Today Australia’s small and independent brewers voted overwhelmingly in favour of removing large brewers from the membership of their trade body and renaming it the Independent Brewers Association.

It is a move designed to create a body that is better placed to address the challenges faced by small brewers in Australia.

Under new rules for what was the Craft Beer Industry Association, membership will be prohibited for brewers that are more than 20% owned by large brewers or other businesses that hold significant brewery holdings in Australia or overseas.

Previously the association had allowed membership by companies such as Little Creatures, Malt Shovel and Mountain Goat, all of which are 100% owned by global brewing concerns.

“This is a great day for our association and for small, independent breweries in Australia,” said Independent Brewers Association chair, Peta Fielding.

“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.”

“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,” Mrs Fielding said.

“These changes allow us to narrow our focus on addressing the needs of the businesses that need it most.”

“As we move onto this next chapter of the association we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions the larger brewers made as founding members of the Craft Beer Industry Association.”

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This media release was sourced directly from the Craft Beer Industry Associations website here.