The launch of Coopers Australian Lager helped drive a 1.5 per cent increase in total beer sales for Coopers Brewery in the 2024 financial year.
Coopers’ total beer sales, excluding non-alcoholic beers, hit 78.7 million litres, up from 77.6 million litres the previous year. Coopers also said that while the launch of Coopers Australian Lager was a significant contributing factor to its growth, Coopers Original Pale Ale retained its position as the brewery’s biggest selling beer.
“This is a pleasing result for Coopers in light of the tough market conditions facing the brewing industry across Australia,” said Coopers Managing Director, Dr Tim Cooper.
“To achieve growth at a time of rising costs of living is very encouraging for our sales and marketing teams. We like to talk to our brewing credentials and value-for-money across our portfolio, with consumer research continuing to highlight growing support for authentic brands that can be trusted, are high-quality and affordable.”
Dr Cooper added: “Since it was launched in August last year, Coopers Australian Lager has performed exceptionally well.
“It’s a crisp, great tasting lager that has really hit the mark, attracting new drinkers to Coopers and also winning over existing customers. It has quickly become our second highest selling Coopers product on tap and our fifth highest selling overall.”
Coopers achieved overall growth in sales volume across all states and territories, with the exception of New South Wales which recorded a decline of 1.3 per cent in volume. The growth extended to its export markets across the globe, with New Zealand growing by 11 per cent.
South Australia remained the largest beer market for Coopers, with 25.6 per cent of total sales volume.
“The national beer industry continues to face significant challenges,” Dr Cooper said.
“The rising cost-of-living and cost-of-business, including the excessive tax on beer, are placing considerable pressure on all participants in the beer category, and have led to the closure of smaller operators and hospitality venues across the country.
“While not immune to these pressures, Coopers has continued to expand our product portfolio and invest in our brands, operations and people for the long term.”
Coopers also opened its new visitor centre at Regency Park, which includes a restaurant, three bars, interactive historical display, microbrewery, single malt whisky distillery and cask stillage.
Profit-before-tax for the 2024 financial year was $32.8m, compared with $28.5m the previous year. Fully franked dividends of $12 per share were paid in the financial year, unchanged from last year.
