Hobart’s Cascade Brewery looking forward to growing under new owner Asahi

A global brewing behemoth’s $16 billion takeover of Carlton & United Breweries may open up new opportunities for local brewer Cascade, the business’s manager says.

Cascade Brewery has a new parent company after the $16 billion purchase of Carlton and United Breweries by Japanese brewer Asahi. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

HOBART’S Cascade Brewery says it is looking forward to growth opportunities following Asahi’s $16 billion takeover of Carlton & United Breweries.

The Japanese brewer’s landmark deal to buy CUB from Anheuser Busch InBev — the brewer of US beer giant Budweiser — was announced on Friday, with Cascade, Melbourne’s Abbotsford brewery and Yatala brewery near Brisbane set to benefit from the agreement.

Cascade manager Anita Holdsworth said the Tasmanian brewery remained an important and valued part of CUB.

“Cascade has been brewing beers in Tasmania for more than 180 years and will be brewing here for many more,” she said.

“We look forward to continuing to be a vital part of the community as we grow the business with Asahi.”

Cascade manager Anita Holdsworth and Premier Will Hodgman at the brewery. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Ms Holdsworth did not say if the takeover would have any effect on jobs or capacity at Australia’s oldest operating brewery.

“It’s too early at this time to say whether the sale to Asahi will result in increased brewing at Cascade,” she said.

CUB last year upgraded the Cascade Brewery with a $10 million investment to modernise and expand its brewery operations.

It brews the traditional Cascade range, including draught, pale ale, stout, lager and the nationally renowned Premium Light, as well as craft beers such as Goose Island.

Goose Island beers are produced at Cascade Brewery.

CUB chief Peter Filipovic said he looked forward to growing the business and the beer category with Asahi.

“Not only will we continue to brew our famous beers such as VB and Carlton Draught in Australia, but we’ll join a company that has fantastic beers such as Asahi and Peroni,” he said.

The CUB deal is subject to scrutiny from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Foreign Investment Review Board.

The Cascade Brewery with kunanyi/Mt Wellington in the background. Picture: PATRICK GEE