Tribe Breweries has acquired Gold Coast-based brewery Black Hops, following an agreement reached during its voluntary administration. The financial details of the transaction remain confidential.
Founded in 2014 in Burleigh Heads, Black Hops entered voluntary administration in March 2024 due to high overhead costs.
After an initial financial restructuring, the company entered administration for a second time in July after an unsuccessful attempt at a private sale.
Under the terms of the transaction, Tribe Breweries will retain 100 per cent of Black Hops’ Queensland workforce and approximately 90 per cent of its national staff. Operations will remain centred at the brewery’s primary locations in Burleigh Heads and Biggera Waters.
Black Hops GM Nathan Seamons said that the primary objective during the administration process was protecting staff positions and maintaining production.
Seamons added that the agreement with Tribe Breweries marks a new operational phase for the brand following a challenging period.
Heath Baker, CEO of Tribe Breweries, confirmed that the brand will maintain its production base on the Gold Coast. Baker noted that the acquisition represents a clean slate for Black Hops, with new management focusing on aligning operational costs, improving financial discipline, and long-term business viability.
He also highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust with early backers and longtime supporters after the brand’s repeated financial restructuring.
The acquisition counts Black Hops to Tribe Breweries’ existing brand portfolio, which includes Stockade Brew Co, Mornington Peninsula Brewery, and Wilde Brewing Co.
In August, Tribe Breweries achieved Certified B Corporation status, joining a select group of Australian craft beverage producers that have been independently audited for environmental and operational standards.
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