Beer

In Australia the beer market is dominated by two large companies. Japanese company Kirin owns the Lion brand in Australia and produces XXXX, Hahn and Tooheys, while Belgium company ABInBev, owns Carlton & United Breweries and produces VB, Carlton and Corona. Over the years these big companies have also started buying up some of the most popular craft beers, with many craft beers now being foreign owned. Of all of Australia's major breweries only Coopers remains Australian owned.

Coles and Woolworths, who together control almost 60 per cent of alcohol retail in Australia, have also introduced a number of 'phantom' brand beers.

The alcohol industry has been repeatedly criticised for unethical advertising of alcohol to young people. > 50 per cent of young people drink at risky levels. > Underage drinkers contribute an estimated $217 million to the revenue of the alcohol industry. > More than 4,000 deaths per year in Australia are attributable to irresponsible use of alcohol   [Factsheet]