The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) is begging consumers to support Australian craft beer as breweries continue to tumble.

The IBA is calling on beer lovers across the country to lend their support to a major campaign to help save the industry.

Popular Melbourne craft brewer Deeds Brewing is one of the latest breweries to enter voluntary administration as the cost-of-living crisis crushes the industry. Deeds Brewing was named champion medium brewery and champion Victorian brewery at the 2023 Australian International Beer Awards.

Since the beginning of 2024 alone, Western Australia brewery Golden West, South Australia’s Big Shed, Victoria’s Hawkers and NSW’s Wayward have all gone into administration. Newcastle’s Steel City Brewing has also ceased production due to cost of living pressures.

“After a decade of growth our industry pulled out all the stops to survive through the ‘COVID years’ and looked forward to some light at the end of what had been a very dark tunnel,” the IBA said.

‘Instead, 2023 delivered significant increases in costs of raw materials (up by 40%), energy (up by over 50%) packaging and freight, staff shortages and increased costs of living.

“At the same time we continue to battle the large multinational breweries to access taps in pubs, venues and bottle shops. THEN we face the third highest tax regime in the world. Is it any wonder you are seeing many independent brewers close or be pushed in to voluntary administration?”

What IBA wants consumers to do

The IBA has outlined steps that consumers can take to support independent brewing.

• Shout loud and proud on your social channels – the IBA has made video (below) to share with mates in the hope that it goes viral.
• Next time you’re browsing the beer aisle consider purchasing one that displays the Independent Seal – it’s a badge of honour, signalling that you’re supporting local, passionate brewers who pour their hearts into every drop.
• Support breweries directly by heading in for a meal or purchasing directly from their online store (find your nearest Indie here)
• Always ‘Ask For an Indie’ when you’re out in a bar, venue or a pub
• Sign up at Askforindiebeer.com.au to get updates on the campaign and how you can be an ambassador for Indie beer.

Learn more about the campaign here.

How consumers saved Big Shed

Beloved South Australian brewer Big Shed Brewing recently announced it had been saved from closure by support from loyal patrons and industry peers.

The brewer said: “On February 12 it felt like the floor had fallen out of our lives. We made the toughest decision we’ve had to make which was to go into VA. We knew then that the fate of the company was no longer in our hands. It was going to be up to the Administrators and our creditors to decide what happened next. We cannot stress enough how hard it is to see everything you’ve worked for placed into the hands of others, but we had no other choice. To try and continue would have seen us fall for good, so while it wasn’t an easy decision, it was the right one.

“The response from the public, our wholesale partners, and suppliers since then has been humbling beyond measure. That brought with it the obviously needed financial boost but equally an emotional one. We knew we had a fight, but we knew we weren’t fighting alone and this became our rallying cry. Even in our darkest moments we knew we had something that was worth fighting for, because the public told us it was worth fighting for. In bars, bottleshops and festivals, people were cheering for us, and it meant the world.

“We are grateful for the thorough work or Mark, Matt, and the team at HPL. They could see that our proposal was the best option for creditors and was a sustainable way forward.

“We cannot thank our suppliers enough for their support for unanimously agreeing to our proposal and the restructuring of our debts. We know this hurts them too, but it is still a better option than the alternative. We will do what we can to make it up to them over the journey moving forward.

“We want to thank the public, our families and friends who had our backs through this all. Our amazing Shedheads and regulars you have once again stood tall like only you can. While our battle isn’t over, and the seas are still stormy; we have righted the ship and can face those headwinds with confidence. We ask that you keep supporting us, keep supporting local independent beer and local business generally as it’s a tough time for us all and we all want to be there for our community long into the future.”

Among those who celebrated the news was Director of Drakes Supermarkets John-Paul Drake.

“I’m so proud of us, South Australia – when our friends are down, we band together and help each other out! Thanks to your support, the Big Shed Brewing guys have been thrown a lifeline, and their brilliant beer can live on – but it doesn’t stop here. To continue, your ongoing support is needed,” Drake said on LinkedIn.

“The thing is, it’s not just about supporting Big Shed Brewing – right now there are lots of small businesses that need YOU to stay in business. It’s a way of thinking – instead of buying an imported product, can you buy Australian? Can you eat at a local establishment instead of a multi-national chain? Can you share and like their posts? Tell others about a great experience you had? Can you shop at the local fruit and veg shop, butcher or bakery?

“Support those who support your local community, in whatever way you can.”