Tasmania’s Lark Distillery honoured in national awards

Tasmanian malt whisky producer Lark Distillery has been named the Telstra 2014 Best Small Business of the Year.

Bill Lark, founder of Lark Distillery in Tasmania, celebrated his award this week

Presented on Tuesday at an awards ceremony in Melbourne, the accolade recognised the distillery’s “local and global notoriety”, “exceptional financial and business process structure”, and role as a “significant ambassador of the industry”.

Established by Bill and Lyn Lark in 1992, the Hobart distillery produces a series of single malt whiskies, as well as rum, brandy, liqueur vodka and gin.

The Larks sold their majority stake to an investment syndicate last year, but still retain a role in the company.

Bill Lark said: “Like many of Tasmania’s other premium food and beverage businesses, our success stems from small-scale production of high quality, high-value products.”

Lark distillery, which was the only one in Tasmania when it opened in 1992, now employs 18 full-time staff.

Will Irving, Telstra business group managing director and ambassador for the Telstra Australian Business Awards, said: “The Telstra Awards Judges commended the business’ exceptional financial and business process structure and awarded a perfect score for outstanding vertical integration of its manufacturing, wholesale and export, retail and tourism pillars.”

Lark Distillery purchased the Old Hobart Distillery, producer of Overeem whisky, in January this year, although both companies are being operated as separate entities.