Canberra’s Capital Brewing Co says Batlow Cider’s authenticity, reputation, local ownership, and environmental ethos were the driving factors in its acquisition of the cider company.
Capital Brewing founders, Tom Hertel and Laurence Kain, said while cider has been a favourite at the brewery and other venues the pair have run, Batlow Cider is also one of the most authentic and recognised cider brands in the country.
“One of the things we love about Batlow Cider is that it’s made from imperfect fruit that would not normally make it to supermarket shelves and may otherwise become a waste product,” Kain said.
In 2022, Capital Brewing was the first brewery in Australia to achieve carbon neutral certification. It then developed a template for other brewers to follow in their carbon reduction plans.
It is also one of only six Australian breweries that is B Corp certified.
“We have a strong focus on operating in a socially and environmentally responsible way and are committed to reducing waste throughout our supply chains, so it’s incredibly important we continue this with the way we operate Batlow Cider,” Kain said.
He added they were also committed to increasing production, which would decrease the amount of product going to waste, and with the brewery and Batlow geographically close, Capital will be reducing existing freight and the overall carbon footprint to make the product.
“In a more streamlined approach, the juiced apples will be coming straight from Batlow to Canberra, where they will be fermented and packaged at our brewery in Fyshwick,” Kain said.
Batlow Cider co-owners, Rich and Sam Coombes, have had a long connection with Capital Brewing, with Rich Coombes one of its founders, before he moved on to launch B2B beverages marketplace, Kaddy, in 2019.
“We have long been impressed with the marketing and sales capability of Capital Brewing Co and we look forward to seeing the Batlow brand continue to grow alongside their high-quality beers,” the brothers said.
In Australia, Batlow apples are a household name, with apples being grown and traded continuously in the town since 1922.
Hertel said, “Almost every Aussie has had a Batlow apple in their lunchbox at some point – the brand is rich in Australian history and heritage, and we love how connected Batlow Cider is with its roots.
“Through the boost in sales and marketing resources that we’re able to give the Batlow Cider brand, we will significantly increase the production and sales across the country, creating more jobs for the town of Batlow, as well as here in Canberra.
“Rest assured, the recipe won’t be changing.”
Listen to our 2022 podcast episode with co-founder Laurence Kain here.
