Our story so far
Many beverages, many stories. From humble beginnings to iconic brands, every chapter has shaped who we are today.
1783
The Schweppervescence
It all started with Jacob Schweppes, a Swiss silversmith whose carbonated drinks weren’t just refreshing — they were revolutionary. Schweppes is credited with selling the world’s first carbonated bottled water, setting the foundation for a brand that would become a household name.
1832
Pure Cascade legend
It was the 1800s, Australians were thirsty for local beer, and British settlers Hugh Macintosh and his brother-in-law Peter Degraves had a plan. They discovered a way to harness the pure waters flowing from kunanyi / Mount Wellington to brew what Degraves called Australia’s first ‘genuine beer’. That vision became Cascade. Today, it stands proud as Australia’s oldest operating brewery, still crafting beer with the same mountain water.
1877
Schweppes bubbles in Australia
The Schweppes brand reached Australia in 1850. But it was the opening of its first factory in Sydney that really got things bubbling. By 1885, Melbourne had its own factory too, and soon leading hotels in Australia were pouring glasses of Schweppes water, fruit juice and cordials for local tastemakers (and taste appreciators).
1889
A Japanese dream brew rises
Komakichi Torii had a grand dream of bringing beer to Japan. So he did. His Osaka Beer Brewing Company launched Asahi Draft Beer in 1900 — the first to be bottled in Japan. Meaning ‘morning sun’, Asahi embodied a dream come true. It became a symbol of innovation and hope for the nation.
1907
Six breweries united
Tough times create strong people, and apparently, strong people create iconic beer. Six breweries emerged from the 1890s depression: Foster’s, Carlton, Victoria, Shamrock, McCracken and Castlemaine. Together, they became Carlton & United Breweries. CUB’s methodical and scientific approach soon set new standards for taste and quality.
1949
The Asahi name shines on its own
It was time for Asahi Breweries to step out into the spotlight, emerging from Dai Nippon Breweries — our parent company was born from the 1906 merger of Osaka Breweries, Japan Beer Brewery and Sapporo Beer Co. By 2011 we evolved into Asahi Group Holdings, marking the start of our global journey.
1985
Cottee’s picks us and mixes in
From its humble start launching Passiona in 1927, Cottee’s quickly captured Australian hearts with its cordials, jams, topping and jellies. After joining Cadbury Schweppes in 1985 (themselves a 1970’s merger), Cottee’s cordials continued to refresh generations. While their jams, toppings and jellies have moved to other makers, Cottee’s cordials remain a beloved part of our family today.
1987
Independent Liquor finds its home
Michael Erceg launched Calypso Beverages (the forerunner to Independent Liquor), seeing a gap in New Zealand’s deregulated market as an opportunity to shake up the country’s drink scene. Taking on established brewers and championing the ‘Ready to Drink’ (RTD) category, he built a business that became a legacy of innovation. In 2011, Independent Liquor found its home within the Asahi Group.
2020
The biggest names in beer unite
Australian beverages history was made when Carlton & United Breweries became part of the Asahi Group in 2020. The acquisition brought together two icons, adding CUB’s much-loved brands and generations of brewing expertise to our portfolio.
2021
Keeping it fresh
Since 2021, we’ve welcomed some exciting newcomers: the coffee crafters at Allpress Espresso, the mixer-masters at StrangeLove, and the gin geniuses at Never Never. We’re always looking for what’s next in premium beverages. Watch this space.
