Uncategorised

Choice review of craft beer highlights foreign ownership of popular brands

A recent review of the Australian craft beer market by consumer watchdog Choice has found that it's dominated by Japanese-owned Lion and London-headquartered SABMiller, making it increasingly difficult for independent brewers to compete.

Choice’s review follows an ACCC investigation that is seeking to determine whether major brewers are engaging in anti-competitive behaviour within the country’s pub industry including attempts to lock out competing brands. The watchdog is also questioning the validity of ‘craft beer’ claims made by the major brewers.

“By definition a craft brewery is a brewery that produces a limited amount of beer and The Australian Craft Brewers association thinks a craft beer is independent, traditional and 100% Australian owned, with no ownership or control by a major brewer,” says Choice.

“This hasn’t stopped Coles and Woolworth’s recently entering the craft beer market with Steamrail Ale (Coles) and Sail and Anchor (Woolworths).”

Choice together with the Australian Real Craft Beer Association say that major brewers are controlling the taps through their ability to offer attractive contracts inclusive of kickbacks such as rebates or installation and maintenance of lines and taps by the brewery, leaving smaller breweries unable to compete.

“It’s up to the consumer to decide what is important to them when it comes to drinking craft beer,” says Choice spokesperson Tom Godfrey.

“If it’s a premium taste from a large brewery, that’s okay. If it’s integral you’re supporting an Australian owned microbrewery, find out who owns the brand you’re drinking.”

 

Send this to a friend