A local brewery is ramping up production by more than five million litres thanks to a surge in export demand.
Deep Creek Brewing has more than doubled in size over the last year with international sales now making up around 55% of their revenue.
This rapid growth also means a boost for growers as 1,120 tonnes of local barley and 35 tonnes of hops is required to meet this volume.
Deep Creek Brewing co-founder, Paul Brown, says Kiwi craft beer is becoming increasingly popular overseas, particularly in several Asian markets.
“We now have a foothold presence in China, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia and entered the Japanese market last year. In the coming weeks, we will also send our first shipment to Hong Kong
“The Asian craft market is forecast to grow by 22% per annum and reach over $65bn in five years as discretionary income in the region increases. The feedback we have been getting is that our New Zealand-made range is well-positioned to take advantage of this surge in growth,” he says.
Luckily the brewery’s new state-of-the-art premises is nearing completion and will allow the company to make seven million litres of draft beer – an annual manufacturing volume they are forecasting to reach within the next three years.
“We’re currently scaling up our staff numbers to accommodate the increase in domestic and export order volumes and will also be able to expand our contract manufacturing as a result of the capital investment,” he says.
However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. The pandemic has seen the cost of shipping the brewery to New Zealand balloon, however, it is expected to be online and fully operational ahead of the end of the peak Southern Hemisphere season in January.
Despite the increased capacity, the new million-dollar brewery investment will offer, Brown says they are already scouting new locations to build a purpose-built facility to accommodate projected growth.
