The Schwartz Family Company has acquired Rocks Brewing, expanding its capacity and rebranding the site as Sydney Brewery Alexandria. This move aims to enhance production capabilities and establish the venue as a key local destination amidst industry consolidation challenges.
The Schwartz Family Company (SFC), which operates Sydney Brewery, has announced its acquisition of Rocks Brewing Company, including the brewery’s production facilities and its restaurant/bar located in Alexandria, a suburb of Sydney. This acquisition comes in the wake of Rocks Brewing entering voluntary administration in October 2024, a situation echoed by several other craft breweries facing economic challenges recently.
Following the acquisition, the site will undergo a rebranding and will henceforth be known as Sydney Brewery Alexandria. This new addition will supplement the existing Sydney Brewery locations in Surry Hills and the production facility at Lovedale in the Hunter Valley. SFC director Dr Jerry Schwartz highlighted that despite a tumultuous period for craft breweries, Sydney Brewery has experienced growth and has been actively seeking additional capacity for production.
“Last year was a very difficult year for the craft brewing industry, but Sydney Brewery bucked the trend, and we have been urgently seeking extra capacity to produce our craft beers,” Dr Schwartz stated. This sentiment reflects an industry trend where consolidation is becoming necessary following rapid growth rates and subsequent challenges in the craft brewing market.
One of the key implications of this acquisition is an anticipated substantial increase in brewing capacity. The acquisition of Rocks Brewing will nearly triple the production capabilities of Sydney Brewery. The Alexandria site will house a new 20-hL brewhouse, complementing an additional 30-hL brewhouse set to open in Lovedale by Easter. “We will more than double our production capacity at Lovedale in the Hunter Valley, and by the time everything is operational, our potential capacity will have increased to over half a million litres of craft beers, ciders and spirits across our various breweries,” Dr Schwartz explained.
In addition to bolstering production capabilities, the newly named Sydney Brewery Alexandria aims to establish itself as a premier destination for local residents and visitors alike. Dr Schwartz noted the brewery and restaurant in Surry Hills proved to be popular and believes that Alexandria can achieve similar success. The site is currently operational and is expected to officially launch with new branding and menus in mid-March.
The implication of this acquisition extends to the wider industry. As Dr Schwartz pointed out, “It was perhaps inevitable that the craft brewing industry would consolidate after years of rapid growth.” Sydney Brewery not only operates its own venues but also supplies to SFC’s significant network of 14 hotels across NSW, ACT, Queensland, and Victoria, enhancing its reach within the industry.
The acquisition of Rocks Brewing marks a strategic move for SFC, positioning the company to thrive while many in the craft brewing sector continue to navigate hardships. As the brewing landscape shifts, the developments at Sydney Brewery could serve as a potentially informative case study in resilience amidst consolidation in the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
