WHY IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN
Wisconsin companies that serve as suppliers to breweries and microbreweries may find a market for their expertise.
The craft beer industry in Australia made big gains during the 2010s, evolving from home-brew enthusiasts to a rapidly growing industry with annual sales of more than $370 million AUD ($240 million USD) by 2016, according to an article published by Deloitte.
At that point, Australia tallied about 350 brewers and microbreweries, up from about 200 in 2013, with global companies such as Lion and SABMiller owning and distributing as much as 50% of the craft beer market.
Black Hops was voted Australia’s best craft brewery, according to the 2022 Australian Craft Beer Survey by Beer Cartel. The survey showed that 57% of those responding had purchased beer online in the previous 12 months, up from 40% in 2019. Meanwhile, the number of people who have consumed non-alcoholic beer doubled, from 15% in 2020 to 32% in 2022.
Several recent projects reflect the rising interest, which continued during the pandemic:
- Sanctus Brewing’s expansion will triple the brewery’s production and create 27 new full-time jobs in New South Wales.
- Grainfed Brewing, a family-owned company, opened its doors in June 2023 in Newcastle.
- Spinifex Brewing Co. expects to open its Cable Beach brewery in Western Australia in late November 2023.
Wisconsin companies with expertise in supplying equipment to local and international craft beer and microbrewery markets are encouraged to explore options for doing business in the region.
