Australian spirits targets $1 billion export opportunity

This is a special episode of the show reporting on Australian spirits’ ambitions of becoming a $1 billion export industry by 2035. We all know the quality is there, and that $1 billion objective is what economics firm Mandala Partners believes is achievable if the Federal Government gets behind the Australian spirits industry, just as it has done for wine over several decades now. The spirits industry tabled its ambitions in the Federal Inquiry into Food and Beverage Manufacturing in Australia, which is currently being conducted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources. I’ve been involved in the inquiry process through my day job as Media & Communications Manager for industry body Spirits & Cocktails Australia. This episode presents audio from four separate hearings held in Sydney, Canberra, Hobart and Melbourne between June and August, which I’ve edited together for narrative purposes. If this is the first time you’ve listened to Drinks Adventures, nearly all of the people and brands featured in this episode have appeared previously on the show: Lark Whisky spreads its wings under new CEO Satya Sharma Dr Rachel Barrie, First Lady of Scotch whisky Holly Klintworth on her cognac recon mission, plus Australian Distillers news Sam Slaney of Starward on small batch whisky trials Laphroaig distillery manager Barry McAffer World Martini Day, with Archie Rose Bone Dry Gin Hickson House Distilling Co trio unveil further plans Dr Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker’s new master blender