Japanese-owned drinks and dairy group Lion is making further inroads into craft beer with the purchase of Byron Bay Brewing Co.
The latest move is the latest in a string of related acquisitions, including Little Creatures, James Squire, White Rabbit, Kosciusko and Knappstein.
Lion plans to further develop Byron Bay Brewing Co.’s hospitality operations, which host over 2,000 visitors per week.
The broader Lion portfolio represents about 50 per cent of Australia's entire craft beer market, which experts say makes up about five per cent of the entire $14 billion beer market in Australia.
Lion's craft marketing director Gordon Treanor said the craft beer segment benefited from “giving entrepreneurial people the chance to be creative and experimental”.
Byron Bay Brewing Co. owner Barry Schadel (pictured, with brewer Scott Hargrave) said he'd sought a buyer who would continue to invest in the brewery, beers and venue.
There is speculation the brewery found it difficult to expand and has been unable to install a bottling line and bottles on its existing site as a result of zoning and requirements imposed by the local council.
As a result, the company entered into a number of contract and licencing arrangements over the years, including with the failed Barons Brewing back in 2009.
Lion is planning a refurbishment following completion of the purchase to further showcase the beers on offer.
