The trade tour aims to connect Australia’s liquor and hospitality industry with DISCUS member brands and raise the profile of American spirits in Australia. The tour will connect American spirits with distributors, bartenders, retailers, media and other key representatives in the sector.
Formal events will commence on Tuesday, 28 May with a mini trade show at The Ace Hotel in Surry Hills, that will invite the Australian trade to mingle with the DISCUS brand members, and sample products that aren’t yet available in Australia.
The trade show will also act as an opportunity for DISCUS brand members who already have presence in Australia – like Sagamore Spirit, Uncle Nearest, and Westward Whiskey – to continue building relationships with bartenders and other key industry players in the market.
Members will then travel to Melbourne for a similar event on Thursday, 30 May 30 at The Stamford Plaza, to take part in the inaugural Melbourne Trade Show hosted by The Whisky List.
Joel Matticks, Manager of Export Promotions for DISCUS says, “After years of growing our visibility in Australia and helping to raise awareness of the versatility of American spirits, we are so excited to be heading back to Australia to connect key trade with new brands they may not have known about who are looking to export into Australia, and to further increase opportunities for the brands already in market.
“Our previous efforts have led to brands gaining representation and sales opportunities in Australia, and we’re hoping that this visit garners the same results and leads to Australians being able to access an even wider range of quality American distilled spirits.”
DISCUS member brands visiting Australia that aren’t in-market yet include Traverse City Whiskey (Michigan), Red Eye Louie’s (Alabama), and Arizona Distilling (Arizona). Brands already available in the Australian market that will also be attending the tour Angel’s Envy, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River Whiskey, Ole Smoky, Penelope Bourbon, Sagamore Spirit, Uncle Nearest and Westward Whiskey.
The trade tour is a part of DISCUS’ ongoing “Cheers! Spirits from the USA” campaign – which was created to further raise awareness and knowledge of the heritage, flavour profiles, and quality of U.S. distilled spirits in international markets. The campaign has been active in Australia since 2021.
To RSVP to either the Sydney or Melbourne event click here: http://www.wsky.me/DISCUSTOURAUS. Both events are FREE, but registration is required.
