Hahn Brewery (Lion Nathan Co)

Hahn Brewery (Lion Nathan Co)

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Australia

1 800 153-533

Year Established: 1986

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The Hahn Brewing Co was formed in late 1986 with four partners - Dr. Charles W Hahn, David Shearer, Robert Pongrass and John Paterson. The partners developed a detailed investment proposal and business plan that was presented to prospective financiers in early 1987, and a major financial partner was found who took up 60% shareholding. This venture capital company sold out less than two years later and was replaced by Stephen Woods who had been the original founder of the Liquorland chain of bottleshops. He provided the necessary sales/ marketing expertise and additional funding to take the company to new levels. He and Hahn later bought out the other three partners. The old factory site in inner-suburban Camperdown, Sydney was purchased in June 1987, and the conversion of two old warehouses into an operating brewery began. The major tankage (including 40-year-old German Steinecker copper kettles) arrived from New Zealand in September 1987 and installation commenced. The first brew was made in January 1988. Hahn Brewing Co began trading in March 1988 with a single brand, Hahn Premium Lager in both draught and 335ml bottles. In 1988, Hahn's strategy was to be a local brewer of premium beer for the Sydney market only. It was felt that the key to the success of the brewery was to create a traditional style brewer, both in terms of the quality of the product and close relationships with small volume, high quality, retail outlets based in the Sydney region. The Hahn Brewery continued to grow under this strategy until in 1991 when it was producing 1.3 million litres with its Hahn Premium and Hahn Premium Light brands. However, when the full effect of the recession hit in 1991, and premium beer sales plummeted across the industry, Hahn was forced to re-evaluate this strategy. In early 1991 Sydney Bitter was launched, Hahn Brewery's first mainstream beer move. Hahn Sydney Bitter quickly reached sales of over 1.5 million litres - more than doubling Hahn Brewery volume in the first year. However, whereas Sydney Bitter helped stem the losses due to premium decline with the recession, the plant was never big enough to achieve the economies of scale needed to keep the banks happy. In February 93, Lion Nathan purchased Hahn Breweries Ltd. and all of its brands for an undisclosed amount. Whilst all Hahn brands are now brewed elsewhere, the old Hahn Brewery remains, rebranded as Malt Shovel Brewery, and it continues to turn out millions of litres of quality beers under Chuck Hahn's direction.