Wild Life Brewing, based in Shepparton, today announced they are to cease operations in February. The owners say they're unable to weather the current economic conditions despite continuous growth with trade customers.
Wild Life, which launched more than five years ago – and who we wrote about here – will continue business as usual at their taphouse over the next month, opening Thursday to Saturday each week ahead of a "send off party" on February 10.
The announcement comes a week after Wayward Brewing in Sydney became the latest small brewing company to enter voluntary administration.
You can read Wild Life Brewing's statement in full below. For more context on the economic challenges facing the industry, head here.
Media Statement from Wild Life Brewing
On Wednesday morning, the sad news hit social media that Wild Life Brewing Co will be ceasing all operation and pouring its last beers on February 10th. After five and a half years, four core beers, twenty limited beers and over 120 stockists including Dan Murphys and BWS, the team have made the hard decision to go out on their own terms.
This decision has been a difficult one and not one that was taken lightly. Despite continuous growth with trade customers, the economy has shifted and made it very hard for us as manufacturers. Increase in grain costs as high as 30% as well as energy costs are the most contributing factors. Consumers feeling the pinch of higher mortgage rates has also impacted sales as CPI on our products has not been possible as people simply don't have the cash to spend on craft beer.
The craft beer industry has been decimated during 2023 with countless closures of breweries ranging from all sizes. We have survived COVID, floods and endless setbacks but unfortunately don't have the capital to weather this storm.
It will be business as usual down at the Williams Rd taphouse, for the next month, being open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In typical Wild Life style the guys plan to go out with a bang. With a large send off party planned for Saturday February 10th. More information will be released in the coming weeks as we really want to see everyone for a beer on the day.
To our loyal customers, you made us stronger and made us fight. Without you, Wild Life would not have made it this far and we are so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for supporting us through it all!!
