AUS: Hardy strikes beer distribution deal - report

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 31 July 2006

Hardy Wine Company has found a premium beer to distribute as it attempts to tap Australia's growing thirst for boutique brews.

The Constellation Brands-owned company has struck a distribution deal with Western Australia's Gage Roads Brewing Co.

"We've found a brewer, an Australian brewer, a craft brewer, that we believe will deliver the consumer a unique craft beer that will have a premium feel about it and a premium taste," Hardy Australian trading manager Brian de Mamiel told the Asia Pulse news agency today (31 July).

In the 1990s, Hardy used to distribute brands owned by beer makers Coopers Brewery and J. Boag & Sons.

Gage Roads beers are produced at Australia's largest independent craft brewery. The company's managing director, Peter Nolin, said: "Gage Roads was expanding into the Eastern states market under a self-distribution strategy, but we kept hearing from the trade that Hardy is the best in the business."

Sectors: Beer & cider, Wine

Companies: Constellation