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There is increasing consumer demand for craft beer, and for clarification of its definition in the face of widespread (mis)marketing. In recent years many small scale and independent breweries have been purchased by large brewing organisations vying to get a share of the growing and profitable niche market in craft beer. This raises the question of whether the beer produced by such breweries can still be defined as "craft". Are there other factors that should be taken into consideration when defining genuine craft breweries? From the perspective of a consumer who seeks a craft product, little is known about how and where the beer is produced, and when labels are taken at face value there is a greater responsibility for retailers to distinguish between craft and mainstream beers. In this paper we explore the conceptual and practical aspects of defining craft beer, with reference to definitions established by various national industry associations.

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Purpose Coronavirus has accentuated the cracks within the fragile UK food system. Empty shelves and empty stomachs, the damaging consequences of coronavirus have led to an unprecedented increase in food insecurity and food access. The purpose of this paper is to provide in-depth insight into varied and innovative rural localised responses to food access during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on multiple perspectives of those working to combat food insecurity, inequality and inaccessibility in Gwynedd, exploring food access initiatives and their responses to the pandemic, innovative food distribution collaborations and the role of maintaining already fragile rural communities. Findings This study concludes that the need for transformative place-making to build stronger, more resilient communities has never been more pressing, with support from public sector funding to help alleviate some of the hardships and pressure with the rise in poverty and austerity, coronavirus imposed or not. Originality/value This study focuses on a single local authority area in North Wales, Gwynedd, an area where little food research has been published to date. The coronavirus pandemic also places the timely research within the scope of food access and distribution during hardship. This study discusses the impacts exposed by the pandemic and lessons that can be drawn and reflected on for future benefit.