How do you like them apples? Capital Brewing Co acquires Batlow Cider

Canberra’s Capital Brewing Co has recently announced the acquisition of another local icon: Batlow Cider. The town of Batlow is well recognised for its apple industry, as Batlow apples have been grown and sold in the town for over 100 years.

Capital Brewing Co founders Tom Hertel and Laurence Kain said that Batlow Cider has long been a popular choice of drink at the brewery, and the brand acquisition is a natural fit for several reasons.

“We feel there is a real connection with the Batlow Cider brand, not just because we have loved serving it for over 14 years,” Laurence Kain said.

“The brand’s attention to quality and authenticity is something we have always strived to achieve with our Capital brews. We also have a strong geographical connection with Batlow, being so close to our hometown of Canberra.”

Capital Brewing Co. is a carbon-neutral certified brewery, and they were impressed by the environmental ethos of Batlow Cider production, which makes use of imperfect apples that supermarkets would otherwise reject.

“We have a strong focus on operating in a socially and environmentally responsible way and are committed to reducing waste throughout our supply chains, so it’s incredibly important we continue this with the way we operate Batlow Cider,” said Kain.

The name Batlow is synonymous with apples, and the acquisition is an exciting expansion for Capital Brewing Co. The business launched in 2016 and has since grown to be one of the largest independent craft breweries in Australia, with a team of over 70 employees. They are also only one of three Australian breweries to be B Corp certified, a testament to their commitment to sustainable business practices.

At a time when international companies are buying up many independent Australian breweries, it’s heartening to see a local business stay in independent hands. The industry was hit hard by large increases in excise tax, combined with reduced sales as customers deal with a cost-of-living crisis. In a climate where voluntary administration has become an all-too-common phrase in the brewing industry, Capital Brewing is stepping up to keep a local business in local hands.

Capital Brewing Co will streamline production by transporting juiced apples from Batlow to Canberra to be fermented and packed in their Fyshwick facility. The company has also committed to increasing cider production, which will, in turn, transform more of those imperfect apples into perfectly delicious cider.

“Almost every Aussie has had a Batlow apple in their lunchbox at some point – the brand is rich in Australian history and heritage, and we love how connected Batlow Cider is with its roots,” Hertel said.

“Through the boost in sales and marketing resources that we’re able to give the Batlow Cider brand, we will significantly increase production and sales across the country, creating more jobs for the town of Batlow, as well as here in Canberra.”

“Rest assured, though, the recipe won’t be changing.”

Capital Brewing Co is located at 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick. Visit their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram to learn more.

Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Riotact.