But now, supermarket giant Coles has partnered with Melbourne brewery Hop Nation, with the deal helping 24 breweries and small businesses across the country directly impacted by the closure of bars and restaurants amid COVID-19.
Within a week, Hop Nation banded with a dozen independent breweries in Melbourne to assemble a mixed case of “Communitinnies” craft beers, distributing 50 pallets to 220 Coles Liquor stores in the state. Hop Nation’s co-owner and general manager Sam Hambour said the opportunity to sell craft beer to Coles has been vital in supporting business turnover for small independent brewers during the isolation period.
Coles business category manager for Vintage Cellars Ed Scully said Coles Liquor had jumped at the chance to support Aussies businesses.