Coopers has posted sales growth for FY24 despite tough market conditions, with the launch of its Australian Lager being the main contributor to the improvement.
The independent family-owned brewery’s total beer sales (excluding non-alcoholic beers) hit 78.7 million litres for the 12 months to June 30, up from 77.6 million litres the previous year.
The business noted that the increase was achieved at a time when the national beer market contracted 2.6 per cent.
“To achieve growth at a time of rising costs of living is very encouraging for our sales and marketing teams,” said Coopers MD Tim Cooper.
“We like to talk about 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.”
Keg sales, which represent 12 per cent of total sales of Coopers beer, were 1 per cent higher with packaged beer sales up 1.6 per cent.
The launch of Coopers Australian Lager last August was a significant contributing factor to the improvement. However, the brewery’s Original Pale Ale remained its best-selling beer.
Sales of Coopers DIY and other brewing products rose 8 per cent, led by strong exports into Europe and North America.
On the bottom line, Profit-before-tax rose from $28.5 million in the prior year to $32.8 million.
“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,” Cooper continued.
“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,” he added.
