Hotel and craft beer entrepreneur, Dr Jerry Schwartz, will take over full control of Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular (GABS), operator of some of Australia’s largest national beer events and the industry-leading GABS Hottest 100 annual poll.

The full takeover follows an initial equity investment in GABS by Dr Schwartz in 2023, which brought Schwartz Family Company’s (SFC) regional craft beer and wine festivals into the GABS’ partnership.

SFC is one of Australia’s most successful craft brewers, with Sydney Brewery producing over one million litres of craft beer and cider annually, while also operating four breweries and brewpubs in Surry Hills, Alexandria, Rozelle and the Hunter Valley.

Dr Schwartz said that a restructure of the business will take place following the takeover, with former Managing Director and equity partner, Mike Bray, leaving GABS to concentrate on the Good Food & Wine Show.

GABS’ three main city festivals (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) will be paused in 2026 to allow a full reimagining of the festivals, with the aim of delivering stronger, more sustainable festivals from 2027 onwards.

SFC’s long-established regional events Canberra Beer & Cider Festival, and the Hunter Valley Wine Festival will continue unchanged.

The GABS Hottest 100 annual poll – which has shaped the craft beer industry for almost two decades – will also continue to be staged in 2026. 

“The craft beer landscape has never been more challenging, but we are confident that with fresh new ideas and the support and expertise of our extensive craft beer and hospitality network that GABS will remain the benchmark for craft beer promotion in Australia,” said Dr Schwartz.

“We are in the process of informing all the breweries, sponsors & partners who had signed up for the 2026 events and will use the year ahead to develop a model for the GABS events that works for the companies involved and the craft brew lovers who attend these events.

“We have plenty of great plans, but we always listen and learn from our partners involved in our festivals.  We plan to reassess the venues, timings of festivals, even the number of sessions, and possibly add cider and spirits to the events, so that we can grow the customer base and provide a memorable experience.

“The craft beer industry needs a serious rethink. So many breweries and venues have struggled in recent years, whereas we have the infrastructure and customer base to be successful. We believe GABS has great brand recognition with craft beer consumers, and with new ideas and a fresh new approach we believe it can return bigger and stronger in the future.

“We have made it clear to the companies that have had a long involvement in GABS festivals that this is not a goodbye — it’s simply a pause. We fully expect GABS festivals to be back in 2027, and we truly appreciate all the hard work, passion, and commitment craft brewers have put into the event over the years.

“While the GABS events will be on hold next year, the GABS Hottest 100 will continue. It has been instrumental in elevating recognition of the craft beer industry and it will continue to shape the craft beer landscape in 2026.”

Further information:

Contact lisa@schwartz.events