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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Spirits Expansion Program

    Spirits expansion program banner Bgrd

    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
    Trade and Investment Strategy Booklet

    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.

    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
    Credit South Australian Tourism Commission

    How to get involved

    Contact us

    Learn more about the Spirits Expansion Program

    Marianne Duluk
    Manager, Food and Wine Exports, Trade

    Email Marianne.Duluk@sa.gov.au