Most famously known for producing some of the world’s best rum, there’s a not-so-quiet revolution happening in the craft brewing and artisan distilling industries in the Sunshine State.
Queensland’s craft brewers and artisan distillers are innovative, dynamic, and proudly producing some of the best products in Australia – with an eye to taking on the world.
September’s Queensland Manufacturing Month puts the spotlight on the state’s growing manufacturing industry and the state’s alcoholic beverage manufacturing mavericks are shining the brightest.
No longer Australia’s best-kept secret, Queensland’s craft brewers and artisan distillers are grabbing the headlines.
Craft brewers including Moffat Beach Brewing, Range Brewing, Brouhaha and Revel are securing major awards at national beer competitions, while distillers like FNQ Spirits, 20 20 Distillery, Milton Distillery and Mt Uncle Distillery are doing the same at national spirits awards.
These passionate manufacturers are being recognised with national accolades and their hard work is making significant contributions to local economies.
As an emerging sector in our economy, they are playing their part in contributing to the state economy and, importantly, regional communities.
Queensland’s craft brewing industry has seen rapid growth over recent years, expanding to more than 100 craft brewers and 70 distillers across the state, with more than half in regional towns.
As the popularity of locally produced craft beer continues to grow, so have employment opportunities from product manufacturing through to customer service.
The sector employs more than 1,800 Queenslanders and contributes an estimated $100 million each year to the Queensland economy.
With direct links to tourism and supply chain inputs of Queensland agricultural products, the craft brewing industry is having a significant impact on other parts of our economy.
Artisan distillers are showcasing unique produce such as grains, tropical fruits, sugar cane and botanicals, continuing age-old traditions while using innovative techniques to remain agile and appeal to changing consumer demands for premium products.
Recognising these important contributions to the state, the Queensland Government released the Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy in 2018 to support the local and national growth plans – and international ambitions – of the local industry.
The strategy focused on improving the capabilities of local craft brewers to grow their businesses and expand into new markets – including supporting access to international opportunities.
This included the promotion of local products through the Trade and Investment Queensland network and providing support to exhibit at international showcases.
A centrepiece of the strategy was the establishment and funding of Australia’s first BrewLab in 2020.
The Queensland Government invested $1.1 million over five years to provide craft brewers with an easily accessible proof-of-concept facility to develop their skills and test new taste concepts before moving to full production.
BrewLab’s establishment also facilitated development of the Certificate III in Food Processing (Brewing), delivered by TAFE Queensland.
The TAFE course was an important step in addressing the shortage of qualified brewers around the state as existing breweries continued their growth into new markets and new breweries were established.
Course graduates are now employed in breweries across Queensland, while other graduates are establishing their own brewing businesses.
In collaboration with industry, the Queensland Government has worked to identify legislative and regulatory changes to increase market access and reduce regulatory burden for small manufacturers.
For instance, the introduction of the Artisan Distilling Licence has provided a range of benefits for local producers, including the removal of requirements on distillers that restricted retail sales to 2.5 per cent of production and allowing for the sale of product samples at promotional events.
As rapidly as the sector is growing, so too are the opportunities.
Collaboration between Queensland craft brewers and artisan distillers is opening new markets for both.
Customer demand for unique examples of regional flavours is fuelling significant growth in the export of Australian spirits to international markets.
With this backdrop, the Queensland Government has recently revitalised its Artisan Liquor Advisory Group (ALAG) to provide enhanced engagement between industry and government to ensure future planning meets the needs of the local industry to maximise growth potential.
In collaboration with the ALAG the Queensland Government is developing an expanded and revised version of the Craft Brewing Strategy to include artisan distillers with a focus on supporting further growth into national and international markets.
Hard work, skill, innovation, and collaboration have put the Queensland craft brewing and artisan distilling sectors at the forefront of the Australian landscape.
With further government support and a new wave of ideas the time is right for these Queensland manufacturers to take on the world.