Brewery List: Update No. 23 (January 2020)
Our first update of 2020 adds those breweries that have opened since our last update in October 2019, together with those that missed the last update.
As well as the total number of craft beer breweries hitting more than 700, both New South Wales and Victoria have for the first time, more than 200 breweries each. Based on the current numbers, the new breweries that opened in 2019 was 91, almost the same as the 2018 figure of 95.
The “rate of opening” remains around a new brewery opening every 5 days. A rate that has been fairly consistent since 2016.
Our list of “coming breweries” has declined slightly to around 130 that are planning to open in the next 6 months to a year. With this number also being fairly consistent, the industry is still likely to continue its growth trajectory for at least the next few years.
The changes bring the current total of craft beer breweries in Australia to 717.
Of the 717 breweries:
- 25% are contract, or gypsy brewers
- 48% are small breweries. These are the nano and pub breweries
- 22% are medium size. These are the micro-breweries producing between 50,000 and 300,000 litres per year
- 5% are large breweries. These are the ones that have a regional and national presence.
Since our last update in October;
- Another 33 more new breweries have been added to our Brewery List
- 26 that have started since our last update
- 1 that has reopened after closing in 2018
- 6 from previous years
- Nine have been deleted. These are now listed on a seperate Closed Craft Beer Breweries page.
- There have been four name changes.
- Eleven have new or updated address details.
- With four having new branding and logos.
The Australian Craft Beer Brewery List
Our Brewery List includes breweries, brew pubs, brewing companies, and contract brewers. We use a wide definition for inclusion in the Brewery List on the basis that they produce craft beer for sale to the public, whether on premises or not.
Currently the number of craft beer breweries in each state is:
- 206 in New South Wales
- 201 in Victoria
- 109 in Queensland
- 82 in Western Australia
- 66 in South Australia
- 39 in Tasmania
- 9 in the ACT
- 5 in the Northern Territory
Is a “Brewery” really a “Brewery” without a physical presence?
We think so, at least for inclusion on our Brewery List. And more people are beginning to take the same view.
The craft beer market in Australia is still new and developing, with consumers being slowly converted to the wide variety and tastes of craft beer. Most of those consumers drink their beer in a local craft beer bar, and when they see the row of tap labels on the bar, we don’t believe that they care if the beer comes from a brewery, brew pub, brewing company, contract/gypsy brewer, or even a marketing company. As long as it’s a craft beer served properly.
Our list is about helping consumers identify the different brands/companies and check if they are craft beer breweries. Our aim is to expand overall awareness and knowledge of craft beer in Australia.
Whilst there will always be discussion about what is craft beer and what is a craft beer brewery, and we welcome debate and discussion, our Brewery List is still the most comprehensive and up to date Australian Craft Beer Brewery List.
