The launch of Coopers Australian Lager has helped the family-owned brewery post a 1.5% rise in total beer sales for the 2024 financial year.
The sales result was achieved at a time when the national beer market contracted 2.6%.
Coopers’ total beer sales, excluding non-alcoholic beers, hit 78.7 million litres, up from 77.6 million litres the previous year.
“This is a pleasing result for Coopers in light of the tough market conditions facing the brewing industry across Australia,” said Coopers Managing Director Dr Tim Cooper.
“To achieve growth at a time of rising costs of living is very encouraging for our sales and marketing teams. We like to talk to our brewing credentials and value-for-money across our portfolio, with consumer research continuing to highlight growing support for authentic brands that can be trusted, are high-quality and affordable.”
Keg sales, which represent 12% of total sales of Coopers beer, were 1% higher with packaged beer sales up 1.6%. Can sales have increased to represent 43% of total packaged beer sales.
While the large-scale release of Coopers Australian Lager was a significant contributing factor to the result, Coopers Original Pale Ale retained its position as the brewery’s biggest selling beer.
“Since it was launched in August last year, Coopers Australian Lager has performed exceptionally well,” Dr Cooper said.
“It’s a crisp, great tasting lager that has really hit the mark, attracting new drinkers to Coopers and also winning over existing customers. It has quickly become our second highest selling Coopers product on tap and our fifth highest selling overall.”
Coopers achieved overall growth in sales volume across all states and territories, with the exception of NSW, which recorded a decline of 1.3% in volume. The growth extended to its export markets across the globe, with New Zealand growing by 11%.
South Australia remained the largest beer market for Coopers, with 25.6% of total sales volume.
“The national beer industry continues to face significant challenges,” Dr Cooper said.
“The rising cost-of-living and cost-of-business, including the excessive tax on beer, are placing considerable pressure on all participants in the beer category, and have led to the closure of smaller operators and hospitality venues across the country.
“While not immune to these pressures, Coopers has continued to expand our product portfolio and invest in our brands, operations and people for the long term.”
The brewer’s $70 million visitor centre development at Regency Park opened in August. It includes a restaurant, three bars, interactive historical display, microbrewery, single malt whisky distillery and cask stillage. Coopers said the visitor centre had enjoyed “strong custom” in its first few months of operation.
Sales of Coopers DIY and other brewing products rose 8% in the 12 months to June 30 led by strong exports into Europe and North America. A tightening of demand across Asia’s food and beverage industry led to a 9% fall in malted barley sales.
Profit-before-tax for the 2024 financial year was $32.8 million, compared with $28.5 million the previous year. Fully franked dividends of $12 per share were paid in the financial year, unchanged from last year.
Through the generosity of staff and shareholders as well as other fundraising activities, the Coopers Foundation awarded more than $650,000 to 19 charities, taking the total donated to nearly $7.9 million since it was formed in 2006.