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View into a Liquorland store in the Bentley Plaza shopping centre in Bentley, Western Australia (Photo: Samuel Wiki, Liquorland, Bentley Plaza, CC0 1.0)

Australia | It has been a longstanding complaint: Independent craft brewers are accusing the country’s two major retailers, Coles and the Endeavour Group, of craft-washing. By making their mass-produced private label beers look like indie brands, they are driving small, independent brewers out of the market, media reported on 9 April.

Four young people sit at a table in a restaurant and laugh light-heartedly during the meal (Photo: Himanshu Choudharyon Unsplash)

India | Indian states not only set prices for alcohol – they also determine brewing methods. The prohibition of High Gravity Brewing (HGB) has previously led to serious supply shortages during the summer months. Now the Rajasthan government, in its fiscal 2025/2026 cycle (April 2025 to March 2026), has permitted HGB, media reported on 12 March. However, this may be too late for the peak beer drinking season between May and July.

Tourists in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok (Photo: Nehal Patel on Unsplash)

Thailand | Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed the relevant authorities to examine the possibility of lifting the ban on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm and on important Buddhist religious days. The discussion weighs up the social impact of alcohol control against the economic benefits of relaxing these regulations.

Blue sign against a blue sky, saying, in white letters: PAY HERE  (Photo: h hc on Unsplash)

Japan | Sapporo Holdings was among the first Asian brewers to spend big money on American craft breweries. In 2017, it bought San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing for USD 85 million, followed by the purchase of San Diego’s Stone Brewing in 2022 for USD 165 million. Now 3D Investment Partners, Sapporo’s largest shareholder, has criticised the Japanese firm over its execution of overseas acquisitions.

The brewpub Chuck & Sons in Sydney, opened by brewing industry personality Dr Chuck Hahn in 2024 (Photo: Brauwelt International)

Australia | As of February, the cost of an average schooner of beer has risen by about AUD 1 (USD 0.62) after the government’s staggering tax on a cold one was hiked yet again. The Federal Government’s alcohol excise is linked to the inflation rate and applied to beer and spirits twice a year in February and August.

Four women with beer glases (Photo: Giovanna Gomes on Unsplash)

Australia | Two of Australia's best-known independent brewers have joined forces to better withstand industry headwinds and financial challenges. Hawkers from Melbourne and White Bay from Sydney have merged to form the Social Drinks Group, raising AUD 1.5 million (USD 930 000) in fresh capital and appointing a new CEO.

Mike Shearer, left and Dr Tim Cooper (Photo: curtesy of Coopers Brewery)

Australia | As part of its succession planning, Dr Tim Cooper, the Managing Director of Australia’s largest family-owned beer group, Coopers Brewery, is stepping down after 23 years. On 1 March, Dr Cooper, 68, will be succeeded by Michael Shearer, currently Coopers’ General Manager. Mr Shearer is the first non-family member to run the brewery in its 163-year-long history. He will oversee the further development of the 6th generation Coopers currently working in the business.

Person hidden in a bush, pouring themselves a glass of beer from a Kingfisher bottle (Photo: Adarsh Iruvallur on Unsplash)

India | Heineken’s Indian unit United Breweries will resume beer supplies to Telangana state, the company said on 20 January. It had halted supplies on 8 January, claiming the government’s delayed payments and non-approval to higher base prices since 2019/20 had rendered its beer business in Telangana unviable.

Green Kingfisher bottle at the roadside (Photo: Raghavendra V. Konkathi on Unsplash)

India | In an unprecedented move, Heineken’s Indian unit, United Breweries, suspended the supply of beer to the southern Indian state of Telangana, following the state's refusal to allow for price rises, which the company said had resulted in huge losses and rendered operations in Telangana unviable.

Beverage can on a sandy beach, with wave foam (Photo: vlog tottiy on Unsplash)

Taiwan | The aggressive pricing of Chinese beer, unfair trade practices and misleading labelling are hurting the domestic beer industry. In response, Taiwan’s finance ministry said on 2 January, that it plans to launch an anti-dumping investigation into mainland China beer imports, following a formal application from the Taiwan Brewers Association. The review is expected to take eight months to a year to complete, according to customs administration officials.

Brauwelt International Newsletter

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Brauwelt International Newsletter

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BRAUWELT on tour

EBC Symposium
Date 18 May 2025 - 20 May 2025
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15 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025
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