Celebrating its independence, Georgia Beer Co. has adopted the independent craft brewer seal. Created by the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers—the seal seeks to educate beer lovers about which beers are produced by independently owned U.S. breweries. By activating the seal across its channels, Georgia Beer Co. indicates that independence matters when it comes to beer.

Beer lovers can look for the certification on Georgia Beer Co. beer cans once they hit markets this year. “With the majority of the world’s beer being manufactured by basically two companies, and most of that beer being made through automation, we think it is important to celebrate and promote small, local businesses like ours that strive for quality through personal, hand-crafted goods,” said Chris Jones, founder and Director of Business Development at Georgia Beer Co.

Independence is a hallmark of the craft brewing community and data shows that beer lovers want to support that. More than 90 percent of consumers are interested in the seal and what it stands for. Beer drinkers who have seen the independent craft brewer seal are 77 percent more likely to value independence when making purchase decisions.

“Beer lovers are looking for differentiation between what is being produced by small and independent craft brewers versus Big Beer acquired brands,” added Julia Herz, craft beer program director, Brewers Association. “People today expect transparency when it comes to their food and beverages. When it comes to beer, that transparency and underlying ownership can drive purchase intent.”

While small and independent craft brewers make up 98 percent of the more than 6,300 breweries in the U.S., by volume they represent less than 13 percent of the beer sold. As large brewers continue to have unprecedented influence and acquire millions of barrels of formerly independently brewed beer without indicating ownership, the seal differentiates in a crowded and competitive marketplace.

Georgia Beer Co. joins the more than 3,000 breweries around the country who have adopted the seal and are united in independence.

Valdosta’s first brewery is planning to open in early to mid-October. Their building, a 100-year-old structure originally used as Valdosta’s water utilities facility, is currently undergoing extensive renovations through an innovative partnership between the Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority and Georgia Beer Co.