Craft brewers association to redefine membership rules

Who is a craft brewer? Only one that is truly independent, Australia’s craft brewers have decided. That’s why the Craft Beer Industry Association (CBIA) has begun the arduous process of deleting the Big Brewers from its membership base.

This came in response to pressure from its smaller independent members, 75 percent of whom, in a recent survey, called for the membership structure to be revised.

The proposed new structure would exclude members such as Asahi’s Mountain Goat, Lion’s Little Creatures and Malt Shovel, as well as Coca-Cola Amatil’s joint venture, Australian Beer Company.

CBIA chair Peta Fielding said: “As the industry has evolved, it’s probably not surprising that we now find ourselves being asked to consider the structure of the CBIA moving forward. Our goal is to address the challenge via positive, constructive debate and to land, cooperatively, in a place that genuinely sets things up for the good of the industry and those within it. We are hearing a variety of views and suggestions and will work diligently towards a proposed outcome for CBIA members to consider.”

After the survey, the future membership structure was discussed at CBIA’s recent AGM. The overnight exclusion of the brewers concerned is not a simple solution for, as existing members, their current rights are protected under the Corporations Act; thus, any changes must occur in a consultative manner.

Any changes will not become effective until the start of the new membership year which is on 1 July 2017.