Wineries and breweries close as Australia’s alcohol consumption falls sharply
Cost-of-living pressures and a shift to non-alcoholic alternatives leave many businesses struggling
Australian wineries and breweries are shutting down as alcohol consumption drops to record lows, with one Hunter Valley winemaker reporting revenue has fallen from $20,000 a week to just $2,000. The iconic Tasmanian brewer Boag closed last week, and wine exports have hit their lowest level in 22 years, as cost-of-living pressures and changing habits reshape the industry.