SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

Web: www.coopers.com.au

Thomas Cooper emigrated in 1852 from Yorkshire and commenced brewing in1862. He discovered his talent as a brewer by accident when his wife asked him to brew up a batch of ale from an old family recipe to help cure an illness. Word quickly spread and he soon found himself brewing the now world-famous Cooper's Sparkling Ale and Extra Stout for a growing band of loyal customers. Despite early success he nearly failed in the early 1870s. He sold his house and land and rented other premises to keep on brewing. Slowly, he developed the necessary skills to survive and prosper.

In 1881 Thomas bought land at Leabrook and built his new brewery and adjacent home. He retired in the early 1890s. The 2nd generation custodians of the business were his sons, John, Christopher, Samuel and Stanley. They successfully ran the business as a partnership until 1923, when the brewery was formed into a limited company allowing more family members to come into the business.

The 3rd generation family members who assumed directorships from 1935 were Frank and Tom (already working in the business at that time) and Andrew. Ray and Geoff Cooper joined the family team following their return from war service.

In 1949, Maxwell Cooper (Ray’s son) after studying brewing in England, joined the company and became the 4th generation member. Bill Cooper took on the sales and marketing role in the mid 1960s and became a director upon the retirement of his father, Tom, in 1969. Geoff became chairman in 1969, and Bill became managing director in 1977, a position held until his retirement on February 1st, 2002. In 1977, Coopers became the brewer in Australia to produce an extra low alcohol drink. In the same year, the company also launched the Brewer’s Own pack – another first – and became the world's largest producer of home brew kits.

The 5th generation is well represented with Dr Tim Cooper as managing director and keeping a keen eye on the brewing systems. Mr Glenn Cooper is executive chairman and also responsible for marketing. Geoff’s son, James also joined the board. Bill’s children, Melanie Cooper and Matthew Cooper, and Max’s son Nicholas, also work at the Brewery in Financial and Sales positions. Coopers remained at Leabrook for 120 years, moving from the site in 2001 into their new brewery at Regency Park – the only remaining family brewery in Australia.

Coopers were inducted into the FBA(SA) Hall of Fame in 2002.