Peter Austin (brewer)
Peter Austin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Edmonton, London, England |
| Died | January 1, 2014 (aged 92) |
| Occupation | Brewing entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of Ringwood Brewery; co-founder and inaugural chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) |
Peter Austin (18 July 1921 – 1 January 2014) was a notable British brewing entrepreneur who founded Ringwood Brewery and played a key role as co-founder and inaugural chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA). His efforts contributed to the establishment of approximately 140 breweries across the United Kingdom and in 16 additional countries.
Early life and education
Austin was born in Edmonton, London. He received his education at Highgate School and completed training aboard the British merchant navy vessel HMS Conway. Brewing was part of his family heritage: his father was employed by Pontifex, a supplier of brewing equipment, while his great-uncle managed a brewery located in Christchurch.
Career
In 1978, Austin launched Ringwood Brewery. The following year, he provided consultancy to brewer David Bruce, assisting with the design and equipment selection for the inaugural Firkin Brewery brewpub situated in Elephant and Castle, London.
Austin was pivotal in establishing SIBA in 1980 and spearheaded its efforts over twenty years to advocate for a beer duty system that favored smaller breweries. This reform was eventually enacted by Chancellor Gordon Brown in 2002, delivering substantial advantages to independent brewers.
By the time he stepped down from Ringwood, Austin had supported the creation of 40 breweries within the UK over a decade. Subsequently, he extended his expertise internationally, facilitating the development of around 140 breweries in 17 nations such as the United States, France, China, Nigeria, and Russia. In the United States alone, he was responsible for setting up 74 breweries utilizing his brewing methodology. Among those he mentored was Alan Pugsley, founder of Shipyard Brewing Company in 1994 and later owner of Sea Dog Brewing Company.
Personal life
Austin experienced two marriages; both wives, Joan and Zena, predeceased him, as did his son Henry. He left behind four surviving children: Roland, Jane, Jeremy, and Sarah.