Lion has ceased operations of its Christchurch-based micro-brewery, The Fermentist Brewery and Taproom, as the business was unable to become profitable.
“We have made the very difficult decision to permanently close The Fermentist,” the brewery said on its website. “We would like to thank all our customers for their support over the past three years. We have loved having you. While our time has come to an end, we believe the message of more ethical and sustainable choices is only becoming stronger.”
The Fermentist’s social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram, have also been shut down.
A spokesperson told Stuff NZ that The Fermentist has been unable to generate profit for some time due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation. The brewery was closed by Lion in September after losing 12 full-time employees and has been unable to find an alternative solution.
The Fermentist Brewery was built in 2017 before opening the doors of the Taproom in June 2018 as a replacement for Lion’s brewery, which was destroyed by earthquakes. The Fermentist is known for creating New Zealand’s first carbon zero certificated beer, Kiwi Pale Ale. The entire brewery was certified last year as the first carbon-neutral brewery in the country.
