The association, active since 1997, will be part of the Chamber of Agricultural and Food Enterprises at the GZS.

Its members confirmed the membership in the GZS in August and met on Wednesday for the first formal session as members of the national chamber of commerce, electing Jernej Smolnikar of Pivovarna Laško Union as its chair.

Smolnikar said that the association would continue to support initiatives which strengthen the role of brewers in the field of food safety, awareness-raising about responsible drinking of beer, and self-regulation.

Since he believes that the future in beer brewing is in pursuing sustainable development guidelines, the association will promote the development of good practices in this field.

Andrej Sluga of Reservoir Dogs, who was also elected in the governing board along with Albin Hozjan of Over Mura, said that the move provided small brewers with a new dimension in terms of cooperation.

The association added in a press release that it would be looking for the best partners for cooperation in development and healthy attitude towards society and the environment.