Sydney, Australia – Dr. Jerry Schwartz’s Schwartz Family Company is expanding its footprint in the Australian beverage market with the full acquisition of Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular (GABS), the nation’s largest beer events operator. The move, announced on , signals a significant consolidation within the Australian craft brewing industry and a strategic investment by Schwartz, who already holds substantial interests in hotels, breweries, and aviation.
The acquisition builds on a two-year investment period, culminating in full control of GABS. According to a statement released by Schwartz Family Company, a major overhaul of the events group is planned. Details of the overhaul remain undisclosed, but the move suggests a potential shift in the scale and scope of GABS’s popular beer festivals and industry events.
Schwartz’s involvement in the brewing sector extends beyond GABS. He currently owns Sydney Brewery, which has been undergoing expansion in recent months. , Sydney Brewery acquired the former site of Rocks Brewing Company in Alexandria, Sydney, transforming it into Sydney Brewery Alexandria. This acquisition followed the voluntary administration of Rocks Brewing Company last October and adds to Sydney Brewery’s existing operations in Surry Hills and Lovedale in the Hunter Valley.
The expansion to three key sites – Surry Hills, Lovedale, and Alexandria – is projected to increase the brewery’s overall production capacity to over 5,000 hectolitres of craft beers, ciders, and spirits. This expansion is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by many competitors in the Australian craft beverage market. The new Alexandria location features a 20hL brewhouse, while the Lovedale facility is set to receive a new 30hL brewhouse by Easter.
Dr. Schwartz emphasized the strategic advantages of the acquisition, noting that it meets growing local demand and leverages the company’s network of 15 hotels across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and Victoria. He expressed confidence that the revamped Alexandria brewpub will become a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
The Schwartz Family Company’s origins trace back to Dr. Jerry Schwartz’s parents, Dr. Bela Schwartz and Eve Schwartz, who established a substantial property business after emigrating from Hungary following the war. Dr. Schwartz, himself a trained medical doctor, inherited the business and has diversified its holdings significantly. Today, the company is Australia’s largest privately owned hotel group, encompassing brands like Rydges, Fairmont, Mercure, Sofitel, and Novotel, with over 4,000 rooms.
Beyond hotels and breweries, the Schwartz Family Company also owns the Hunter Valley Conference & Events Centre, the largest purpose-built venue of its kind in New South Wales outside of Sydney, and Blue Sky Airlines, which operates charter services between Sydney, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley. The company employs over 2,200 people across its diverse portfolio.
The acquisition of GABS and the expansion of Sydney Brewery represent a continued investment in the Australian hospitality and beverage industries by the Schwartz Family Company. Dr. Schwartz continues to practice medicine at a medical centre in Matraville, Sydney, and remains actively involved in various charitable causes, demonstrating a commitment to both business and community engagement.
The move by Schwartz Family Company comes amidst a broader trend of consolidation within the Australian craft beer market. While the sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, increased competition and economic pressures have led to challenges for some smaller breweries. The acquisition of GABS and the expansion of Sydney Brewery suggest a strategic positioning to capitalize on the continued demand for craft beverages while navigating the evolving market landscape.
The International AI Safety Report 2026, released on , notes increased investment in AI models by companies like Alibaba, but What we have is not directly related to the Schwartz Family Company’s activities. The report highlights broader trends in technological development, but does not offer specific insights into the Australian brewing industry.
