More than 80 distillers from across New South Wales and the ACT will meet in Sydney on 25 November for the inaugural NSW & ACT Distillers Conference, where the industry will formally launch Spirits NSW.
The new statewide identity has been created to unify and advance the region’s expanding craft spirits sector.
NSW & ACT Distillers Association president, Christian Young, said the launch of Spirits NSW marks a structural shift in how the industry engages with government, tourism bodies, retailers and trade partners.
“Spirits NSW allows us to present a coordinated, consistent and credible voice. It strengthens our position with government, trade, media and tourism, and helps us build long-term outcomes for members,” Young said.
The national spirits industry currently contributes $15.5 billion to economic activity, supports more than 100,000 jobs, attracts 3.5 million distillery-door visitors annually, and has recorded 69 per cent export growth over the past decade.
Across NSW and the ACT, more than 160 distilleries are now in operation.
Association vice president, Eddie Brook, said demand for locally made spirits continues to rise, driven by innovation across gin, vodka, whisky, rum and botanically led spirits.
“Distillers across the state are innovating, expanding and earning national and international recognition. To unlock the commercial and tourism potential of our state, we need a unified voice. Spirits NSW creates that platform,” Brook said.
Foundation for industry development
Spirits NSW will act as a central vehicle for government advocacy, whole-of-industry communication, training and workforce development, trade promotion, safety initiatives, and regional branding programs.
The one-day event on 25 November will bring distillers together with policymakers, hospitality operators and trade partners for sessions covering export readiness, production innovation, safety and compliance, investment, scaling, and on-premise trends.
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the intersection between the night-time economy and the state’s distilling and hospitality sectors.
The association plans for the NSW & ACT Distillers Conference to become an annual industry event, supporting collaboration between distillers, hospitality partners and supply-chain businesses.
