Launching a new business during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic is, safe to say, a challenge—much less starting one in the F&B sector.
Yet newly formed Sunbird Brewing Company (named after Singapore’s national bird), started by local entrepreneur Clive Tan, who takes on the role of head brewer and director at the brewery, has continued with plans to officially launch the new brand this month in May.
Tan, who cut his teeth at the likes of long-time Singaporean craft beer brands Archipelago Brewery and Brewerkz, had set things in motion long ago. When the brunt of the pandemic hit Singapore, Sunbird faced major order cancellations and had to quickly adapt in order to keep the fledgling business going.
And so on April 30, Sunbird’s direct-to-consumer delivery platform came online. On sale are four craft beers. There’re the Fly in Light Pale Ale, Birds of Paradise White IPA, Fluff Up Belgian Witbier and the Eclipse of the Sun Scottish Ale.
Brewing tanks at Sunbird’s Mandai brewery
This has allowed business to continue, and Tan’s Mandai Link Road brewery continues to run to support the online purchases. They also recently worked with a group of Singaporean breweries to kickstart the #SGCraftTogether initiative, allowing consumers to buy mixed cases directly from the brewers themselves.
Prices are friendly too. Each 330ml bottle goes for $7, or you can get a pack of six of your choosing for $38. The delivery fee is $10 unless you make an order of $65 and above, which will then net you free delivery.
It’s nice to see local businesses still going as strong as they can despite the circumstances. So the next time you’re in the mood for a craft brew, why not purchase a fresh, locally made one.
More info on Sunbird Brewing Company here.
