Overview
It's not been an easy year or so for the craft brewing industry, with several much-loved operations closing their doors, selling up or merging to keep the lights on. However, one brewer that's gone from strength to strength is Sydney Brewery, which has just announced its acquisition of Alexandria's Rocks Brewing Company. Having entered voluntary administration in October, the production facility and Alexandria-based tap house were up for grabs.
Behind the purchase is Dr Jerry Schwartz of the Schwartz Family Company, owners of Sydney Brewery. Following the announcement, the tap house was renamed Sydney Brewery Alexandria, adding to the company's existing operations, such as Sydney Brewery Surry Hills and the Sydney Brewery production facility based out of Lovedale in the Hunter Valley. With the company on the rise, the extra brewing capability comes at a welcome time.
According to Dr Schwartz, the Alexandria site's 20hL brewing capacity – that's 2,000 litres – will help Sydney Brewery keep pace with surging demand for its beers and ciders. At the same time, the company is set to open a new 30hL facility in Lovedale in the coming weeks, giving its production a big push in the right direction. Once operational, Sydney Brewery's beer, cider and spirit-producing capacity will have increased by over half a million litres.
"Last year was a very difficult year for the craft brewing industry, but Sydney Brewery bucked the trend, and we have been urgently seeking extra capacity to produce our craft beers," says Dr Schwartz. "Our Sydney Brewery and restaurant in Surry Hills has been very popular and we believe that we can make the Alexandria venue similarly popular with locals and visitors. We will be looking to sell the remainder of the Rocks Brewing stock and then start producing the Sydney Brewery range from the Alexandria site."
With the surging cost of living, rising overheads for raw materials and COVID-era debts just some of the reasons behind the craft beer scene's consolidation, those able to navigate these choppy waters have emerged on the other side with plenty of opportunity. Sydney Brewery has been in the game since 2005, operating its own outlets, maintaining a strong presence in retail trade and supplying a multi-state network of hotels.
"...Our takeover of the Rocks Brewery operation will provide an outstanding opportunity to both increase the amount of Sydney Brewery craft beers that we produce and also revive the Alexandria location as a prime brewpub, dining, entertainment and functions venue," says Dr Schwartz. "We will revamp the menu, the drinks selection and the entertainment over the next few months. The brewpub is currently operating and will officially relaunch with its new branding and menus in mid-March."
Rocks Brewing Co.
Sydney Brewery Alexandria is open at Sydney Corporate Park, 160 Bourke Rd, Alexandria. Head to the website for more information.