The Australian craft beer industry shake-up continues with Melbourne brewer Fury and Son announcing it is closing its doors.

It follows a slew of breweries, including Two Birds and Wicked Elf, calling it a day. Additionally, Gintonica, Kaddy, Boozebud and Tribe Breweries have all entered administration this year.

Fury and Son owners Andrew and Reno Georgiou said: “It is with a sense of both reflection and anticipation that Fury and Son Brewing announces its decision to close its doors. After eight years of serving the Victorian beer community with dedication and passion, we have reached a pivotal juncture where new opportunities beckon and it’s time to embark on the next chapter.

“Since our inception, we have been committed to providing exceptional beers and fostering meaningful connections with our valued customers. We have been privileged to serve as a trusted partner and witness the growth and support of the craft beer community. It is with a mixture of gratitude and bittersweet sentiment that we look back on the journey we’ve shared and take pause to give thanks.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to our customers, who have placed their trust in us and allowed us to be a part of their lives. Your loyalty and support have been the cornerstone of our success, and we are immensely grateful for the relationships forged and the memories created along the way.

“To our dedicated employees, we express our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. You have been the driving force behind our achievements, and we are honoured to have worked alongside such a talented and passionate team. Your dedication and contributions have made Fury and Son a beacon of excellence in our industry

“The decision to close our business was not an easy one, however we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. The landscape of business is ever-evolving, and it is vital to adapt and embrace new challenges. We are confident that the experiences and knowledge gained during our time in operation will be invaluable in pursuing new ventures and endeavours.

“During this transition, our priority is to ensure a seamless and respectful closure. We will work diligently to fulfill any outstanding commitments to our customers, and provide support to our employees as they navigate this change.

“We are forever grateful for the support and trust bestowed upon us, and we carry these memories with us as we venture into new horizons.”

Andrew (above) told The Craft Pint that the cost of malt and hops rising by 20 to 30 percent, the growing overheads associated with running their own brewery, a drop in consumer demand, and the crowded nature of the marketplace compared to when they launched were contributing factors to their decision.

Roy Morgan reports beer consumption decline

New data from Roy Morgan’s Alcohol Consumption Report showing the beer category that hasn’t been able to arrest a long-term decline. Although consumption of beer did increase during the early stages of the pandemic this momentum quickly dissipated according to the report.

Now under a third of Australians, 6,537,000 (32.2%) consume beer, down significantly from the 7,413,000 (37.6%) who did so in the 12 months to March 2020 just before the pandemic struck and turned the world upside down during much of the past three years.

“Although beer did enjoy an increase in consumption during 2021, now only 32.2% of Australian adults drink beer in an average four weeks, down significantly by 5.4% points from pre-pandemic in March 2020 – the largest decline of any form of alcohol,” Roy Morgan CEO Michelle Levine said.

“The decline in beer drinking since 2005 has been more sustained than any other type of alcohol and the early signs are that the short-term pandemic impact on beer drinking has not been enough to halt the long-term trend.”