Heineken to close Singapore’s Archipelago Brewery
Singapore’s second oldest commercial brewery, Archipelago opened its doors in 1933
Singapore’s Archipelago Brewery is closing down brewing operations. The brewery, owned by Heineken subsidiary Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Singapore, will continue to operate until June 30.
In a statement sighted by ABN, the brewery shared the closure is due to “evolving craft beer market realities and high operational costs” and that APB’s new strategy is to “streamline our portfolio, maximize value and re-invest in growing our core business”. APB has undergone recent leadership changes, including appointing a new managing director, Reinoud Ottervanger, in August last year.
Singapore’s second oldest commercial brewery, Archipelago opened its doors in 1933 after German investors expanded brewing operations from the then-Dutch Indies to Singapore. The brewery continued to operate during World War II. The Allies first seized it as an enemy asset, and production continued during the Japanese occupation. After the war, regular brewing operations resumed, and Archipleago’s stable of beer brands—Anchor and ABC Stout among them—became popular and widely distributed in Singapore. After the brand was retired in 1990 in favour of Asia Pacific Breweries, Archipelago was revitalised as APB’s craft brewing arm in 2006 by then-Anderson Valley brewmaster Fal Allen and experienced several years of growth in Singapore’s then-nascent craft beer market.
End of an Era: Singapore’s Archipelago Brewery to Close
Archipelago Brewery, a beloved name in Singapore’s craft beer scene, is set to close its doors at the end of June. The decision to shutter the brewery comes amidst “declining craft beer market realities and high operational costs,” as stated by Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore.
Singapore’s iconic Archipelago Brewery, a staple in the craft beer industry, will close its doors at the end of June 2024. The decision marks the culmination of 18 years of brewing excellence and innovation.
An APBS spokesperson explained in May: “In line with evolving market realities in the craft beer industry in Singapore, and after careful consideration on various divestment options over the past months, APBS has made the decision to exit from the craft brewing business and will close Archipelago Brewery at the end of June 2024. While we are proud, and remain grateful of the Archipelago brand journey, unfortunately declining craft beer market realities and high operational costs puts it in an untenable situation. This move is in line with our efforts to streamline our portfolio of beers, maximise value, improve productivity and re-invest in growing our core business to ensure a sustainable business that is fit for the future.”
Trouble brewing for craft beer market as Singapore’s Archipelago bows out
The shutdown of Singapore brewery Archipelago reflects economic struggles in the industry and difficulties appealing to the choosy craft beer customer
Local craft beer brewery Archipelago has fallen victim to what some commentators are calling the “beerpocalypse”. The brand, owned by Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Singapore, will cease operations at the end of June. For craft beer brewers around the world, these are trying times. In 2023, a staggering 418 breweries in the United States were shuttered, while in Britain, 52 declared insolvency.
Established in 1933, Archipelago is Singapore’s second-oldest brewery, originally situated near Alexandra Brickworks. After the brand lay dormant for many years, in 2006 Archipelago was given a new lease of life as APB’s craft brewing arm. APB produces beers such as Tiger, Anchor and the local licensed version of Heineken. However, APB’s owner Heineken has decided to pull the plug on the artisanal brewery after 18 years, citing a desire to streamline their portfolio amid “declining craft beer market realities and high operational costs”.
These pressures include the toll taken by conflict in Eastern Europe - Ukraine has historically been a major source of wheat and barley, key components in beer - and inflation, driving up the price of everything from ingredients and packaging to shipping. Rising interest rates are also impacting brewers who have borrowed to fund their business or acquire property, while cost-of-living pressures are decreasing demand. With diminished discretionary spending, people are simply going to the bar less, and may find mainstream beer at S$15 (US$11.10) per six-pack more appealing than niche ales costing S$15 per pint or more.
'An end of an era' with Singapore's Archipelago Brewery set to close
The brewery will close at the end of June due to "declining craft beer market realities and high operational costs", Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore told CNA
After 18 years in the craft beer business Singapore's Archipelago Brewery will close its doors at the end of the month. News of the brewery's impending closure first broke at the end of March, with the Asia Brewers Network reporting that Heineken – the owner of Archipelago's parent company Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) – had decided that its time was up.
In response to queries from CNA, an APBS spokesperson confirmed the closure. "In line with evolving market realities in the craft beer industry in Singapore, and after careful consideration on various divestment options over the past months, APBS has made the decision to exit from the craft brewing business and will close Archipelago Brewery at the end of June 2024," the spokesperson said in May. "While we are proud, and remain grateful of the Archipelago brand journey, unfortunately declining craft beer market realities and high operational costs puts it in an untenable situation," the spokesperson added.
In response to queries from CNA, an APBS spokesperson confirmed the closure. "In line with evolving market realities in the craft beer industry in Singapore, and after careful consideration on various divestment options over the past months, APBS has made the decision to exit from the craft brewing business and will close Archipelago Brewery at the end of June 2024," the spokesperson said in May. "While we are proud, and remain grateful of the Archipelago brand journey, unfortunately declining craft beer market realities and high operational costs puts it in an untenable situation," the spokesperson added.
Archipelago Brewery
Alcoholic beverage Founded November 1933
The Archipelago Brewery is a Singaporean brewery owned by Heineken Asia Pacific (formerly Asia Pacific Breweries). It labels itself as "Singapore's Craft Brewery".
In August 1931, with a capital of 5,250,000 guilders N.V. Archipel Brouwerij Compagnie (Archipelago Brewery Co.) was formed in Batavia (now known as Jakarta). The board was formed by the firm Geo Wehry & co. This company imported all by Beck brewery in Bremen to brew Koentji (key) beer. The first brewery was built in Batavia, it was made of steel framing, something in the Dutch Indies virtually not been done before. Wehry was a big trading company, started out in the tobacco. Wehry was later merged with Borsumij and then merged into the still existing Hagemeyer that time in the Dutch East Indies was established. Archipelago opened a brewery in Singapore in November 1933, where it produced Anchor Beer.
During World War II, the British deemed the brewery to be enemy territory due to its German ties and seized it in 1941. It was then bought by Malayan Breweries Ltd, which in 1990 was renamed Asia Pacific Breweries. In 2013, Asia Pacific Breweries merged to become Heineken Asia Pacific. Archipelago Brewery is currently Heineken Asia Pacific's craft brewing arm. The old Archipelago Brewery was re-commissioned on 24 July 2006, with internationally acclaimed brewmaster, Fal Allen. Three variants of the Archipelago craft beers, namely Traveller's Wheat, Straits Pale and Traders Brown Ale were launched at Archipelago's flagship pub located on Circular Road in Singapore (now closed). The re-launch of Archipelago is consistent with Heineken Asia Pacific's objectives to add a new dimension to Singapore's beer industry; and to continue to grow its presence and stature locally.
Anchor Beer since 1933
ANCHOR SMOOTH DRAUGHT – REAL BEER FOR REAL MOMENTS
I remember growing up seeing my dad and uncles drinking Anchor Beer, one of the leading choices of beer from one generation to another that has blazing through 84 years of heritage in Malaysia.
Brewed locally with several methods that have evolved with time, ranging from the traditional German pilsner brewing method to the latest advancements in brewing technology, one thing still remains unchanged – the same traditional European recipe for an authentic smooth taste without compromising its quality. “Our commitment to continue offering an unchanging taste that is smooth and refreshing has made Anchor the fastest growing brand with a double digit growth in 2016. This success is a result of the team constantly ensuring the quality remains at its most original form as our brewing methods evolve over the years, while staying connected to our loyal consumers,” said Jessie Chuah, Marketing Manager of Anchor.
Anchor has stayed true to its identity and original taste since it was first introduced and is widely known as “Malaysian favourite since 1933”. In the same light of being real and genuine, the brand will embark on a new campaign called ‘Real Beer for Real Moments’ that is set to inspire Malaysians to celebrate realness with their friends and families.
Tiger Beer since 1932
Tiger Beer is a Singapore brand of beer first launched in 1932. It is currently produced by Heineken Asia Pacific, formerly known as Asia Pacific Breweries. The company is a joint-venture between Heineken N.V. and Singaporean multinational food and beverage company Fraser and Neave.
The Tiger Brewery Tour is a tourist attraction located at the Tuas district of the country, which offers guided visits as to how the beer is brewed. According to a Brand Finance report, Tiger is amongst Singapore's top 10 most valuable brands.
Launched in 1932, Tiger beer became Singapore's first locally brewed beer. It is a 5% abv bottled pale lager. Heineken Asia Pacific's flagship brand, it is available in more than 60 countries worldwide
Guinness stout 'Ang Ji Gao' since 1759
THE STORY OF GUINNESS
It takes a thirst for adventure to do things the Guinness way. From our humble beginnings in 1759 to the present day, we’ve gone to extraordinary lengths to bring you exceptional beer. But we’re not ones to rest on our laurels. As we like to put it: our greatest work is yet to come. At this stage you'd be forgiven the story of ‘Arthur Guinness’ was a myth. But he was very real, and every pint served around the world is one more pint of his undeniable legacy. Arthur Guinness was the first in a long line of Guinness Master Brewers and the craft of brewing at St. James’s Gate Brewery was handed down from generation to generation. Arthur himself most likely developed his passion for brewing from his father, Richard, who was said to be in charge of brewing in the Celbridge estate of Dr. Arthur Price, later Archbishop of Cashel.
On 31st December 1759, the man signed a NINE THOUSAND YEAR lease on St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. If that’s not belief, we don’t know what is. And now we can see that his belief was a vision. A vision he saw before any of us were even born. His entrepreneurial spirit was on another level. Arthur Guinness was a philanthropist, a pragmatist, an innovator, a family man, and a fighter. The terms of the lease granted him use of a limited supply of water, and when Dublin Corporation tried to cut off the supply due to overuse, it’s written that ‘Mr Guinness violently rushed upon them wrenching a pickaxe from one and declaring with very much improper language, that they should not proceed’. You see, signing the lease was one thing. Holding onto it, was another thing altogether. And Arthur was not about to let go during his lifetime. So, the journey continued. More beer was brewed. More jobs created. And more tastebuds tantalised.
If you see the cover of an Irish passport, you’ll see nothing but a Harp. It’s the official national emblem of Ireland. You’ll notice the harp on Irish coins too. In fact, if you see someone tossing a coin in Ireland, you might even hear them call ‘Heads or Harps?’ instead of ‘Heads or Tails.’ The design stems from the15th Century "Brian Boru" harp, a symbol that reflects Irish culture and arts. But it was Guinness that staked a claim on the harp first. By the 1860’s, Guinness stout was available all over the world and the Guinness family were in search of a symbol that would firmly identify Guinness as an Irish product and the harp was recognised as the symbol of all that was great about Irish culture and heritage. Therefore, when the Irish Free State was created in 1922, the Irish government in turn had to position their harp facing the other way due to trademark registration. If you’re looking back at old Guinness memorabilia, you’ll notice that the number of strings on the Guinness Harp varies. That’s because the design became more minimal over the years, losing strings along the way, since it first made its appearance on a Guinness bottle label in 1862.A designer called Gerry Barney was instrumental (excuse the pun) in the Harp’s evolution having re-designed the Harp in 1968, and again in 2005. Cheers, Gerry! And if you’re ever in Dublin, before you pop into the Guinness Storehouse, slip into the Trinity College Library. You can see the real "Brian Boru" harp, sitting unaware of its own history. Or is it?
5 epic things you didn’t know about Ang Ji Gao
Guinness stout, the Irish alcoholic drink also known as ‘Ang Ji Gao’ locally, celebrates its 256th birthday yesterday.
How did Guinness – as ang moh as a name can possibly be – end up with a badass Hokkien moniker in Singapore?
We investigate. Here are five things about stout in Singapore. Cheers:
- The origins behind its ‘red tongued dog’ nickname
- It is over 5 times older than Singapore
- This Commercial - He's a real Guinness drinker
- It sieves out those that can’t take a little hardship
- It’s like peanut butter
