Cascade Brewery manager Anita Holdsworth breaks through in male-dominated beer industry

As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, here are a handful of inspirational stories of females making a difference. Cascade Brewery’s first female brewery manager, Anita Holdsworth says, ‘Women love beer just as much as men’.

Anita Holdsworth, the first female brewery manager at Hobart’s iconic Cascade Brewery. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

IF you think the beer industry is just for blokes, Anita Holdsworth wants you to think again.

Ms Holdsworth is the first female brewery manager at Hobart’s historic Cascade factory and the first woman in such a role across Carlton and United Breweries.

“Being a beer lover, getting a job at Carlton and United Breweries in 2014 was a dream given it is home to so many iconic beer brands ... in 2018, I was offered the opportunity to lead Cascade Brewery and I didn’t hesitate at the chance,” she said.

Ms Holdsworth - whose favourite brew is “Cascade Lager from a can” - is responsible for the operation of the iconic brewery at South Hobart, from production through to engineering.

She says it’s a dream job – and many people she talks to share that view.

“The reaction from pretty much everybody when they find out that I run a brewery is that I must have the best job in the world, particularly when I tell them that yes, tasting beer is a job requirement,” she said.

“Then, when they find out it is Cascade, it is even more of a conversation starter. It’s arguably one of the most iconic and beautiful breweries in the world and Australia’s oldest brewery. People are fascinated.”

Ms Holdsworth’s career background prior to CUB was in medical genetics research, before moving on to chemistry and manufacturing.

During her time as brewery manager, CUB has invested more than $10 million at Cascade to transition into a small batch, craft beer hub.

Cascade Lager is Anita Holdsworth’s favourite of the Cascade beers. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“This has had some challenges, for example, moving away from predominantly larger style beers to brewing many more diverse style beers. Fortunately I have an incredible team who have such a passion for Cascade and the great tasting beers and ciders that we produce.”

Ms Holdsworth also worked to establish Cascade as the manufacturing hub for CUB’s free drinking water cans program, with cans distributed to communities affected by bushfires in NSW and South Australia’s Kangaroo Island.

With Sunday marking International Women’s Day, Ms Holdsworth says attitudes are changing in the traditionally male-dominated beer industry.

“We are working hard on changing that, as we recognise diversity, be that gender, ethnicity or opinion, gives us better outcomes in the workplace.

“We have lots of women working in senior positions within CUB. Our head beer taster, who has been with us for decades, is female. Women love beer just as much as men.”

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Ms Holdsworth said women should not be daunted by moving into careers often seen as a male domain.

“My advice for anyone looking to move into an industry that is traditionally more male dominated would be to go for it,” she said.

“Often we hold ourselves back with a perception and a lack of trust in our own skill sets and what talents we bring to the role. It is OK to be uncomfortable, but don’t let that hold you back from reaching your potential.”

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