We know there are many more distillers who want to export, but they don’t quite know how to go about it, and they are too financially constrained to embark on an export venture single handedly.

We have been continually engaging with the Federal Government to highlight our ambitions of growing exports, which we know can drive job creation in regional areas, where 50% of distilleries are based. We know that Australia is making some of the world’s highest quality, most distinctive spirits – we have seen this repeatedly again this year with prestigious global accolades that have generated a lot of consumer interest overseas.

However, the reality is that very few distillers are currently exporting and the quantities involved are mostly very small, compared to other countries.

Australian wine is a $2 billion-plus export industry today, which has been made possible by enabling measures that were put in place a generation ago by the Federal Government. So, we are advocating for a similar suite of assistance and incentives that can provide the coordination and support our industry needs to grow exports.

The measures we are seeking include more robust definitions around Australian spirits categories, market intelligence resources and coordination for Australian distillers who want to showcase their products at major global trade shows.

The distillers who currently export will tell you it is very challenging as a ‘category of one’. This is why we need a coordinated approach from Government, so we can present a united front for Australian spirits, just as you see from Australian wine at these major trade shows. The other benefits of a coordinated promotion and compliance will benefit all Australian producers, irrespective if they export, or not.