Thursday, 22 June 2023:
Lion has today announced plans to cease brewing Two Birds beer and will close ‘The Nest’ taproom and brewery in Spotswood, VIC. Two Birds Brewing became part of Lion through the purchase of Fermentum in 2021.
Head of Marketing for Fermentum, Ed Jamison said, “While Two Birds Brewing has won a number of local and international brewing awards, sales have been on a downtrend for several years.
“Despite continued marketing investment, it is not showing signs of a turnaround, and we’ve made the difficult decision to cease brewing Two Birds and close ‘The Nest’ taproom in Spotswood, Victoria.”
The closure will impact six permanent and seven casual team members, with redeployment opportunities currently being explored in other parts of Lion. If no alternative roles are available, redundancy, outplacement support and counselling will be provided to impacted team members.
Fermentum’s Supply Chain Leader Rich Crowe said, “I’d like to recognise the Two Birds Brewing founders, Jayne Lewis and Danielle Allen, who have blazed a trail for diversity and inclusion in brewing in opening Australia’s first female founded brewery. Closing Two Birds is a difficult decision that has not been taken lightly and we want to continue to acknowledge and celebrate their unique contribution both to the Fermentum team and the wider industry.
“We have been working through this with Jayne and Danielle and, with their support, plan to continue their annual tradition of brewing an International Women’s Day ‘Warrior Woman’ brew alongside our women brewers. We will also be working with them on an ongoing mentoring and scholarship program that complements Lion’s existing range of DEI programs.”
Two Birds Brewing Co-Founder Danielle Allen said: “The legacy of Two Birds will continue to live on, not only in the hearts of those who have enjoyed our unique brews but also in the progress we have made towards gender equality in the brewing world. We are honoured to have played a role in shifting perceptions, fostering inclusivity, and empowering countless women to follow their dreams within this industry and others.
“We wish to express our gratitude to our supporters, partners, suppliers, many collaborators and our dedicated team, both past and present, for their unwavering support throughout the years. We look forward to supporting Lion’s programs aimed at encouraging more women to join the brewing industry.”
The final day of trade at ‘The Nest’ will be Friday, 21 July 2023 and Two Birds Brewing beers will be available for sale until stock runs out.
