The new high-tech facility, which will be one of the largest craft breweries in South Australia, will see Pirate Life’s annual production soar to more than 11m litres.
The brewery at Port Adelaide’s woolstores will also give the firm ample opportunity for future expansion.
Pirate Life will continue to operate its current Hindmarsh brewery, transforming it into an innovation centre focused on research and development, training, and the production of specialty beers.
The craft brewer was founded by father and son, Mick and Jack Cameron, and Jared Proudfoot in 2014, and soon expanded out of Australia to export to New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Hong Kong.
In late 2017, AB InBev acquired the firm, adding it to its stable of more than 500 beer brands.
Pirate Life Chief Executive John Phinney said the decision to choose Port Adelaide and expand the business in South Australia was reinforced by the support received from the State Government.
“Pirate Life is proudly South Australian, so we’re stoked to be partnering with the government to create jobs in Port Adelaide and grow the South Australian economy,” said Phinney.
Financial backing
He added Investment Attraction South Australia has been working closely with Pirate Life to maximise AB InBev’s investment. The State Government will also contribute $2 million sites redevelopment through the Economic Investment Fund.
“It has been a great experience partnering with government and we couldn’t be happier about building what will be Australia’s best craft brewing destination in Port Adelaide. We are proud of the history we’ve built and we intend to make sure our growth and upcoming endeavours are a part of both Port Adelaide and South Australia’s future,” added Phinney.
State Premier Jay Weatherill said: “Pirate Life will be a key tourism drawcard for the port, and I look forward to seeing the company achieve their goal of becoming one of Australia’s largest craft breweries.”