SA is pushing its credentials in alcohol production with a government-funded blueprint to help the spirit's sector.
Up to $50,000 has been allocated for development of a SA Spirit Industry Blueprint, which will help map out future growth of the local industry, supporting production, marketing and value adding.
This follows the launch of the Distillery Trail last year, which highlights the locations and offerings of many of SA's award-winning distilleries.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said the local spirit industry had experienced rapid growth in recent years with up to 50 distilleries located across the state.
"The government believes the opportunities to grow the spirit industry in SA and position us as a national leader in this space are there for the taking," he said.
"What the spirit industry is missing is a comprehensive and collaborative plan encompassing all aspects of the sector to reach its full potential.
"We've been working closely with South Australian spirit producers and the logical next step was to bring the industry together and formulate what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
"The key aim is to look at how this premium industry can contribute to the Growth State target to 2020 and lead Australia as the 'Spirit State'."
Mr Basham said the announcement of the development of a Spirit Industry Blueprint provided a roadmap to achieve this with the recently-launched Distillery Trail a great example of innovation to boost visitor numbers when the regional tourism industry needed it most.
South Australian Spirit Producers Association president George Georgiadis welcomed the state government's support for the industry.
"SA makes up about 12 per cent of spirit manufacturing establishments nationally and the success of the local industry has seen a range of boutique distillers enter the industry," he said.
"This is the ideal time to develop the roadmap for the industry's future in this state to ensure we continue to see a growth in revenue.
"In 2019-20 the Australian spirit manufacturing industry generated $2.1 billion in revenue and exports of $306 million.
"SA has been an important contributor to that, but we believe there is room for significant growth in this space."
SASPA is the peak body representing South Australia's spirit industry, and currently consists of 30 active members.
In addition to developing the Spirits Trail, SASPA is planning to host a public engagement event and industry forum early in 2021 through support from the SA government.
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