In 2021-22, the value of Victorian beverage exports grew by 36 per cent to $137 million with spirits a key to this growth.
The value of spirits exports leapt by more than 60 per cent to $34 million last financial year and has doubled in five years. Top markets are New Zealand, the United States and Singapore.
Victoria’s distillery sector has boomed — from zero producers 15 years ago to about 120 now — the most of any state — directly employing more than 1000 workers.
Victoria’s wider drinks industry directly contributes $10.7 billion to the economy, supporting more than 350,000 jobs in 23,000 licensed venues. That includes more than 1000 businesses selling their own wine, beer, cider and spirits.
“Strong export growth for our beverages proves what we’ve known all along — Victorian-made drinks are some of the best in the world,” Victorian Trade and Investment Minister Tim Pallas said.
He said Global Victoria was helping exporters reach new markets through trade missions, including FOODEX Japan and ProWein Germany in March and Fine Food New Zealand in June, which will help promote Victorian-made beverages to the world.
The $1.5 million Drink Victorian program is also supporting the beverage sector by encouraging venues around the state to feature more local drinks on their menu.
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