NB2A’s Kevin Asato on Supporting Black Brewers in Tough Times; Yonder Cider’s Caitlin Braam Speaking to Many Audiences

National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) executive director Kevin Asato explains how obstacles have mounted for the trade group’s members as diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have come under fire during the Trump administration. 

 

“The beautiful thing is, I was Black yesterday. I’m Black today. And god willing I wake up tomorrow, I’ll be Black tomorrow,” he said. “The point being, just because there isn’t a tagline like DEI available, doesn’t mean our challenges and our need for diversity and our need to help our Black brewers in this space has gone away. Nothing has changed. Not a single thing has changed for our space here.”

 

Asato shares with Brewbound managing editor Jess Infante how the NB2A is supporting its 86 Black-owned brewery members and its nearly 400 overall members during a special bonus edition of the Brewbound Podcast. He also explains why equipment donations have been key for up-and-coming Black breweries, teases ancient grain fonio’s potential inclusion in Volume 3 of the Black is Beautiful collaboration efforts and talks about why some retailers are doubling-down on diverse brands. 

 

Following the conversation with Asato, Yonder Cider founder Caitlin Braam joins Brewbound senior reporter Zoe Licata to explain how experimenting with events at her brand’s taproom has broadened her hard cider brand’s consumer base. 

 

A shared taproom partnership with craft beer brand Bale Breaker has also helped Yonder breakthrough with new audiences, she explains. It’s all about “not being exclusive” and “making spaces and places for various audiences, not just one.”

 

“There isn’t just one audience for your brand. There are many. And you have to find ways to talk to them each individually,” she said.

 

Both conversations were recorded during the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference in Indianapolis.