Hawkers craft beer enters voluntary administration

A popular Australian craft beer company has entered voluntary administration, but its founder has insisted "it's business as usual" for the team.

Hawker's Beer, an independent brewing company based in Reservoir in Melbourne, announced today it has appointed administrators "to help facilitate a financial restructuring of the business".

DBA Reconstruction and Advisory will oversee the restructuring.

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Hawkers founder and managing director, Mazen Hajjar, said the decision was made due to an increase in distribution costs and restrictions on market access.

"Post-Covid has been a challenging period with bigger players increasingly restricting access to taps and shelf space, combined with broader economic pressures, including increased input costs and taxes," he said.

Founded in 2014, Hawkers went on to become one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of craft beers in Melbourne.

While an administrator has been appointed, Hajjar told 9news.com.au that no jobs were at risk and "it's business as usual".

"We are confident that the restructuring will ensure the business is in a stronger position to fight these challenges going forward," he said.

The company added it "remains committed to maintaining a high standard of service and open communication with all stakeholders during this restructuring process".