Lion (Australasian company)
Parent Kirin | | |
Subsidiaries | South Australian Brewing Company James Boag Brewing Hahn Brewing Company James Squire Brewery Castlemaine Little Creatures Brewery | |
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Website | www |
Lion is an
Lion was formed in October 2009 under the name Lion Nathan National Foods when
As of 2020[update] the Australian arm of the company is registered in Sydney as Lion-Beer Spirits & Wine Pty Ltd, a body corporate with multiple business names registered to it, including the Lion Nathan Australia, South Australian Brewing Company, James Boag Brewing, Byron Bay Brewery, Hahn Brewing Company, James Squire Brewery, Castlemaine, Little Creatures Brewery, and others.
Lion New Zealand is the largest alcoholic beverage company in the country, employing 1000 people. The company markets beers such as
The company owns a number of breweries and contract bottling plants in Australia and New Zealand. The Thebarton brewery in Adelaide operated by the South Australian Brewing Company is sometimes referred to as the West End Brewery (for other uses of this name, see West End Brewery).
History
Antecedents
The original forerunner of the company was Brown Campbell & Co, the company of
The northern division of New Zealand Breweries adopted the name Lion Breweries in 1977. Campbell and Ehrenfried bought 19.9 per cent of Lion Breweries in 1981. By the late 1980s, New Zealand Breweries had developed into one of New Zealand's largest companies. In 1988 Lion Breweries took over LD Nathan & Co, New Zealand's largest retailer, which at the time owned
Foundation
In 2005, Lion Nathan made a takeover bid for the independent South Australian Coopers Brewery. The takeover was strongly opposed by Coopers' management, and was rejected at an Extraordinary General Meeting when 93.4% of the shareholders voted in favour of permanently removing the "3rd tier purchasing rights" of Lion Nathan, effectively preventing any current or future takeover bid. In September 2009, shareholders voted in favour of a complete takeover by Kirin Holdings.[5][6][7][8][9]
Lion was established in October 2009 under the name Lion Nathan National Foods when Kirin purchased the brewer Lion Nathan
2010s
In 2011, the company changed its name to Lion, one company with three businesses: Lion Beer, Spirits, and Wine Australia; Lion, Beer, Spirits and Wine NZ; with National Foods becoming a
In June 2013, the company launched the Tap King draught beer product that is sold with a CO2 gas chamber so that consumers can drink draught beer at home. Lionel Richie appeared in a television commercial to promote the device and reportedly received A$$1.5 million to appear in the promotional campaign.[14] The introduction of the Tap King caused controversy, due to the perceived impact upon alcohol venues. Concerns were raised in regard to lower patronage rates for venues due to a greater incentive for consumers to drink beer in home environments.[15]
Present
As of 2020[update] the Australian arm of the company is registered in Sydney as Lion-Beer Spirits & Wine Pty Ltd, a body corporate with multiple business names registered to it, including the Lion Nathan Australia, South Australian Brewing Company, James Boag Brewing, Byron Bay Brewery, Hahn Brewing Company, James Squire Brewery, Castlemaine, Little Creatures Brewery, and others.[16][17][18]
Lion New Zealand is the largest alcoholic beverage company in the country, employing 1000 people. The company markets beers such as
Breweries and beers
Australia
Castlemaine Tooheys
Located in
SA Brewing Company/West End
Prior to the acquisition of the brewing assets by Lion Nathan in 1993, the
As of 2020[update] the only beer brewed under the West End brand is West End Draught, a currently a 4.5% abv pale lager, first brewed in 1859.[28] (West End Export,[29] West End Gold,[30] and West End Light[31] are no longer produced.)
The Thebarton site finally closed on 17 June 2021, with about a third of the workforce, mainly those in sales and sponsorship roles, staying on with the company in South Australia. The company said that West End beer would be produced at its other breweries and that it would maintain the same recipe.[32]
Malt Shovel/James Squire
James Squire beers are mostly produced by the Malt Shovel Brewery in Sydney. The brewery has won various awards including: Champion Australasian Brewery, 2000 and 2003 (Australian International Beer Awards),[33] and Best Bohemian-Style Pilsener, 2008 (World Beer Cup).[34] Since 2017, Malt Shovel also brews the originally New Zealand Panhead range of beers.[35]
Other Australian brands
Other Australian beer breweries and labels owned by Lion as of December 2020[update] are
New Zealand
Mac's craft beers
Mac's craft beers were produced in New Zealand's first significant
A wide range of styles of beers in both bottles and cans continue to be sold under Mac's branding, As of 2020[update] including Mac's Gold (lager), Black Mac (a dark lager), and Hop Rocker (golden
Other NZ beers
As of December 2020[update], Lion owns the Emerson's Brewery, Speight's, Steinlager, Lion Red, Lion Brown, Panhead, Little Creatures,[41] Waikato Draught, Black Ice, Rheineck and Lion Ice brands.[42]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1d/Canterburydraughtlogo2.jpg)
(Canterbury Draught, first brewed in 1854 as Ward's Beer after the brewer
International brands
The following beer brands are as of December 2020[update] brewed and/or marketed in Australia by Lion:[45]
- Corona (March 2012 to present)[46]
- Budweiser(December 2009 to present)
- Stella Artois[47][48]
- Beck's
- Guinness (Draught and Extra Stout brewed in Australia)[49]
- Kilkenny (Draught brewed in Australia)[49]
- Kirin Ichiban and Kirin Megumi
- Pacifico (brewed "mainly" in Mexico)
- Belle-Vue Kriek[49]
- Hoegaarden[49]
- Leffe[49]
- Negra Modelo
- Boddington's
- Oranjeboom
Ciders
Lion owns
Wines
As of 2020[update] Lion does not have interests in any Australian wine brands.
In 2001 the Lion Nathan Wine group purchased a controlling interest in Australian wine companies Petaluma and Banksia, adding New Zealand wine company Wither Hills in 2002.[citation needed] In 2005, Fine Wine Partners (FWP) was established as a joint venture between distributors Distinguished Vineyards and Tucker Seabrook, Robert Hirst's company.[51] Lion bought out Tucker Seabrook in 2008, becoming sole owner of the company.[52] FWP included the brands Petaluma, Croser, St Hallett, Knappstein, Stonier and Tatachilla, four wineries, and a large distribution network. In 2016, Accolade Wines acquired FWP, with Lion concentrating its core business of beer and cider in Australia, but continuing to hold wine businesses in New Zealand and the United States.[53]
Distinguished Vineyards & Wine Partners was founded in 2008,
Spirits
In 2006, Lion bought ready-to-drink McKenna Bourbon from its parent company, Kirin.
In 2020 McKenna Bourbon is owned by Heaven Hill distillers in the US.[60] The only mention of this and a wide range of other spirits on the website is with regard to their distribution in New Zealand by Lion.[61]
In March 2019, Lion acquired a 50% stake in Victorian small distillery
In November 2020 Four Pillars were awarded as the World's best Gin producer for the second year running at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.[65]
See also
References
- ^ "Our Leadership - About Us". Lion. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ The Campbell and Ehrenfried Company Limited The Cyclopedia of New Zealand (Auckland Provincial District), published 1902
- ^ a b "Our history". Lion Nathan. Archived from the original on 5 September 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2009.
- ^ a b Gaynor, Brian (2 May 2009). "Cheers, say Lion's minority shareholders". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 3 May 2009.
- ^ Lion Nathan shareholders approve Kirin takeover, The Australian, 17 September 2009. Retrieved on 2009-09-17.
- ^ Lion Nathan shareholders approve $3 bln takeover by Kirin[dead link], Forbes.com, 17 September 2009. Retrieved on 2009-09-17.
- ^ Shareholders bid sayonara to Lion Nathan, Sydney Morning Herald, 17 September 2009. Retrieved on 2009-09-17.
- Television New Zealand. 17 September 2009. Archived from the originalon 5 October 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
- ^ Beer acquisition creates Australia's biggest supermarket supplier, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 17 September 2009. Retrieved on 2009-09-17.
- ^ Moore, Ali (5 November 2009). "Beer sales boost Lion Nathan profit". Lateline. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20 November 2009.
- ^ Lion Nathan Annual Report 2006, Lion Nathan website, retrieved 2008-10-10.
- ^ "2000's - Our History - About Us". Lion Dairy & Drinks. 27 November 2008. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ Jasper, Clint (26 November 2020). "Bega Cheese confirms purchase of Lion Dairy and Drinks, owner of Pura Milk, Dare and Yoplait". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ Eamonn Duff (27 June 2013). "Lionel Richie's cash splash in beer commercial". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
- ^ Matt Shea (9 October 2013). "Tap King: Beer of the Future or Frothy Fail?". The Vine. Digital Media. Archived from the original on 9 October 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
- ^ a b "Historical details for ABN 13 008 596 370 [Lion-Beer Spirits & Wine Pty Ltd]". ABN Lookup. November 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Current details for ABN 13 008 596 370 [Lion-Beer Spirits & Wine Pty Ltd]". ABN Lookup. November 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Lion-Beer,Spirits & Wine Pty Ltd". ASIC. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Our Business: Lion New Zealand". Lion. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Castlemaine Tooheys merger is profitable". The Canberra Times. Vol. 56, no. 16, 813. 8 October 1981. p. 24. Retrieved 18 December 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ ["Castlemaine concedes". The Canberra Times. Vol. 59, no. 18, 229. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 28 August 1985. p. 1. Retrieved 18 December 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Lion's rating on hold". The Canberra Times. Vol. 67, no. 21, 280. 20 July 1993. p. 11. Retrieved 18 December 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Southcorp Finance Limited ACN 008 055 776". ASIC. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
Registration date: 17/01/1985...Date deregistered:12/03/2009
- ^ "Historical details for ABN 89 007 869 310 [The South Australian Brewing Company Pty Limited]". ABN Lookup. November 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ "Current details for ABN 89 007 869 310 [The South Australian Brewing Company Pty Limited]". ABN Lookup. November 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ "Details: The South Australian Brewing Company Pty Limited ACN 007 869 310". ASIC. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ "The South Australian Brewing Company". ASIC. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
Holder(s) details: Holder Name: Lion-Beer,Spirits & Wine Pty Ltd
- ^ West End Draught Archived 2 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Lion Nathan website, retrieved 2008-10-10.
- ^ West End Export Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, www.lion-nathan.com.au
- ^ West End Gold Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, www.lion-nathan.com.au
- ^ West End Light Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, www.lion-nathan.com.au
- ^ Kelsall, Thomas (16 June 2021). "What we know today, Thursday June 17: West End Brewery closes doors". InDaily. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ Grand Champion Beer Trophy 2003 Archived 21 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Australian International Beer Awards website, retrieved 2008-12-04.
- ^ 2008 Brewers Association World Beer Cup Winners[permanent dead link], World Beer Cup event website, retrieved 2008-12-04.
- ^ "Panhead ready for an Australia-wide push". The Shout. 6 November 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Beer". Lion. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Craft Beer". Lion. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ O'Connell, Tim (1 November 2017). "Nelson craft beer pioneer Terry McCashin dies". Stuff. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Current Beers". Mac's Beer NZ. 7 January 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Back Catalogue". Mac's Beer NZ. 7 January 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Craft Beer". Lion. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Beer". Lion. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ Canterbury Draught Archived 29 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Lion Nathan Website, retrieved 2008-10-10.
- ^ "Canterbury Draught". RateBeer. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "International Beer". Lion. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ Blair Speedy (10 March 2012). "Lion snares Corona contract from Foster's". The Australian. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
- ^ "Lion snatches Stella Artois..." Archived from the original on 1 February 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
- ^ Lion gets Stella from Foster's cellar
- ^ "Cider". Lion. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "A toast to a wine set favourite". The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 September 2007. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ Ball, Amelia (10 March 2008). "Lion Acquires Fine Wine Partners". The Shout. Archived from the original on 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Accolade Wines agrees to acquire Lion's Australian Premium Wine Business, Fine Wine Partners". Lion. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Lion-owned Distinguished Vineyards & Wine Partners Acquires Two Napa Valley Wineries: Markham Vineyards and Textbook". Lion. 28 March 2019. Archived from the original on 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Pur Leadership Principles". DVWP. 23 October 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Wine: Our New Zealand Wine portfolio". Lion. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ Evans, Simon (15 August 2006). "Beer flat, but Lion keeps its spirits up". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Lion Nathan in high spirits after buying Inner Circle". The Age. 8 March 2007. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Bacardi Lion To Distribute McKenna and Inner Circle". The Shout. 11 June 2008. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Review of Henry McKenna Bourbon". The Scotch Noob. 4 May 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Spirits & RTDs". Lion. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ Evans, Simon (21 March 2019). "Beer giant Lion buys half of Four Pillars Gin". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ Connellan, Nick (22 March 2019). "Four Pillars Gin Sold to Lion (Kind Of)". Broadsheet. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Four Pillars Gin sold to XXXX's Japanese owner". Australian Financial Review. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ "Four Pillars named world's best gin producer two years running". businessnewsaustralia. 19 November 2020.
Further reading
- McLauchlan, Gordon (1994). The Story of Beer: Beer and Brewing-A New Zealand History (Paperback). Auckland, NZ: Penguin. ISBN 0670860921.