Acting Prime Minister opens the Bundaberg barrel (Ministerial)

Austrade media release

18 November 2005

A029/2005

The Acting Prime Minister, Mark Vaile, today opened Bundaberg Brewed Drinks’ new visitor experience – the Bundaberg Barrel.

“The Barrel will attract tens of thousands of visitors a year, who’ll be able to see how Bundaberg Brewed Drinks makes its famous ginger beer and learn about the history of the ingredients that go into its products,” Mr Vaile said.

“Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has become a great export success story. It now exports 30 per cent of its production to 29 countries. Its export sales have increased by 250 per cent, as more and more people have come to appreciate its combination of quality ingredients and traditional brewing skills.

“It’s no wonder that Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is the 2005 Queensland Regional Exporter of the Year. The company is now a finalist in the Australian Export Awards, which I will present on the first of December.

“These awards are the World Cup of Australian exporting. It’s a great achievement to make the finals, regardless of who wins in the end.

“The Australian Government is supporting exporters like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks through Austrade, with introductions to buyers, trade shows and grants. The Member for Hinkler, Paul Neville, recently opened the Bundaberg Export Hub, which will help even more local companies take up the export challenge,” Mr Vaile said.

The Australian Export Awards are one of the longest running business award programmes in Australia. Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is among 75 businesses from across Australia nominated in twelve categories as finalists for the national awards. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, will announce the winners at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 1 December 2005. For more information: www.exportawards.com.au

Media Contact

Richard Forbes
Tel: +61 2 6277 7420