More than 50 members of the Swedish alcohol industry attended a recent tasting of Australian craft beers organised by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Craft Beer Industry Association (CBIA).
Hosted by the Australian Ambassador to Sweden last Thursday in Stockholm, the tasting was attended by importers, venue owners, beer writers and representatives from Sweden’s monopoly alcohol retailer Systembolaget.
Beers being poured at the event included those from CBIA members Bridge Road Brewers, Two Birds Brewing, Hawthorn Brewing Company, Boatrocker Brewery and Holgate Brewhouse.
An Embassy spokesman said the Swedish craft beer market has surged in recent years and Swedes have acquired a growing appetite for quality craft beers from around the globe.
“However, Australian craft beer is largely unknown in Sweden. The Embassy hopes that the event will help to raise the profile of Australian craft beer in Sweden and assist Australian breweries who are seeking export opportunities in the region.”
CBIA chair Dave Bonighton said this is the second time the association has worked with the Australian government to help co-ordinate an overseas tasting event.
“The other was in New Delhi last year which resulted in an export contract being signed by one Australian brewery,” he said.
“In this instance we would like to recognize the contribution of Samskip Icepak Logistics who have partnered with us in providing shipping for the beers. We look forward to them becoming more heavily involved in the Australian craft beer industry,” Bonighton said.
CBIA conference next week
The potential of export opportunities for Australian craft brewers will be explored at the Australian Craft Brewers Conference in Melbourne next week, on Wednesday May 21 and Thursday May 22.
Mountain Goat Beer co-founder Cam Hines will address delegates on Thursday in a presentation titled, ‘Exporting: Are we ready?’.
For further information see the CBIA website.