gold coast craft brewery Black Hops Brewing has entered voluntary administration for the second time on July 21, 2026, after negotiations to sell the business collapsed at the final stage. Administrators Chris Cook and James Robba of restructuring firm Worrells were appointed to oversee the operating entities, Black Hops Craft and Green Hops Brewing. The business previously entered administration in March 2024 under Deloitte, revealing debts exceeding $7 million before being rescued by an investor consortium two months later. Despite the financial distress, both Gold Coast taprooms remain open and operational while administrators evaluate the company’s financial state and seek potential buyers.
Black Hops director Luke McCormack highlighted the severe market pressures facing the independent brewing industry in Australia.
“Unfortunately, the headwinds affecting the Australian independent brewing sector have never been stronger,” said Luke McCormack, Director of Black Hops. McCormack explained that prior efforts to secure a commercial buyer for the brewing operations ultimately fell through just before finalizing the deal.