With judging for the annual awards set to kick off in less than a month, the AIBA has received a record 1,480 entries for 2013.
The overall 12 per cent rise in entries, covers a stark rise in brews being sent over the ditch with 145 entries from New Zealand making the journey to Melbourne (that’s 55 per cent up on 2012). There has also been a rise id local entrants with 17 per cent more Australian breweries taking the plunge and nominating their brews.
There have also been brews entered from around the globe including Singapore, Belarus, Germany and Turkey – a total of 270 brewers across 35 countries in total.
According to Chief Judge Brad Rogers, the increased entries are proof of the AIBA’s reputation in the global market.
“The AIBA is the largest and most prestigious showcase of beer and brewing excellence in the Asia Pacific region and it is great to have the support of brewers worldwide,” he says. “With record entries received and a number of new and exciting changes to be implemented, 2013 is set to be a huge year for the AIBA.”
From Monday, 8 April, judges from around the world – including experts from Norway, Belgium, United States, United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand – will set about judging the nearly 1500 brews vying for the top gongs.
This year will also see the introduction of the medium-size brewery category and trophy, as well as new trophies for Australian Champion Beer of Show and International Champion Beer of Show.