New funding program to raise spirits

The South Australian Government has launched a new, $250,000 Spirits Expansion Program to increase the global reach of the state’s growing spirits’ sector.

To be delivered in partnership with the industry’s peak body, Distillers South Australia, the program will support South Australian distilleries to expand locally and into priority international markets.

The two-year program, until June 2027, will build export capability, drive consumer demand and unlock commercial outcomes for the state’s world-class spirits’ sector.

The number of distillers in South Australia has grown rapidly since 2013 from 10 to more than 100, with many located in regional South Australia.

In 2002, the distillery industry directly employed 600 people – a figure that is set to soar to a projected 2,300 jobs by 2031.

As the industry continues to grow, the Spirits Expansion Program will support businesses to prepare business plans to access opportunities in domestic and international markets.

By progressing through the program, distillers will be prepared to participate in international trade missions and market activations – setting their export plans into motion.

The Spirits Expansion Program will also leverage Brand SA’s ‘Buy SA. For SA’ campaign and activities to drive consumer awareness and showcase South Australian distillers.

“This program is a positive next step towards enhancing South Australia’s enviable reputation for producing international award-winning, quality spirits and one which helps distillers scale to forge a strong domestic and global market position,” said George Georgiadis, President, Distillers South Australia. “South Australian spirits are boldly crafted, unashamedly different and tell a unique story of traceability, provenance and innovation in the Australian distilling sector.

“We look forward to working with the Department of State Development to ensure SA spirits are served alongside premium South Australian food and beverage on menus and lips in our state and around the world.”

The Spirits Expansion Program is based on key insights in the Distiller SA’s export strategy, which was supported by the South Australian Government and aligns with the South Australia Trade and Investment Strategy to 2030.

Distillers South Australia promotes, represents, advances and supports the industry while protecting the integrity of the sector.