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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Spirits Expansion Program

    Supporting South Australia’s fast-growing spirits industry

    The $250,000 Spirits Expansion Program is designed to help South Australian distilleries expand locally and into priority international markets.

    Delivered in partnership with Distillers South Australia, the industry’s peak body, the program aims to drive consumer demand, build export capability, and unlock commercial outcomes for the state’s world-class spirit's sector.

    South Australia’s spirits industry has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by innovation, quality and rising global demand for premium products. To build on this momentum, the South Australian Government is investing in a pipeline of export-ready distillers through tailored capability-building, mentoring and market development support — helping local producers take their spirits to the world and cementing South Australia’s reputation as a leader in premium spirits.

    Program objectives

    • Strengthen local demand and market penetration for craft spirits
    • Build export capability for South Australian distillers
    • Support for established exporters to diversify into new global markets
    • Market activation in priority international markets

    Program timeline

    • Running from October 2025 to 30 June 2027

    South Australia's Trade and Investment Strategy to 2030

    The program aligns to the Trade and Investment Strategy 2030, to increase the state’s exports based on competitive advantages, deliver bespoke outbound business missions and to collaborate with industry partnerships to drive commercial outcomes.

    View Trade & Investment Strategy

    Priority markets

    United Kingdom

    A strong buyer of Australian wines and spirits, the Australia–UK Free Trade Agreement provides a supportive framework for South Australian distillers to expand exports and strengthen their presence in this competitive market.

    China

    China and Hong Kong

    Engagement with China and Hong Kong offers significant opportunities to reach aspirational, digitally connected consumers. South Australian distillers can build trust and profile in the premium spirits market by leveraging e-commerce platforms and appealing to younger, trend-driven audiences.

    Wellington, New Zealand

    New Zealand

    With close geographic and cultural ties, New Zealand provides a natural stepping stone for South Australian distillers to establish brand recognition and develop strong distributor and retail partnerships.

    Singapore

    Southeast Asia

    In Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, light spirits including gin and vodka, are driving growth, fuelled by a vibrant cocktail culture and younger consumers seeking fresh, modern flavours. Dark spirits such as whisky and rum continue to hold appeal for premium and gifting occasions, creating opportunities across the market.

    North America

    North America

    One of the world’s most mature and dynamic spirits markets, North America offers both scale and diversity. Government-owned distribution channels and growing consumer interest in imported spirits present strong potential for distillers.

    Strategic support pillars

    Market activation

    Brand South Australia is supporting the state’s distillers through the ‘Buy SA. For SA Spirits’ campaign, designed to showcase locally crafted spirits, build consumer awareness and encourage South Australians to choose local.

    Through this program, Brand SA will:

    • Provide eye-catching point-of-sale materials that make it easy for shoppers to identify South Australian spirits and understand the impact of buying local.
    • Supply ready-to-use digital assets for distillers to share across their own channels, supported by advertising on Brand SA’s social media to extend campaign reach.
    • Develop educational resources for bar and retail staff, giving them the knowledge and confidence to champion local spirits.
    • Create profiling opportunities at major South Australian events and festivals, connecting distillers with new audiences and buyers.
    • Deliver branded tasting activations in retail and hospitality venues to inspire trial and build consumer loyalty to SA-made spirits.
    • Find out more about Buy SA. For SA.
    Trade fairs and expos

    Exporter capability building and advisory

    • Build export capability – Access tailored training, business matching, market access and support designed to help South Australian distillers become export-ready and confidently compete on the global stage through TradeStart Advisers.
    • Join the pipeline of opportunity – Progress through the capability program and gain eligibility to participate in targeted outbound business missions to key international markets.

    International market activation and trade missions

    • Strengthening South Australia’s global spirits presence through trade missions and market activations. Activities may include importer and distributor business matchmaking, participation in global trade shows, and networking opportunities in priority markets.
    • Businesses that have demonstrated export readiness within the program pipeline will be prioritised for inclusion in international activations and outbound trade missions.
    Partnerships

    Additional support

    Alongside the core pillars, the Department for State Development provides additional tailored assistance to support growth and resilience across the sector. In-kind assistance will also be made available for key industry events, including the SA Spirits Conference.

    Calendar of events

    ActivityDateLocationCohortOverview
    The Mill Partnership (Brand SA Bar)Q1 2026 – Q1 2027AdelaideAll Spirits ProducersPartnership with The Mill to feature four distilleries across 12 months (one per quarter). Distillers supply RTDs to be sold at events.
    The Local Bar at Gluttony20-22 March 2026AdelaideAll Spirits ProducersFringe activation supporting Buy SA Spirits & Beer.
    China Food & Drinks Fair22-26 March 2026Chengdu, China1, 2

    Support for South Australian food, beverage and wine producers to attend CFDF 2026, enabling product showcase, buyer engagement and market expansion opportunities.

    SISA Industry Awards Night17 April 2026AdelaideAll Spirits ProducersFlagship distillery featured at Seafood Industry SA Awards. Includes product sponsorship, branding, logo placement and welcome drinks activation aligned to an award.
    Food Hotel Asia21-24 April 2026Singapore1, 2Support spirits producers to participate in Food Hotel Asia, providing exposure to international buyers, product showcase opportunities and export market engagement.
    China Wine Immersion 202628 April – 2 May 2026South Australia1, 2Inbound Chinese buyer delegation providing opportunities for buyer engagement, market insights and brand building. Spirits producers to be included in food and wine showcase events.
    Is Export Right for Your Distillery?25 May 2026Online3Targeted webinar for cohort 3 distillers to evaluate export potential, covering market entry considerations, capability assessment and pathways to international growth.
    Be Spirits Hong Kong, Vin Expo Asia26-28 May 2026Hong Kong1, 2Support for South Australian distillers to participate in Be Spirits Hong Kong at Vin Expo Asia, showcasing products to international buyers, distributors and industry, with opportunities for sampling, networking and export market development.
    Hong Kong Bar Takeover27 May 2026Hong Kong1, 2Bar Takeover during Spirits Producers’ attendance at Vin Expo Asia. Guests will include KOL’s and trade guests.
    Guangzhou Trade Showcase29 May 2026Guangzhou, China1, 2Trade Showcase event in Guangzhou, supporting spirits and wine producers through business matching and a Taste of South Australia dinner event showcasing South Australian food, beverage and wine.
    Buy SA Week 20261-9 August 2026South AustraliaAll Spirits ProducersStatewide campaign offering registered businesses (including distillers), opportunities for promotions, tastings, sampling and social media exposure.
    China International Import Exhibition (CIIE)5-10 November 2026Shanghai, China1, 2Support for producers to attend CIIE, enabling product showcase, buyer engagement and market expansion in China through an Austrade-led international trade platform.

    TradeStart exporter capability building and advisory cohorts:

    • Cohort 1: Established exporters
    • Cohort 2: Exporting but require further review of capabilities
    • Cohort 3: Cohort of five spirits companies nominated for export capability development program with Spirits Expansion Program
    • Cohort 4: Listed as export curious

    Expressions of interest open now

    • Access tailored support to build export capability to become export ready, boost domestic visibility and position your business for global growth.
    • Eligible participants may also be considered for future trade missions and international market activations.
    SA Spirit Producers EOI Survey

    How to get involved

    Contact us

    Learn more about the Spirits Expansion Program

    Food and wine export team

    Email dsd.trade@sa.gov.au