Two Birds Brewing, Australia’s first female founded brewery, has closed less than two years after its parent company Fermentum was bought by Lion.
Founders Jayne Lewis and Danielle Allen said it was with a heavy heart that they announced the closure of “our beloved brand and brewery”.
“Throughout the past 12 years, Two Birds Brewing has proudly pushed the door wide open for women in the brewing industry. We have strived to inspire and encourage aspiring brewers, particularly women, to pursue their passion and break through the traditional barriers that have long confined brewing to a male-dominated space,” they said.
Six permanent and seven casual team members have lost their jobs. Lion said redeployment opportunities were being explored in other parts of the business, while redundancy, outplacement support and counselling will be provided to impacted team members.
Fermentum supply chain leader Rich Crowe said Lewis and Allen had “blazed a trail for diversity and inclusion in brewing in opening Australia’s first female founded brewery.
“Closing Two Birds is a difficult decision that has not been taken lightly and we want to continue to acknowledge and celebrate their unique contribution both to the Fermentum team and the wider industry.”
Fermentum head of marketing, Ed Jamison said, “While Two Birds Brewing has won a number of local and international brewing awards, sales have been on a downtrend for several years.
“Despite continued marketing investment, it is not showing signs of a turnaround, and we’ve made the difficult decision to cease brewing and close the taproom in Spotswood, Victoria.”
Crowe said Lewis and Allen would be working with Fermentum and Lion on an ongoing mentoring and scholarship program to complement Lion’s existing DEI programs.
Allen said, “The legacy of Two Birds will continue to live on, not only in the hearts of those who have enjoyed our unique brews but also in the progress we have made towards gender equality in the brewing world.
“We are honoured to have played a role in shifting perceptions, fostering inclusivity, and empowering countless women to follow their dreams within this industry and others.”
On the Two Birds website, Allen and Lewis said, “We wish to express our gratitude to our supporters, partners, suppliers, and many collaborators, for their unwavering support throughout the years. We look forward to supporting Lion’s programs aimed at encouraging more women to join the brewing industry.
“We firmly believe that the brewing industry is an exciting and inclusive one, deserving of diverse voices and perspectives. It is our hope that more women will be inspired to enter this field, bringing forth their creative ideas and talents to further enrich the industry’s landscape.
“While the doors of Two Birds Brewing may be closing, we take comfort in knowing there are many people championing women across the industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers, dedicated team members, and industry partners who have stood by us and helped us make a meaningful impact.”
The final day of trade at the brewery’s taproom, The Nest, will be Friday, 21 July 2023. Two Birds Brewing beers will be available for sale until stock runs out.
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