Award-winning boutique beer company Byron Bay Brewing Co has announced it has sold to alcohol giant Lion.
Formerly Lion Nathan Limited, the company is one of the biggest alcohol companies in Australia and is wholly-owned by Japanese corporation Kirin.
Apart from alcohol, Kirin has interests in oral care, beauty care, fabric care, living care and pharmaceuticals. It also owns milk, yoghurt, cream, custard and cheese companies, as well as companies that produce juice, drinks and water.
Barry Schadel, owner of Byron Bay Brewing Co, said he was happy to have found a buyer who shared his vision for the company and would continue to invest in Byron.
‘I am really proud of Byron Bay Brewing Co and what we have achieved in the Byron community.’
‘My number-one priority was finding a buyer who would continue to invest in the brewery, beers and venue and take the business from strength to strength. Lion has a strong track record of doing this with other craft beers and I know I am leaving Byron Bay Brewing Co in good hands.’
While Lion say they plan to invest in the brewery and venue, The Echo asked Lion if it will guarantee that all jobs will be retained with the sale.
A spokesperson said, ‘We are still looking at how we will invest in the brewery and venue and whether this will include a refurbishment, but if we do undertake one, our first priority would be minimising any impacts to people and visitors during that time.
‘Our broader aim is to invest in the business and grow it, which we hope will increase employment and tourism opportunities in the future. We have a strong track record of doing the same when Little Creatures came into Lion in 2012. Since that time we grew Little Creatures 33 per cent in volume and invested over $70 million into a new brewery and venue in Geelong.
‘In Geelong we have worked with the local community, the Geelong Tourism Board and the local Chamber of Commerce to increase awareness of the area and bring tourists to the region.’
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