Founding of Confartigianato Birrai
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In late October 2026 Confartigianato formally established, at the national level, the category of Artisan Brewers (Birrai), electing among its vice presidents Roberto Lerda from Cuneo, co-owner of the Birrificio Trunasse brewery in Centallo.
With the inauguration of the new National Council at the end of October 2026, the category of Birrai (Brewers) was formally established within Confartigianato, Italy's national association of artisan and small businesses. The new representative body brings together businesses in the artisan brewing sector and aims to promote their authenticity, strengthening the link between production and local territory [1].
The National Council
Entrepreneur Michele Solimando, from Puglia, was elected president of the new category. The vice presidents are Roberto Lerda, provincial and regional representative for Piedmont, and William D'Iuorno (Calabria), while the Council is completed by Mattia Lucca (Trento) and Marco Zuccato (Veneto) [1].
The link with Piedmont's territory
Roberto Lerda co-owns, together with his brother Paolo, the Birrificio Trunasse brewery in Centallo, in the Province of Cuneo. With his appointment as national vice president, a representative from the Cuneo area joins the leadership of Confartigianato's new Birrai category [1][2].
Stated goals
Lerda said the category's priorities will include protecting and promoting the market's perception of craftsmanship, ongoing training, strengthening ties with research centres, reinforcing the network between territories and businesses, targeted association marketing initiatives, presence at the sector's main trade fairs, and promoting direct sales [1].