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Australia: Beer battle becomes ACC priority

By  |  February 16, 2015

An investigation into the country’s two big beer giants, Lion and Carlton & United Breweries, has been elevated to a “priority matter” for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The competition watchdog is investigating claims Australia’s top brewers are squeezing out their craft competitors with kickbacks and exclusivity contracts.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims confirmed that the investigation into the wholesale supply of beer to pubs was continuing and “that it is a priority matter for us”. He said he couldn’t go into detail, except that “we are in contact with many hotels and event organisers”.

Mr Sims is expected to unveil the commission’s top priorities for 2015 at a speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia in Sydney on Friday.

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