P&O Cruises has pledged its support for a social venture from The Good Beer Co that supports the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.
P&O, a regular visitor to the reef, is the first company to back The Good Beer Co, which is dedicating at least half the profits from its Great Barrier Beer to the reef conservation work of the Australian Marine & Conservation Society.
Great Barrier Beer, a mid-strength pale ale, is now on sale across P&O Cruises’ five ships, with the cruise line supporting the venture by inviting its guests to “have one for the Reef” during their cruise holiday.
Good Beer Co is Australia’s first social enterprise beer company and its founder James Grugeon said P&O Cruises’ support as its founding national partner was critical to giving the social venture its best chance of success.
"P&O Cruises hasn't just ordered beer from us, they've got behind the concept of Great Barrier Beer and a good beer that gives back wholeheartedly,” Grugeon said. “That's been transformative for us as a start-up and Australia's first social enterprise beer company."
P&O is Australia’s only homegrown cruise line, and it visits the reef more than any other line, carrying tens of thousands of its guests to the Queensland ports of Cairns, Port Douglas and Gladstone to experience the world heritage-listed destination.
P&O Cruises president Sture Myrmell said Great Barrier Beer married the great Aussie tradition of enjoying a cold beer on summer holidays along with the nation’s passion for the Reef.
“Relaxing with a cold beer while on holidays is such an Aussie thing to do,” Myrmell said.
“Our guests can now sit on the ship’s open deck enjoying a craft Great Barrier Beer and, at the same time, taking their own small step to give back to the Reef. So they can ‘have one for the Reef’ responsibly, knowing they are helping contribute to a worthy cause.”
Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) Director Darren Kindleysides said: “The Great Barrier Reef needs our help now more than ever. We hope that everyone who likes a beer will help protect the Reef by supporting Great Barrier Beer. It is great to see P&O Cruises getting on board by stocking this good beer that does good.”
Great Barrier Beer is working with Australian craft brewers like Queensland's craft brewers, Bargara Brewing Company, its partner for Great Barrier Beer. It is the first of a planned range of five different beers that each give back to a different cause.
