Australian distillers form Spirits NSW group
A new trade body for distilleries in New South Wales has been established to strengthen the Australian region’s craft spirits sector.
The new Spirits NSW platform will be launched at the first NSW & ACT Distillers Conference on Tuesday 25 November at the Park Hyatt Sydney hotel.
The one-day conference will bring together more than 80 distilleries from across New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), alongside policymakers, hospitality leaders and trade partners.
The new statewide Spirits NSW platform will serve as platform for government advocacy (covering regulation, tourism and exports), industry communication, safety, training and workforce development programmes, trade promotion and category visibility, and regional brand initiatives and spirits tourism.
Christian Young, president of the NSW & ACT Distillers Association, said: “Spirits NSW allows us to present a coordinated, consistent and credible voice.
“It strengthens our position with government, trade, media and tourism, and helps us build long-term outcomes for members. It ensures our industry speaks with one strong voice and is recognised as a serious contributor to the state’s economy.”
The conference will welcome Michael Rodrigues, the first 24-hour economy commissioner for NSW, as keynote speaker.
The Australian spirits industry makes an annual AU$15.5 billion contribution to economic activity, according to the trade body. It also supports more than 100,000 jobs nationally.
In addition, the industry welcomes 3.5 million visitors to its distilleries every year.
The Australian spirits sector also reported 69% export growth over the past decade.
There are now more than 160 distilleries operating across NSW and the ACT.
“Demand for spirits made in New South Wales continues to climb,” said Eddie Brook, vice-president of the NSW & ACT Distillers Association.
“Across the state, distillers are innovating, expanding and earning national and international recognition. But to truly unlock the commercial and tourism potential of our state, we need to move forward with a unified voice.
“Spirits NSW creates that platform enabling stronger branding, coordinated industry development, and the kind of high-value trade partnerships that will support long-term growth.”
The Australian spirits industry pays the third-highest tax rate in the world, which increases biannually. The tax hike has been called discriminatory by many in the spirits industry, when compared to beer and wine.
The Spirits Business recently explored how Australian distilleries are working to grow their business overseas and at home.
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