Craft brewing in Australia, 1979-2015

Abstract

This chapter explores the emergence of independent craft breweries in Australia over three and half decades. Three distinct periods of the segment’s evolution are identified. While much of the substantial growth has occurred this decade, with the total number of breweries doubling between 2010 and 2015, the foundations for this escalation were laid by several pioneering companies and individuals through the 1990s and early 2000s. This chapter explores the constraints and drivers of growth, and the rise of diverse business models. Of note also is the distinctive role played by Australia’s macro brewers, who acquired several of the early successful craft entrants, thus confusing the definition..