New position part of consumer outreach effort

A Boulder, Colo.-based association for craft beer makers has hired an executive chef in hopes of inspiring in consumers a love for its industry's signature product.

The Brewers Association announced March 26 it had named Adam Dulye executive chef. In his new role, Dulye will use his culinary background to promote the value of craft beer and the compatibility of different types of beer with various cuisine.

"As the demand for craft beer continues to grow, so does the desire from beer lovers, chefs and food and hospitality professionals to educate themselves to lead in the art of pairing beer and food," said Julia Herz, craft beer program director at the Brewers Association.

The Brewers Association may be the only trade group with a full-time chef on its staff. The reason: A large part of what the association does is convincing consumers to drink craft beer. He will write for the group's consumer site, CraftBeer.com, as well as appear at BA's annual events, including SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience and the Farm to Table Pavilion at the Great American Beer Festival.

Dulye is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and has supervised several kitchens in craft beer-centric locations such as Boulder and Vail, Colo., and Portland, Ore.