Sales of Australian-made and owned beer, Coopers Brewery, is increasing despite an overall decline in the national beer market.
Coopers Brewery sold almost two million more litres of beer over the past year, recording total beer sales of 80.6 million litres in 2024–25, up from 78.7 million litres the previous year. The 2.4 per cent rise, excluding non-alcoholic and contract-manufactured beers, contrasts with a 0.9 per cent fall in the national beer market during the same period.
Coopers managing director Michael Shearer said the result reflected a strong performance across the brewery’s range.
“Demand was particularly strong for Dry 3.5 and Australian Lager, both relative newcomers to our portfolio. Our traditional ale products also continued to grow, at 1.2 per cent, and Stout had a resurgence with a 3.3 per cent increase over the prior year,” he said.
“Importantly, our overall sales momentum has continued into the first months of the new financial year.”
Shearer said drinkers had become more discerning amid cost-of-living pressures.
“They want value for money with their beer – that’s about quality, reliability and above all taste,” he said.
“We remain 100 per cent focused on brewing great tasting Australian beer. To achieve another year of solid sales growth in a tough market is a real vote of confidence in our craft and our team.”
Keg sales, which represent around 12.4 per cent of total Coopers sales, rose 5.9 per cent, while packaged beer sales were up 1.8 per cent. Growth was recorded across all states and territories, with South Australia remaining the largest market and Queensland showing the strongest growth:
- New South Wales up 1.9 per cent.
- Queensland up 4.8 per cent.
- Victoria/Tasmania up 3.3 per cent.
- South Australia up 2.3 per cent.
- Northern Territory up 2 per cent.
- Western Australia up 0.8 per cent.
Beer exports (excluding New Zealand) fell 22.3 per cent, while sales to New Zealand increased 2.6 per cent. Sales of malted barley and wheat rose 3.4 per cent, though demand for DIY brewing products fell 17 per cent, reflecting lower consumer interest and reduced supermarket shelf space.
Coopers’ $70 million visitor centre, restaurant, microbrewery and whisky distillery has attracted about 60,000 visitors since opening on 28 August 2024, including 32,000 restaurant diners, 10,500 tour participants and 100 corporate events.
Whisky production is a longer-term venture, with more than 200 barrels of single malt currently maturing in the underground stillage, which can hold up to 5,000 barrels (one million litres).
“The new visitor centre, microbrewery and distillery is a generational investment by Coopers in our long-term future as well as a diversification strategy to open new markets for our product,” said Shearer.