Coopers sees beer sales climb to record high
Independent South Australian-based brewer Coopers has reported “exceptional growth” in interstate sales over the second half of calendar year 2009, leading to a record result for the year. And the company is confident momentum will continue into the new year, predicting sales will top 60 million litres for the first time.
Coopers Managing Director, Dr Tim Cooper, advised that 58.781 million litres of beer were sold by the brewer last year, a 4.9% increase on last year.
“In the six months ending December 31, 2009, beer sales rose 7.4%, with particularly strong growth in NSW (19.2%), Victoria (11.9%) and Queensland (11.1%),” he said. “Other good markets for us were the Northern Territory (8.4%) and overseas (9.3%), with most of this export growth being to New Zealand.”
Dr Cooper attributed the robust result in the second half to an improving economy and a strong performance by their interstate distribution company, Premium Beverages.
Coopers Original Pale Ale continues to drive the business, accounting for 65% of sales, while the launch of Coopers 62 Pilsner was singled out as a success with sales above budget since release in September.
To cope with the expected growth in 2010 and beyond, Coopers is planning to introduce a faster packaging line and a permanent second shift.
