Beverage manufacturing
Founded in 1903 and Australian owned for over 100 years before being acquired by SABMiller in 2011, who became part of AB InBev in 2017. Then in 2020 Japanese beer giant Asahi took over ownership. Asahi combined CUB with its own drinks portfolio to create Australia's largest beverages company.
Company Ownership
CUB Pty Ltd
AUS
Asahi Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd
owns 100% of CUB Pty Ltd
AUS
Holding company
Asahi Beverages formed in 2014 when the company announced plans to integrate the operations of Schweppes Australia, Asahi Premium Beverages and Independent Liquor NZ. Asahi acquired Schweppes in 2009, and Independent Liquor, Charlie's Group, and the juice and water business of Australia's P&N Beverages in 2011. Bought Carlton & United Breweries in 2020.
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd
owns 100% of Asahi Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd
JPN
Drinks, especially alcoholic
Japan's largest brewer, Asahi also has a large market share in many European countries. Asahi has become a major player in Australasia after several acquisitions including Schweppes Australia in 2009, NZ's Independent Liquor and Charlie's Group in 2011, and Carlton & United Breweries in 2020.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Nov 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
CUB Pty Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
Renewable energy use
Greenpeace's Reenergise campaign ranks Australia's biggest electricity using companies on their commitments and actions regarding renewable energy use. This company has: committed to powering their operations by 100% renewable electricity by 2030; signed at least one power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy power from a wind or solar project; invested in on-site solar.
Source: Greenpeace
(2021)
Sports advertising
This company has been criticised for leveraging the popularity of the AFL and NRL to market their alcohol brands to kids. Of the four foreign-owned alcohol companies that have stitched-up the majority of alcohol advertising deals with the AFL and NRL, Carlton & United Breweries has the most advertising deals.
Source: Fare
(2019)
Breaching advertising codes
This company has been criticised for offensive advertising. In 2016 Ad Standards upheld complaints about a cinema ad by this company on the grounds that it breached advertising codes. The ad was an image that showed a hand offering a beer to a kangaroo who was reaching out to hold it and the caption 'Kangabrew'. The ad was subsequently discontinued or modified.
Source: Ad Standards
(2016)
Industrial action over sacked workers
55 maintenance workers at this company's Abbotsford plant were sacked in 2016 and then told they could reapply for their jobs if they accepted worse conditions and pay cuts of up to 65%. The action has sparked industrial action, community protest, public outcry and boycott calls.
Source: news article
(2016)
Breaching advertising codes
This company has been criticised for offensive advertising. In 2018 Ad Standards upheld complaints about an ad by this company on the grounds that they breached advertising codes. The ads were subsequently discontinued or modified. The ad made fun of people with ginger hair and portrayed them in an inferior manner.
Source: Ad Standards
(2018)
Political donations
According to the democracyforsale.net website, this company donated $179,013 to Australia's major political parties between 2012 and 2018, as disclosed to the Australian Electoral Commision (AEC).
Source: Democracy For Sale
(2018)
Misleading labelling
In 2014 CUB was fined $20,400 and provided an undertaking to the ACCC for representing that its Byron Bay Pale Lager was brewed by a small brewer in Byron Bay when this wasn't so. CUB agreed to cease distribution of product with the misleading labelling, and place corrective notices.
Source: news article
(2014)
Apple concentrate from China
This company is Australia's largest cider producer. Most of the apple concentrate used to make this cider is imported from China.
Source: ABC
(2015)
Tax dodging in Australia
Between 2013 and 2017 (when owned by SABMiller) this company paid zero tax on a total income of $8.7 billion, earning the number 20 spot on Michael West's Top 40 Tax Dodgers 2019. West calculated which of Australia's largest companies have paid the least tax, or no tax, on the highest incomes using four years of tax transparency data published by the Australian Tax Office. In 2020 CUB was sold to Asahi.
Source: Michael West
(2019)
Organic products
Company retails, manufactures or distributes products that are certified organic under the Australian Certified Organic label.
Source: ACO
(2022)
100% renewable energy
In March 2018 CUB announced it will source 100 per cent of its electricity from renewables, after signing a 12-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with German renewable energy developer, service provider and wholesaler, BayWa r.e.
Source: company website
(2018)
DrinkWise contributor
This company makes voluntary contributions to DrinkWise Australia, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2005 by the alcohol industry, whose stated goal is to help bring about a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia.
Source: DrinkWise
(2024)
Sustainability claims
This company has sustainability claims on its website under the headings climate action, circular packaging, water stewardship, smart agriculture, communities and responsible drinking.
Source: company website
(2021)
Alcohol - direct involvement
Directly involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol as a core business.
Source: company website
(2020)
Asahi Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
4/5 for packaging performance
This company received a packaging performance level of 4 (Leading) in its 2024 APCO Annual Report. Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a not-for-profit organisation leading the development of a circular economy for packaging in Australia. Each year, APCO Members are required to submit an APCO Annual Report and Action Plan, which includes an overall performance level from 1 (Getting Started) to 5 (Beyond Best Practice).
Source: APCO
(2024)
Water mining in Australia
Victorian farmer Tim Carey successfully applied to change the source of 19 million litres of his existing licence from surface water to groundwater, and from agricultural to commercial purposes. This allowed him to truck the water to a bottling plant run by Mountain H2O, owned by Asahi. In 2018 residents of Stanley, Victoria, lost a four-year court battle to stop the farmer bottling local groundwater for Asahi. The residents were left with a A$90,000 bill for legal costs.
Source: The Conversation
(2018)
Opposing a CDS
In 2013 Coca-Cola Amatil, Schweppes Australia (part of Asahi Beverages) and Lion Pty Ltd filed proceedings in the Federal Court challenging the legal validity of the Northern Territory's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). Other large bottlers like Fosters and Diageo have not joined the court case. A CDS has been proven worldwide to be the best way to increase collection and recycling. The Boomerang Alliance estimates a CDS would increase recovery by 80%.
Source: news article
(2013)
Renewable energy use
Greenpeace's Reenergise campaign ranks Australia's biggest electricity using companies on their commitments and actions regarding renewable energy use. This company has committed to powering their operations by 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and invested in on-site solar. However they have not signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy power from a wind or solar project.
Source: Greenpeace
(2021)
Organic products
Phoenix Organics soft drinks and juices are certified organic by BioGro, and Mountain Goat beer has an organic option. However these only represent a tiny fraction of this company's total beverage sales.
Source: ACO
(2022)
Responsibility claims
This company has responsibility claims on its website under the headings environment, beverages & health, and people & society.
Source: company website
(2020)
Alcohol - direct involvement
Directly involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol as a core business.
Source: company website
(2020)
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
CDP Climate Change score of A
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of A.
Source: CDP
(2023)
CDP Water Security score of A-
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of A-.
Source: CDP
(2023)
11.5/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2023 and received a score of 11.5/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
65/100 in TIME rankings
World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024 by TIME and Statista recognises the Top 500 most sustainable companies in the world. From a selection of 5,000 of the world's largest companies, non-sustainable businesses were excluded, and the remaining companies were rated on Commitment & Ratings, Reporting & Transparency, and Environmental & Social Stewardship. This company received a total score of 65.4/100, ranking 181st overall.
Source: TIME
(2024)
Animal Testing
This company appears on PETA's list of food and beverage companies that tests on animals, signifying that: it has not signed PETA's Statement of Assurance document; has definitively conducted, funded, commissioned, or allowed animal testing that is not explicitly required by law or by written requirements by government agencies; and has not adequately resolved this issue in private discussions with PETA.
Source: PETA
(2024)
16.1% for supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 16.1/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE
(2023)
Palm oil rating - WAZA
The PalmOil Scan app, produced by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), rates companies on their commitment to sourcing sustainable palm oil. Companies are scored on their use of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), commitment to sourcing CSPO, on-the-ground conservation action, and membership to the RSPO. Companies can earn a rating of Excellent, Good, Poor or No Commitment. This company is rated "Poor" (retrieved 18 Nov 2023).
Source: WAZA
(2023)
19.8% in Human Rights Benchmark
The 2022 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 127 companies in the food and agriculture, ICT and automotive manufacturing sectors on their human rights performance. This company received a score of 19.8%. The overall average score was a disappointing 17.3% and the highest score was 50.3%.
15.2% in Gender Benchmark
The 2023 Gender Benchmark ranks 112 companies from the apparel and food and agriculture sectors on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, violence and harassment, and marketplace and community. This company ranked #85/112, with a total score of 15.2%. The average score was 23% and the highest score was 55%.
38/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 38/100 in the Beverages category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 18 Nov 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Source: S&P Global
(2022)
FSC certification
In Nov 2011 Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) recertified Asahi's Shobara and Miyoshi forests in Japan to the Forest Stewardship Council's standard for responsible forest management. Asahi bought the forested properties during World War II. They have been FSC certified since 2001.
Source: SCS
(2011)
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target.
Source: We Mean Business
(2021)
FSC certification
This company holds Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification, and sells products packaged in materials certified as FSC Recycled and FSC Mix.
Source: FSC
(2023)
IARD member
This company is a member of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. IARD is affiliated with the United Nations.
Source: IARD
(2021)
UN Global Compact participant
The United Nations Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of 10 values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-corruption. However it's non-binding nature has been widely criticised, and many signatory corporations continue to violate the Compact's values.
Source: UN Global Compact
(2020)
Sustainable Business Activities
Activities include reducing CO2 emissions, FSC certified forest management, and donations to environmental protection schemes.
Source: Japan for Sustainability
(2010)
High-biomass sugarcane
Asahi Breweries is developing 'high-biomass sugarcane' or 'Monster Cane', designed to produce ethanol without sacrificing sugar output. Could be seen as a positive as ethanol is carbon-neutral with CO2 released in the combustion of the fuel offset by the CO2 captured by plants through photosynthesis. Critics also say ethanol is no solution to global warming if massive inputs of fossil fuels are required to grow the crops and power the facilities used to produce ethanol and land is taken from suppling crops for food and feed.
Source: Impact Lab article
(2006)
Alcohol - direct involvement
Directly involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol as a core business.
Source: company website
(2020)
28% in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 keystone companies across the entirety of the food system, from farm to fork. It covers three dimensions where transformation is needed: nutrition, environment and social inclusion. This company ranked #71/350, with a total score of 28/100.
29.5% in Nature Benchmark
The Nature Benchmark ranks 816 companies across 20 industries on their efforts to protect our environment and its biodiversity. Companies were assessed in three phases between 2022 and 2024 using three measurement areas: governance and strategy; social inclusion and community impact; and ecosystems and biodiversity. This company was assessed in 2023 and is ranked #84/816, with a total score of 29.5/100.
Company Details
Type:
Wholly-owned subsidiary
Founded:
1903
Revenue:
2.2 billion AUD
(2019)
Employees:
1,230
(2019)
Subsidiaries:
4 Pines Brewing Company
Brewery
Founded in 2008 and acquired by AB InBev in 2017, who sold their Australian operations, including 4 Pines, to Asahi in 2020.
Mountain Goat Beer Pty Ltd
Craft brewery
Founded in 1996 by Cam Hines and Dave Bonighton, who continue to manage the company. Their beer is brewed in the inner Melbourne suburb of Richmond. Acquired by Asahi in Sept 2015.
Pirate Life Brewing Pty Ltd
Craft brewery
Established in South Australia in 2014. Acquired by AB InBev in Dec 2017, who sold their Australian operations, including Pirate Life, to Asahi in 2020.
Matilda Bay Brewing Company Pty Ltd
Brewery
Founded in Western Australia in 1984. Acquired by Carlton & United Breweries in the early 1990's.
Cascade Brewery Company Pty Ltd
Brewer
Cascade Brewery was established in 1832 in South Hobart, Tasmania and is the oldest continually operating brewery in Australia. Acquired by CUB in 1993.
Asahi Premium Beverages Pty Ltd
Beverages
Alcoholic beverages company which began in New Zealand in 1987 as Independent Liquor (NZ) Ltd. Acquired by Asahi Group in 2011 and renamed Asahi Premium Beverages in 2013. In 2020 Asahi acquired Carlton & United Breweries from AB InBev and merged it with Asahi Premium Beverages.
Contact Details
Address:
77 Southbank Blvd, Southbank, VIC, 3006, Australia
Phone:
03 9633 2000
Website:
Products / Brands
Carlton & United Breweries
Abbotsford
Beer
Asahi Super Dry
Beer
Balter
Beer
Beez Neez
Beer
Black Douglas
Premix Spirits
Bulmers
Cider
Carlton
Beer
Carlton Zero
Non-Alcoholic
Cascade
Beer
Castle
Beer
Continental Liqueurs
Liqueur
Cougar
Premix Spirits
Coyote
Tequila
Crown
Beer
Dirty Granny
Cider
Empire
Beer
Fat Yak
Beer
Foster's
Beer
Great Northern
Beer
Great Northern Zero
Non-Alcoholic
Green Beacon
Beer
Karloff
Vodka
Kent Old Brown
Beer
Kirov
Vodka
Lazy Yak
Beer
Light Ice
Beer
Matilda Bay
Beer
Melbourne Bitter
Beer
Mercury
Cider
Mountain Goat
Beer
Never Never
Gin
Nikka
Whisky (other)
Peroni
Beer
Pirate Life
Beer
Power's
Beer
Prince Albert's
Gin
Pure Blonde
Beer
Pure Blonde
Cider
Redback
Beer
Resch's
Beer
Sheaf Stout
Beer
Spring Cider Co
Cider
Sungazer
Beer
VB
Beer
Vodka Cruiser
Premix Spirits
Wild Yak
Beer
Woodstock
Bourbon
Woodstock
Premix Spirits
Somersby
Cider
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Harp
Beer (imported)
Kilkenny
Beer (imported)
Anheuser-Busch
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(importer/distributor)
Budweiser
Beer (imported)
Harp
Beer (imported)
Kilkenny
Beer (imported)
Budweiser
Beer (imported)