Small and independent brewers represented by the Craft Beer Industry Association have voted for a change to the body’s membership, which will block large brewers.
In a request to shift the body’s focus to the challenges faced by its small brewers, it was decided that the association should no longer provide membership to brewers more than 20 per cent owned by large brewers or other businesses that hold significant brewery holdings in Australia or overseas.
This includes breweries such as Little Creatures, Malt Shovel and Mountain Goat, which are owned by large global brewing corporations.
“Our members face challenges in their businesses with issues such as taxation, market access and licencing that don’t align with those of larger global organisations,” said Independent Brewers Association Chair, Peta Fielding.
“These changes allow us to narrow ourfocus on addressing the needs of the businesses that need it most.”
As a result, the association has also renamed to the Independent Brewers Association.
Fielding added, “Our industry is a shining light in Australian manufacturing. There are now more than 400 small, independent brewing businesses, up from just 200 when the association began five years ago. The industry directly employs more than 2100 people and generates an estimated $655 million in economic output.”
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