Dutchy wrote:Over the years these big companies have also started buying up some of the most popular craft beers.
Lion now owns James Squire, Byron Bay Brewing Co, Little Creatures and White Rabbit, while Carlton makes Yak Ales, Cascade, 4 Pines Brewery and Pirate Life Brewing, among others.
Smaller players include Wesfarmers (the owner of Coles), CocaCola, Woolworths and Asahi, which between them own brands like Yenda, Feral Brewing, Steamrail, John Boston, Mountain Goat and Cricketers Arms.
as far as I know James squire has never been an independent brand, was just invented by lion.
same with the yak stuff for CUB.
I think one of the main things some people look for with regards to "craft" is being independent from the big players, given they usually try and crowd the market and deny tap space for the little players etc.
but I for one will still be enjoying pirate life