In the 12 months to March, Good Drinks Australia brewed more than 30 million litres across its entire portfolio, representing 7% annual growth.
The milestone includes 11.4 million litres within its flagship Gage Roads brand, which grew 14% over the year to March, and 6 million litres in the Matso’s brand, which grew at 18%.
Chief Strategy Officer Aaron Heary said the lift was across Good Drinks’ full portfolio.
“Achieving 30 million litres is a target we set for ourselves a number of years ago and we are absolutely stoked to have achieved it.
“What really stands out for us is that the growth was spread over our classic beer, craft, cider and RTD brands, highlighting the strength in the platform,” he said.
“And it was national. We saw strong growth down the east coast, and in WA.”
In the year to March, Good Drinks saw growth of 6% in Western Australia, 14% in Queensland, 16% in New South Wales and 7% in Victoria.
Heary said the 14% increase of the Gage Roads brand highlighted that its flagship was transcending the increasingly dated idea of ‘craft’.
“We’re incredibly proud of our quality and our craft roots, but craft credentials are almost table stakes now rather than a genuine point of difference in the market. When people think about their beer choices, it’s how a brand makes them feel.
“Beer is about mood and moments, and the Gage Roads brand captures a taste of coastal freedom, enjoyed wherever you are.”
Mr Heary said that the brand was extending into new categories, and they were excited to bring their ‘all natural’ brewing ethos to the clear-bottled lager category with the recent launch of its premium midstrength lager, Huey.
“Right now, we think the clear-glass lager category is ripe for disruption. It’s been dominated for a long time by a handful of large, mainstream brands using industrial techniques.
But today’s drinkers are more conscious of what they consume. They are reading labels, paying attention to ingredients and making more informed choices around quality and moderation.
“Huey is lower-carb and only 92 calories, but we don’t use any tricks to make Huey, it’s all natural.
“What sets Huey apart is that it is the only naturally brewed beer in the clear-glass lager category in Australia: which means, no refined sugar adjuncts, 100% malt, and free from highly processed ingredients such as chemically modified hop extracts commonly used in other clear-glass lagers.”
Mr Heary said that Huey was one of several recent innovations that had struck a chord with consumers, with last October’s release of Matso’s Vodka Pash Pine Crush pioneering a rush of passionfruit releases about to hit the market.
“Matso’s has been a flavour innovator for 26 years, and we’re always experimenting. We identified passionfruit as a quintessentially Australian flavour and thought it would resonate with our customers,” he said.
“We launched last year and it’s been so strong in the market we’re seeing others plan to launch into the segment.
“Fortunately, the strength of the Matso’s name as the pioneer of the alcoholic ginger beer market and its positioning as an authentic, locally-owned brand stands out.”
Mr Heary said the sales numbers were tangible recognition of the work the business has been doing over several years in establishing Good Drinks’ national platform with a national sales team operating across more than 7,000 active customers and 4,400 retail outlets.
“We have been disciplined in our approach and aimed for sustainable growth and we are seeing that,” he said.
He said that the growth comes on the back of consistent recognition for quality in its products and hospitality offering, noting:
- Gage Roads was named Champion Large Brewery at the Queensland Beer Awards in February, in addition to winning three category trophies and 8 gold medals, including for Huey.
- Single Fin is the number one independent craft beer in the country and posted a top three finish in the GABS Hottest 100 in January.
- The Gage Roads Freo venue was named Pub of the Year by the West Australian Good Food Guide.
“We have been recording wins right across our business and its translating into great numbers,” Mr Heary said.
“Momentum is hard earned, and right now we’re seeing the benefits of years of investment in brand, innovation and national sales and distribution reach.”
