Imported and International Beer
A window to the world Provenance, authenticity and diversity prove to be determining factors for the imported and international beer category, as Seamus May explores.
After two years of travel disruption, borders have
Quirini, Owner and Managing Director of
reopened and Australians are slowly beginning to
international beer specialist distributor, Empire
return to the piazzas of Europe, the dive-bars of
Liquor, has highlighted.
America and the beach clubs of Asia.
“Imported beers are still as important as ever,
It is within these venues that overseas travellers
especially as Australians are longing to relive their last
have forged the memories that keep them returning
overseas visit and good times in a beer hall, ancient
to imported and international beers, long after they
English pub or Belgian town square,” Quirini says.
have touched down in Australia. During the pandemic years, and with continuing reticence among would-be travellers, imported beers
His sentiments are echoed by Richard Kelsey, Cofounder and Director of leading e-commerce beer retailer, Beer Cartel.
have had a crucial role to play. For many drinkers,
“We’re seeing the growth among traditional Belgian
these beers have represented a form of ‘safe escapism’
and German breweries. These are largely based around
for Aussies eager to connect with memories their
brands and styles people have previously experienced
previous voyages.
in Australia or overseas that they’re seeking out again,” he said.
Imported beer, important beer This shared experience is something that Brenton 36 | National Liquor News
“COVID and the inability to travel overseas may have had some impact on increased demand for these
“Imported beers are still as important as ever, especially as Australians are longing to relive their last overseas visit. Brenton Quirini Owner and Managing Director Empire Liquor
