explained how Swiss engineering solutions help prevent microbiological contamination in breweries and improve the efficiency of bottling lines.

Vadym Usenko, Director of Tech Layer 3D, focused on the practical applications of 3D technologies in the brewing industry. The solutions presented included the production of custom-made equipment components and innovative developments designed to improve production processes and adapt equipment to the specific needs of individual businesses.

“At the Forum, we are presenting our 3D printing services for technical production components, including gears, augers and other parts made from various engineering materials. We are also showcasing our flagship product – a can inverter, a device that rotates aluminium cans 180 degrees to allow the production date to be printed on the bottom. This device is already in operation at Volynsky Brovar and Mykulynetsky Brovar breweries. It is suitable for 250 ml, 300 ml and 500 ml cans and has been successfully used for approximately six months. This is my third consecutive year participating in the Forum, and every time I make new valuable professional connections that eventually develop into business partnerships. I am very pleased with the exhibition – everything has been excellent,” noted Vadym Usenko.

Dmytro Tsymbaliuk, Manager at ASKO PUMPS, explained how standardising pumping equipment helps ensure reliable brewery operations, simplify maintenance and reduce equipment downtime and recovery time.

Dmytro Demshevskyi, Service Manager at PET Technologies, outlined the practical advantages of PET kegs, their potential applications in beverage filling and transportation, and the prospects for introducing this type of packaging into the brewing business.

Special Yeast for Non-Alcoholic Beer

Bohdan Demchenko, representing Solod Ukrainy and the Fermentis brand – the Forum’s Main Technology Partner – presented a technology for producing 0.0% alcohol-free beer using special SafBrew™ LA-02 yeast.

He explained the specific features of the fermentation process, the control of alcohol formation and the parameters that affect the quality and stability of the finished beverage. This technology makes it possible to produce a basic non-alcoholic beer without significant capital investment and use it as a base for developing different beverage variations.

Fermentis is a French company specialising in fermentation solutions for the beverage industry. It is part of the international Lesaffre Group, which has been operating in the field of yeast and fermentation technologies for more than 160 years. The company has been a long-standing supporter of the Brewers Forum, which has been held annually since 2016.

Four Panel Discussions: Market Trends, Economics, Branding and Diversification

The first panel focused on current trends in the Ukrainian beer market, the profitability of craft breweries and the industry`s prospects for further development.

Together with leading producers, experts and representatives of industry associations, participants discussed changes in consumer demand, brewery operations during wartime, production costs and efficiency, sales channels, competition and new business development opportunities.

The discussion was moderated by Yuliia Kyrylenko, a researcher and developer of beer and innovative beverages, Head Brewer and Chief Technologist at To Dublin restaurant, and Deputy Director of the Association of Independent Breweries of Ukraine.

The speakers included Marian Hoda, Director of Riven Brewery, and Alina Radziievska, Director of PJSC Khmelpyvo.

“To survive under constant pressure, breweries are looking for new opportunities for growth and development. When they noticed a decline in demand specifically for alcoholic beer, they began introducing non-alcoholic beer into their product ranges. For several years now, Ukrainian producers have been successfully representing their products on the global market, while breweries continue to experiment and explore new possibilities. Legislative changes are also now underway. The Association is involved in this process to help producers obtain the necessary permits and opportunities to manufacture not only beer but also cider at their facilities,” says Yuliia Kyrylenko.

The next panel discussion focused on production costs and ways to improve the profitability of the brewing business. It was moderated by Olena Derii, Brewer at Varvar Brew (Kyiv).

The panel covered key aspects of brewery economics, including the impact of rising costs of raw materials, energy, logistics, packaging and labour on production costs; identifying opportunities to optimise expenditure; and finding ways to increase profitability without compromising product quality.

The Forum`s speakers included Bohdan Demchenko, founder of Bohdanivska Brewery; Viktor Vashchuk, Head Brewer at Beermaster Brewery; and Přemysl Brož, Head Brewer at Riven LTD.

The third panel discussion explored the role of branding, packaging, design and technology in promoting beer and increasing sales. Participants discussed how to create a recognisable brand, attract consumer attention through packaging design and use modern technological solutions to strengthen a beer brand`s market position.

The panel was moderated by Bohdan Tochka, co-founder of MOVA Brewery and Head of its Communications Team. The participants included Danylo Kolesnikov, Export Development Manager at Askania Beverages; Viktor Volivetskyi, Deputy Quality Director at MCT Company; and Alina Radziievska, Director of PJSC Khmelpyvo.

The fourth panel discussion examined opportunities for diversifying the brewing business and developing multi-brand production facilities. Participants discussed the prospects for expanding product ranges through distillates, cider and wine, the specifics of entering new beverage categories, and ways to identify additional opportunities for growth and strengthen market positions.

The discussion was moderated by Roman Unrau, Director and Co-owner of Pivna Lehenda. The participants included Jindřich Hein, a renowned Czech brewing expert, international consultant and co-founder of the engineering company Czech Brewmasters; Viktor Vashchuk, Project Manager at Silpo and Beermaster Brewery; and Arsen Popovych, Brewer and Technologist at LUCHAN Brewer.

Ukrainian Ale with Sweet Corn

Mykhailo Nahorniak, a practical plant breeder representing MNAGOR Private Enterprise, spoke about the creation of Ukrainian corn ale – a beverage that combines local traditions with modern brewing.

“We specialise in sweet corn breeding and have developed the well-known Vyshyvanka F1 variety – the first multicoloured sweet corn variety. When looking at our culinary traditions, particularly banosh and mamalyha, we decided to take things a step further and brew beer using sweet corn. Together with three breweries – Tsypa, Volynsky Brovar and Taras Melnyk`s private brewery in Synelnykove, Dnipropetrovsk Region – we developed and patented Ukrainian Ale with Sweet Corn. We now offer manufacturers licences to produce it. This is our idea of a gentle Ukrainisation. My dream is to see this ale brewed throughout Ukraine, with each producer adding their own regional characteristics. As for the Forum, everything has been organised to a very high standard. I have had a wonderful experience!”

New Flavours and Brewing Experiments

Among the approximately 25 representatives of breweries and beverage producers who took part in Beer&Craft Drink Forum was Dmytro Fesenko, founder of Did Fess Brewery from the Bila Tserkva district of Kyiv Region.

His three-year-old craft brewery focuses on experimental beer styles and exploring new flavours that can capture consumers` interest and surprise them.

“Did Fess Brewery is a young, three-year-old experimental project. I handle most of the work myself, although my wife and friends sometimes help me. We are currently exploring the market, experimenting with new beer styles and observing how consumers respond to them. It is important to me to offer something unusual, something that nobody has done before. For the Forum`s charity auction and the Grand Public Tasting, I prepared COCONUT HEFEWEIZEN – a German-style wheat Hefeweizen with coconut flakes infused in alcohol. The traditional notes of clove and banana are complemented by a distinctive coconut aroma. I am also working on an IPA with the aroma and flavour of Earl Grey tea and bergamot. The Forum is a wonderful opportunity to spend two days among like-minded people, meet fellow professionals, learn something new and exchange experience. I believe that taking part in events like this is truly worthwhile, and I encourage my colleagues to join,” he says.

The Brewery as a Modern Business: Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Customer Service Resilience

Jindřich Hein, a Czech brewing expert and co-founder of the engineering company Czech Brewmasters, shared practical solutions for organising safe production of different beverage categories at a single facility.

He discussed preventing cross-contamination, the proper use of equipment for different beverages, effective cleaning procedures, CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems and the disinfection of production lines. Particular attention was paid to the causes of product contamination, diagnostic methods and ways to resolve such issues.

Jindřich Hein emphasised that ensuring the correct sequence of production operations primarily requires proper organisation and planning rather than investment in additional equipment.

“When one beer is displaced by another, a transitional mixture is formed, through which microorganisms from the previous batch can enter the next one. Reverse contamination can also occur if an operator handles the sight glass carelessly. To minimise these risks, it is important to establish the correct production sequence for different beer styles. For example, it is advisable to move from light beer to dark beer, from less sweet to sweeter varieties, and from beers with simpler aromatic profiles to those with more intense aromas.”

Oleksii Tsiukh, Strategy and Development Director at DigiSpec, explained how to integrate an AI assistant into a brewery`s daily operations and improve team efficiency.

His presentation covered practical ways to optimise processes, improve customer interactions and develop partnerships without requiring specialised training.

Oleksii Hladyshev, CEO of Levada Consulting, explored how businesses can ensure the timely fulfilment of customer orders during wartime while maintaining operational resilience.

Disruptions to supply chains are forcing companies to seek alternative logistics solutions and adapt their approaches to customer service. The presentation focused on product range management, warehouse and transport infrastructure, the information environment and team management, as well as finding the right balance between different operating models to ensure reliable customer service.

Trade Marketing in HoReCa

Kateryna Stetsko, HoReCa Trade Marketing Specialist at Carlsberg Ukraine, presented modern trade marketing tools, effective solutions for working with HoReCa establishments and opportunities to increase sales through this channel.

Charity Auction and Partnership

As the Forum came to a close, and continuing a tradition established during the war, the 21st Charity Auction of goods and services donated by partners and participants was held in support of brewers serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The charity auction raised UAH 53,600 for a special operations unit of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), where brewer Serhii is currently serving. Before joining the military, he worked at Red Cat Brewery in Kharkiv, Drofa Brewery in Kherson and Luchan Brewery in Lutsk.

Serhii personally attended the Forum to thank participants for their support. This was already the second Forum at which the brewing community had come together to support his unit.

The funds raised will be used to repair and restore equipment deployed on one of the hottest fronts.

You can still contribute to the fundraising campaign.

Donation link:

Bank details:

https://send.monobank.ua/jar/x54FUyejd

Charity Auction: Gratitude to Our Partners

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all partner companies that contributed items and services to the Charity Auction.

The highest-value lot, sold for UAH 6,000, was a map of Ukraine donated by TERMO-PAK. Other unique auction items included sets of spirits, beer and cider, branded clothing, a certificate for a floor inspection, glassware, meat products, a book, malt, Vyshyvanka F1 sweet corn and a vintage mobile phone.

The partners who contributed to the auction included Did Fess Brewery, Umanpyvo, MATSIKY, Khmelpyvo, MCT Company, Askania Beverages, Döhler, MOVA, Varvar Brew, UBC Group, MNAGOR, Barley & Hops, PET Technologies, Opillia, Olis-Group, Volynsky Brovar, Monbar, Concept Glass and DigiSpec.

On 22 October, as part of the Forum, a large-scale exhibition and presentation of modern equipment, ingredients, technologies and engineering solutions for brewing and other beverage production took place.

Companies representing various sectors of the industry participated in the Forum and the technology exhibition.

Modern equipment and technological solutions for beverage production were presented by SST, UBC Group, PET Technologies, TERMO-PAK, MCT Company and ASKO PUMPS. Business consulting services were represented by Levada Consulting, while 3D printing and engineering component manufacturing solutions were showcased by Tech Layer 3D. TARAS AI Assistant presented its AI assistant and business process automation capabilities.

Sanfort introduced its cleaning and disinfection products, while Olis-Group presented solutions for industrial flooring.

The event`s food and beverage partners included the First Craft Brewery Manufacture – BOHDANIVSKA BREWERY, Strong Distillery, Monbar, Hott`s, Askania Beverages, Matsyky and DUSHА Restaurant & Brewery. They showcased their products during the tasting session, introducing Forum participants to a wide variety of beverages and flavours.

Roman Medvedchuk, founder of Strong Distillery, presented his signature S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Gin at Beer&Craft Drink Forum. The gin is made using the distillery`s own grain spirit and a carefully selected blend of 27 botanicals.

“The distinctive feature of this gin is the combination of juniper notes with the characteristic accents of Earl Grey tea and bergamot. The beverage has an alcohol content of 45%. Its concept brings together the craftsmanship of Ukrainian craft distilling and the atmosphere of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. We are delighted that our work has received professional recognition: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Gin won Double Gold at the Craftstore & Crown Distillery Competition 25/26, ‘Summertime – 26’.”

Grand Public Tasting: Ukrainian Beer, Cider and Spirits

As is traditional, the Forum concluded with a Grand Public Tasting of beer, cider and spirits produced by Ukrainian breweries and distilleries.

The event provided a platform for professional networking, exchanging experience and ideas, and discovering different beverage styles and recipes. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their products, explore their colleagues` achievements and discuss new opportunities for cooperation.

The following companies and producers presented their products at the tasting: SAGA New Brewery, First Craft Brewery Manufacture – Bohdanivska Brewery, Umanpyvo, Luchan Brewery, Kanivske Beer, Odesa Private Brewery, Riven Brewery, KANT Beer Restaurant, Barley & Hops 2020, PJSC Khmelpyvo, Father`s Brewery, Brovarnia na Hrushevskoho Restaurant & Brewery, Askania Beverages, MNAGOR Private Enterprise, Czech Brewmasters, Beermaster Brewery, DUSHA Restaurant & Brewery, Pivna Lehenda Brewery LLC, Varvar Brew, Volynsky Brovar LLC, MOVA Brewing Co. and Did Fess Brewery.

During the event, participants were also presented with commemorative certificates in recognition of their participation.

Beer&Craft Drink Forum 2026 Business Tour: The Traditions of Riven and the Modern Technologies of Volynsky Brovar

The second day of the Forum, 23 October, was dedicated to gaining first-hand insight into brewing operations through a business tour.

Participants visited Riven Brewery in Rivne, whose history dates back to at least 1847. During the tour, they learned about the brewery`s production processes, equipment and product range, which includes eight beer varieties, from classic styles to modern innovations.

Přemysl Brož, Head Brewer at Riven Brewery and KANT Beer Restaurant, introduced participants to the distinctive features of the brewery`s product range.

The next destination was Volynsky Brovar Brewery, one of Ukraine`s well-known beer producers, located in the town of Berezne, Rivne Region.

During the guided tour, participants explored the company`s modern technologies for beverage production, filling and packaging.

The brewery produces more than 100 products under five brands, including various beer styles, kvass, kombucha, lemonades, energy drinks, vitamin-enriched water and bubble tea.

Technologies & Innovations Media Group: Events Calendar for 2026–2027

Technologies & Innovations Media Group invites representatives of the beverage industry and agribusiness to take part in its industry forums, conferences and educational events dedicated to modern technologies, innovation and new opportunities for production development.

The next conference will take place on 9–11 December 2026 in Lviv.

SmartBerry 2026: Technologies. Innovations. Success, the Power of Cold: Effective Solutions for Business Congress and Berry&Fruit Academy will bring together berry and fruit growers, processors and refrigeration industry professionals.

2027 Events Calendar

24–25 February | Ternopil

HortiTech Ukraine 2027: Horticulture, Vegetables and Berries. From Field and Greenhouse to Market: Technologies, Exports and Processing.

15–16 April | Ivano-Frankivsk

Beer&Craft Drink Forum 2027: Beer, Beverages and Technologies.

A professional gathering for brewers, distillers and beverage producers, focusing on market trends, technological solutions and new business development opportunities.

23–25 June | Lviv

Fruit&Nut Business Forum 2027: Stone Fruits and Nuts.

Growing technologies, processing and exports will be the key topics of professional discussions among participants.

15–17 September | Rivne

AgroBerry&Veg 2027: Technologies for the Berry and Vegetable Business.

The conference will bring together berry and vegetable growers, processors and technology suppliers to discuss innovations and the industry`s development prospects.

21–22 October | Lutsk

Beer&Craft Drink Forum 2027: Beer, Beverages and Technologies.

A professional gathering of brewers, distillers and beverage producers, offering an opportunity to exchange experience, present innovations and explore new business opportunities.