Close×

In a move to wrestle the term 'craft beer' back from the big players, the Independent Brewers Association (IBA) is launching a new seal to promote awareness of locally owned and produced beer.

The IBA deems only small and independent brewers as being able to make craft beer.

However, with the explosion of craft beer, bigger, brewing companies have jumped on the bandwagon, marketing various beer products as craft beer when in fact they have been mass-produced.

The IBA hopes that its new independence seal will combat this.

Launching in Melbourne on 9 May, the seal will used on beer packaging, tap points, and marketing material.

The aim for the seal is that it will help consumers identify what beers are Australian owned and produced, and help shift consumer demand away from industrialised beer and towards independently owned products.

At present, 50 per cent of the country's craft brewers are a part of the IBA.

All members are eligible to use the seal by entering into a license agreement through the IBA website.

Food & Drink Business

Health and wellness food company OMG Group has reported FY26 net sales of around $6.1 million, up 49 per cent on the $4.1 million recorded in FY25. The company says it is expanding its Woolworths ranging, moving its matcha operation into commercial fulfilment, and establishing its first international distribution channels.

The National Food Council has released the key feedback gathered from stakeholders regarding the proposed scope of Australia’s National Food Security Strategy, announced in March 2025 and expected to be released in mid-2027.

Pure Foods Tasmania has closed FY26 with customer receipts up 30 per cent and its quarterly operating cash outflow more than halved, as the diversified food manufacturer continues its shift from restructure to growth.