South Australia's growing spirit industry is positioning itself as the 'Spirit State' through a Marshall Liberal Government funded blueprint.
Up to $50,000 has been allocated for development of a South Australian Spirit Industry Blueprint which will help map out future growth of the local industry, supporting production, marketing and value adding.
The blueprint follows the launch of the Distillery Trail last year which highlights the locations and offerings of many of South Australia's award-winning distilleries.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the local spirit industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years with up to 50 distilleries now around the state.
"The Marshall Liberal Government believes the opportunities to grow the spirit industry in South Australia and position us as a national leader in this space are there for the taking," said Minister Basham.
"What the spirit industry is missing is a comprehensive and collaborative plan encompassing all aspects of the sector to reach its full potential.
"We've been working closely with South Australian spirit producers and the logical next step was to bring the industry together and formulate what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
"The key aim is to look at how this premium industry can contribute to the Growth State target to 2020 and lead Australia as the 'Spirit State'.
"Today's announcement of the development of a Spirit Industry Blueprint provides a roadmap to achieve this and the recently launched Distillery Trail is a great example of innovation which will boost visitor numbers when our regional tourism industry needs it most."
South Australian Spirit Producers Association (SASPA) President George Georgiadis welcomed the State Government's support for the industry.
"South Australia makes up about 12 per cent of spirit manufacturing establishments nationally and the success of the local industry has seen a range of boutique distillers enter the industry," Mr Georgiadis said.
"This is the ideal time to develop the roadmap for the industry's future in this state to ensure we continue to see a growth in revenue. In 2019-20 the Australian spirit manufacturing industry generated $2.1 billion in revenue and exports of $306 million. South Australia has been an important contributor to that, but we believe there is room for significant growth in this space."
SASPA is the peak body representing South Australia's spirit industry, and currently consists of 30 active members. In addition to developing the Spirits Trail, SASPA is planning to host a public engagement event and industry forum early in 2021 through support from the Marshall Liberal Government.
