David Cryer has announced that he is retiring from Cryer Malt, the brewing ingredients business he founded 30 years ago.

The New Zealander started his working life as a wool trader, taking over his family business from his father. However he soon switched industries when, as a keen homebrewer, he saw the opportunity to provide the country’s brewers with a wider variety of malts than were currently available in his native land.

As a supporter of the ‘little guys’ he had seen how the large breweries at the time were keeping malt prices high as they were the only businesses distributing. He set out to bring in a wider range of product at affordable prices to help the fledgling craft industry develop.

David built Cryer Malt into a successful malt distribution business at home and across the Tasman Sea in Australia growing hand in hand with the craft beer industry. Eventually the company branched into offering brewers a wider range of brewing ingredients before selling to Barrett Burston Malting just under five years ago.

Through his deep understanding and support of the industry David has been credited as a huge influence in the growth of craft brewing in New Zealand and Australia. Last year he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Independent Brewers Association in recognition of his efforts to grow and develop the brewing industries in those countries.

David Cryer (second from left) joins presenters at a SEA Brew Technical Session, Manila 2019

Of late David has also been a recognizable figure around Asia (particularly with his robust 6 foot 5 inch frame) in his role as a travelling ambassador for Barrett Burston’s expansion in the region.

Following the stabilization of the brewing industry after the disruption of the past two years David has decided now is the time to step back from the frontline and spend more time with his wife, who has been a key part of the business, their children and his extensive collection of Iron Man memorabilia.