Bluebottle Beer

The main economic factors affecting Bluebottle Beer are interest rates and excise taxes.

Earlier this year an increase in the excise duties on beer saw the price of a schooner of Bluebottle Beer and other Australian beers rise overnight (ABC News 2007c). The increase in excise duties was passed directly onto customers as pubs around Australia were not able to handle the pressure themselves. This excise rise was applied to all beer manufacturers of all sizes, including Bluebottle Beer. This move has come under criticism by some individuals who believe microbreweries should receive a tax break to promote fair competition. This strategy was introduced to help the beer industry in the U.K in the latest budget and has sparked groups to lobby senators to consider giving a similar excise break to Australian microbrewers such as Bluebottle Beer, Little Creatures and BlueTongue.

Another economic factor influencing Bluebottle beer is the rise in interest rates. The move by the RBA to push interest rates up by ¼ of a percent has put even more pressure on Australian households. The rise means families and individuals have less disposable income to spend on luxury items such as beer, notably premium beers such as Bluebottle or Pure Blonde. This rise will see the price of beer go up to 10 cents a schooner and 66c a slab - a significant rise directly effecting the growing premium beer market in Australia, of which Bluebottle beer is a prominent member.