Seems like civilized political debate has gone down the drain together with 10,000 cases of Coopers beer. When Dr Tim Cooper, the Managing Director of Adelaide-based Coopers Brewery gave a joint news conference with the Bible Society Australia on 9 March 2017 to announce a limited edition, co-branded run of 10,000 cartons (900 hl) of its light beer carrying various biblical verses, he could not have been prepared for the backlash to the partnership.

When the Australian anti-immigrant hothead politician Pauline Hanson announced in early March 2017 that she wants to have her own craft beer, the ensuing media outcry was deafening.

Although a new constitution for the Craft Beer Industry Association (CBIA) has not yet been finalised, proposed changes in criteria for membership eligibility have already caused the resignation of Lion’s craft beer breweries – Little Creatures, Malt Shovel and White Rabbit.

In the end, 2016 did not turn out quite as bad as feared for Turkish beer and soft drink company Anadolu Efes. Thanks to reporting consolidated sales for both beer and soft drinks, Efes achieved 1.5 percent sales volume growth and 2.1 percent revenue growth in 2016; however, EBITDA margin was flattish.

Australian media did not quite know what to make of this: two Liberal MPs discussing marriage equality over a couple of Coopers Premium Light beers while having an open Bible and a TV camera in front of them. The debate was sponsored by the Bible Society Australia and Coopers Brewery.

At first it was a rumour in Chinese media only and as AB-InBev was not available for comment to Brauwelt International, we refused to carry it. But as AB-InBev eventually confirmed it to Forbes magazine, we knew it had to be true.

With a new brewery opening every week in Australia, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for companies to find quality production employees. The skills shortage is not only attributable to the sheer number of new breweries as, in addition, existing breweries are growing and need more brewers. Small breweries are also much more labour intensive than big breweries and there is minimal transfer of candidates from the Big Brewers to the craft brewers, although the majors have lost volume and had to shed jobs.

Chinese beer production fell for a third straight year in 2016. The tardiness of brewers to pursue efficiency gains has stirred speculation that major players may combine.

For the first time in New Zealand, the GABS Hottest 100 Kiwi Craft Beers has been announced. Created by the team behind the hugely popular GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest, and supported by Liquorland and craftypint.com, the poll started life nine years ago in Australia as a way for craft beer fans to celebrate their favourite Aussie beers on Australia Day.

As if we did not know it: beer is political. Just ask Israeli craft brewers. Late last year, the non-kosher gastropub Libira in Haifa became the target of a shitstorm which threatened to drive away customers. Why? Because its owners had decided to sell beer of a Palestinian, West Bank-based brewery.