South Korea's craft brewers urge to allow online sales of beers

Over half of the country’s small craft brewers are now under restructuring.

The Korea Craft Brewers Association has urged the government to allow the online sales of craft beers to ensure the survival of small-scale craft brewers that are at the crossroads between life and death, Korea Bizwire reported.

According to the association, sales at small-scale craft brewers plunged after restaurants and bars, the main outlets for craft beers, were forced to either shut down or adopt restricted working hours due to the spread of the coronavirus.

A survey conducted by the organisation found that 23 out of 41 small-scale craft brewers said they are now under restructuring, whilst implementing paid or non-paid leave.

The association added that last year’s growth in overall sales of craft beers was primarily driven by a limited number of large companies which were able to supply to retail channels such as convenience stores.

The sales of small-scale craft brewers plunged by 50%-90% after the COVID-19 pandemic, the association said, adding that they are now moving heaven and earth to survive, taking a variety of drastic belt-tightening measures.