Beer remains easily the most popular alcoholic beverage in New Zealand but latest figures show it drove an overall decline in alcohol available for consumption.

Statistics New Zealand said the total volume of alcohol available for consumption dropped 3.1 percent to 471 million litres during 2009, the first fall after eight years of annual increases. Beer, which makes up about 65 percent of the market, declined 5.1 percent.

Spirits and spirit-based drinks now make up 15 percent of the total volume of alcohol available for consumption, down 0.1 percent, while wine represents 20 percent, up from 19 percent in 2008, said business statistics manager Kathy Connolly.

More info:

http://brewersguild.org.nz/news/2010/beer-still-king-but-production-down

An Ottawa man, arrested after fencing stolen antique beer cans on eBay, was sentenced to prison Thursday in the courtroom of Circuit Judge Cynthia Raccuglia,

Joseph J. Kelly, 45, 210 Prairie St., pleaded guilty to burglary charges and was sentenced to eight years in prison and two years of mandatory supervised release.

More info:

http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=397077

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Building on their amazing success in the Australian wine industry, the De Bortoli Family boldly embarked on a journey towards creating a equally enviable reputation in the craft and commercial brewing arena. Based in Griffith NSW, William Bull Brewery started commercial brewing in 2005 and has since gained a reputation of brewing beer to the highest level of quality. With Red Angus Pilsener recently recognised as one of the countries top craft beers and the brewery becoming the contract brewer of choice nationally, the rate of growth of the brewery is startling.

Being set up with full PLC control of brewery and fermentation operations and a state of the art 6000bph bottling line, the brewery is geared for significant further expansion with new brands being launched in 2010 and more contract customers in the pipeline. Underpinned by the De Bortoli Wines national distribution network, the opportunities for the brewery and its brands are limitless.

We are looking for a highly motivated and competent brewer to join the small team and shoulder day to day brewing tasks as well as administrative and customer responsibilities. It is expected that the brewer will have 5 years experience in a commercial or craft environment, have great passion for well made beer, be computer literate with a highly developed quality and customer focus. Essentially, this position represents the engine of the brewery – setting the standard of attention to detail, quality and creativity amongst the team.

An attractive remuneration package will be offered commensurate with knowledge, skills and experience. In return William Bull Brewery will offer the opportunity to play a major part in one the countries most exciting breweries with the benefit of working for a large successful company and all that it entails.

Applications and enquiries should be directed to the Human Resources Manager,

De Bortoli Wines Pty Ltd, PO Box 21, Bilbul NSW 2680, Phone (02) 6966 0100.

For a copy of a detailed job description please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Applications close on Friday 26th February 2010

Head Brewer
West Coast Brewery
Westport

New Beer Development Program

We seek the services of a Head Brewer at our Westport Brewery. It may well be a lifestyle choice for someone to get the better of two worlds. The relaxed West Coast lifestyle with all its serenity and beauty laced with many life style options, including hunting, fishing, climbing, tramping, boating, kayaking, whitebaiting and Cray fishing.

(The matesmanship and friendship of the West Coast is legendary and every person who has a mission to experience and sample the great life should include at least a stint on the West Coast.)

Plus the opportunity to be part of a fast growth company designed to grow and be at the leading edge of beer and brand development.

The West Coast has long been regarded as the true home of the beer lover, going back into the six o’clock closing days, West Coast pubs literally snubbed their noses at the idea and stayed open anyway.

From there the tradition continued with arguably the highest ratio of pubs to population anywhere in the country. West Coaster take their drinking and their beer seriously and the West Coast Brewery has established a firm and growing stronghold for its brands here.

Those brands are extending out with the company now exporting to four countries with more coming on board in 2010.

The West Coast Brewery is the proud sponsor of the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival where around 15 000 litres is consumed in the seven hours the event operates. It requires 6 multipourers and 120 people to facilitate the bar. Hokitika Wildfoods is rated as one of the top 300 events in the world and is set to grow and expand further.

Westcoast Brewing is the parent company and has gone through massive and extremely challenging growth in the last twelve months. However it has significant partners coming on board with substantial additional funding coming into play in the forthcoming year.

While the development of our own outlets has been part of our forward strategies, we now shifting our focus to the building of and acquisition of strategically placed breweries.

At least one of these breweries will be built to carbon neutral standards and be part of a bigger development called The New Zealand Rain Forest Centre.

To this end we are seeking a Head Brewer with the skills and talents to develop a new range of craft beers. While the emphasis will be on Carbon neutral beers, the development of a wider range of products is required.

The person we seek will have the capacity to see the bigger picture the company has and share the vision and be a part of the team that breaks new ground in the brewing industry both in NZ and internationally.

A sister company in Australia has been mooted to develop, brew and market a complete Green Fields brand for the Australian market is planned to emerge in 2011/2012.

Passion for beer is at the head of our list of requirements that we seek. Closely followed by depth of experience and willingness to learn and be a critical part of our breaking new ground.

The position is loaded with potential for the right person to be a part of a small but growing significant company going forward.

For an initial chat please email Paddy Sweeney the company’s CEO on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your contact details and a brief overview of your experience.  

The Duckstein Brewery at Saracen Estates (Margaret River) is seeking a Head Brewer. Voted 2nd in the ‘Aussie Top 10 Breweries' by Outthere magazine in 2009, the Duckstein is situated on a picturesque estate in the Southwest which will make going to work a pleasure. The brewer will play a key role in this landmark tourism-centred business, preparing beers for weddings, concerts and of course Oktoberfest!

The Head Brewer is required to fill beer orders for the Duckstein Brewery in Margaret River, Duckstein Swan Valley and for several other select customers. The output of the brewery is approx 180,000L p.a. and growing.

The Head Brewer is responsible for an Assistant Brewer and will report to the Saracen  Estates Facility Manager.

Key Attributes:

*Experience at running a commercial craft brewery.

*Formal qualifications in brewing or a related discipline.

*Knowledge and experience with German Beer styles.

*Ability to provide reports relating to brewery output and financial controls. 

*A ‘hands on' approach to solve production issues and plan for the future expansion of the brewery.

*Experience at preparing packaged product.

Send applications (CV/resume & half page intro will suffice) to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

All applications will be treated confidentially and all will receive a response.

For more information phone Tim Forster on 0439390381.

January 12, 2010

Position Vacant

We're looking for an Assistant Brewer to work full time at Murray's Brewing Co at Port Stephens Winery. Apart from being passionate (read: obsessive if you like) about beer, you must have a minimum of 2 years of AG brewing experience and it would be great if you had some commercial experience. Send your applications to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

http://blog.murraysbrewingco.com.au/position-vacant

GAGE ROADS BREWING CO
Fremantle WA

• Exciting craft brewery
• Vibrant management team
• Outstanding career opportunities within the Brewing Industry

Gage Roads Brewing Company is experiencing strong brand growth and has recently secured multiple contract brewing opportunities. As a result our business is growing rapidly and we have fantastic career opportunities for energetic people with a passion for brewing and beer.

HEAD BREWER
Reporting to the Brewery General Manager, the successful candidate will lead a team of passionate brewers to produce quality beer in spec and on time. A practical hands-on approach will complement day to day decision making, people management and technical knowledge.

The following skills and attributes are essential for the selection of the successful applicant.• A passion for brewing and beer.• Relevant qualifications such as Science degree, IBD Diploma, or other related brewery specific qualifications.• Extensive experience in a packaging brewery, including previous experience in senior or management roles.• Attention to detail• Sound decision making skills• People management skills• Sound computer literacy

The following attributes will be an advantage for the selection of the successful applicant.• Experience working under HACCP, ISO 9000 quality systems• Experience with analytical testing of beer• Forklift ticket• OHS training• Other trade tickets

TECHNICAL/QA MANAGER

Reporting to the Brewery General Manager, the Technical Managers role will encompass a broad range of responsibility including HACCP, Internal Quality systems, Supplier Quality, OHS systems, Staff QA/QC Training. The role will also evolve to include technical process studies and cost cutting.

The following skills and attributes will be essential for the selection of the successful applicant.•Experience in Brewing and Packaging Operations for beer products.•Experience in implementing HACCP systems•Experience in implementing QA systems in packaging breweries.The following skills and attributes will be beneficial for the selection of the successful applicant.•Relevant qualifications such as Science degree, IBD Diploma, or other related brewery specific qualifications.•Experience in people management •Sound computer literacy•Experience and knowledge of OHS systems •Experience with analytical examination of beerPackage for the above two positions includes relocation costs from interstate if required.

SHIFT BREWERS AND ASSISTANT BREWERS

Gage Roads Brewing Company has an opportunity for brewers with a variety of experience levels to join our fast growing team. Successful applicants will learn all aspects of commercial brewing while making beers you can be proud of.The positions require a practical ‘hands on' approach with a large physical component.The following skills and attributes are essential for the selection of the successful applicant.• A passion for brewing and beer!• A good work ethic• Strong learning and problem solving ability• Ability to work as part of a teamThe following attributes will be an advantage but not essential for the selection of the successful applicant.• Any technical background experience in brewing, wine, diary, or food manufacturing would be a plus.• Any relevant qualifications including science degree, IBD qualifications or equivalent• Forklift ticket• OHS training• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.Gage Roads supports furthering your education in brewing.The successful applicants for all these positions will be rewarded commensurate with their level of experience and performance.

Please forward your resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Attn: Aaron Heary Brewery General Manager Gage Roads Brewing Co, PO Box 2024 Palmyra DC Western Australia 6961.