A chill wind has gone through the craft beer industry with the economic downturn driving a handful of brands to the wall, while others have struggled.
Kaiju Beer was among those exhibiting at the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular, or GABS, at Melbourne Showgrounds at the weekend. Reeves renewed calls for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to examine the market dominance of multinational companies which had contracts for a large proportion of beer taps in pubs.
Reeves also called out these economic pressures on craft brewers and added the federal government’s “unreasonable” excise which increased twice a year, pegged to CPI, and barley supply interruption due to the war in Ukraine., with established companies including the Deeds Brewing and Exit Brewing going under. Firms such as Bad Shepherd and Hawkers are going through voluntary administration and restructuring.
Craft beer enthusiast Vran said GABS allowed drinkers to try different flavours and types of beer from around the country.GABS spokesman John Thomson said he hoped consumers’ good vibes for craft beers at the event would continue out in the community.