News

Yesterday, the Victorian Government released its budget for 2026/2027 and hidden in the fine print is great news for Victoria’s independent brewers – with a commitment to fund a Beer and Cider Strategy for the state through the Drink Victoria program.

The budget specifically ties the Drink Victoria program to the investment in agriculture:

“Funding is also provided to continue the Drink Victoria program, driving growth in local production through education and marketing, and to support the development of a Victorian Craft Beer and Cider Strategy. This initiative contributes to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s
Agriculture output.”

The IBA has been a part of the Drink Victorian board for many years, represented by Kylie Lethbridge and now Evin Craney.

“This is great recognition of the collective advocacy by the IBA and all our members. Communities around Victoria benefit from having a local independent brewery, they are also a critical part of the agricultural supply chain, particularly for hops, in the State.”

“We look forward to working with Drinks Victoria, and all stakeholders to deliver an actionable strategy that supports ongoing investment in Victoria’s small producers,” says Sabrina Kunz, Chief Executive Officer, Independent Brewers Association.

Uplifting funding for the Drinks Victorian program and direct investment in the sector are key asks in the IBA’s Grow Victorian Beer policy platform.

There are an estimated 147 independent breweries operating in Victoria and they indirectly employ around 7,529 people.