Powder Monkey Group has acquired the brands of two Sydney-based brewing companies, Wayward and Akasha, boosting its Australian interests.
Key players in Powder Monkey Group’s latest Australian deal
The move is a major step in Powder Monkey’s global expansion strategy. It further consolidates its operations alongside Southern Highlands Brewing Co and Willie the Boatman and the Powder Monkey brand in Australia and Asia.
This acquisition brings together five award-winning breweries, bringing operational scale, local authenticity, brand strength, and innovative brewing under a single, independent global platform. It adds an additional $AUD 5.5m revenue to the group turnover, and provides the capacity for a series of significant new ventures.
“This was about extending the international ‘buy and build’ value strategy, as well as creating a sizeable central brewing engine in Australia,” said Powder Monkey Group’s Australian-based director, Ben Twomey.
“High-asset utilisation is a key measure, which is supported by the multiple-brand wholesale businesses.”
With this acquisition, the combined Australian team will operate from four high-performing venues:
- Akasha’s Five Dock Brewery
- The Akasha Barrel Room (Leichhardt)
- Willie the Boatman’s, St Peters
- Powder Monkey’s soon to be launched Camden facility
Dave Padden will be appointed general manager of Powder Monkey Australia, overseeing a team of combined talent from the previous independent entities.
“Akasha and Wayward are two of the most respected names in independent Australian brewing, and I am excited about the experience Dave Padden provides to the group” said Andy Burdon, group chief executive.
“This acquisition brings strength, scale, and storytelling power to our portfolio — and positions us to lead in craft beer not just in Australia and the UK, but across global markets.”
