Spirit Manufacturing in Australia - Industry Market Research Report

High spirits: Strong demand for premium products and rising exports have lifted revenue

Spirit manufacturing revenue has grown over the past five years, partly due to strong demand for premium products in full-bottled and ready-to-drink (RTD) form. Rising exports, largely to the Asia-Pacific region, have also boosted revenue growth over the period. However, spirit manufacturers face strong external competition, with imports expected to account for almost one third of domestic demand in 2022-23. Australian spirit manufacturers derive a large portion of revenue from bottling and blending overproof spirits imported from overseas. The premiumisation of consumer tastes and stronger demand for ready-to-serve cocktail products have benefited the industry over the past five years. Industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualised 1.0% over the five years through 2022-23, to an estimated $2.3 billion. This trend includes an expected fall of 2.0% in the current year, driven by a weaker economic environment.

The industry purchases ingredients such as grapes, sugar and malt, then ferments and distils these to produce spirit beverages including vodka, gin, whisky and liqueurs. Industry participants also blend overproof spirits imported from overseas. Operators package these products and sell them to alcoholic drink wholesalers and retailers. While the industry makes fortified spirits, it does not produce fortified wines.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.