Bundaberg opens new brewery for its ginger beer

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has opened a new brewery in Bundaberg: a facility that will allow for increased production of the brand’s ginger beer and other soft drinks.

The $152.4 million facility took two years to construct and includes an innovation centre, large storage and cold room facilities, a laboratory, and manufacturing and processing equipment.

The Australian Government contributed $19 million to the brewery, while Bundaberg Brewed Drinks provided $133.4 million and the Queensland Government provided $575,800.

During construction, the project supported more than 850 jobs and has created more than 600 ongoing jobs in the region.

At the opening ceremony on 31 October, Cliff Fleming, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Founder, welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and reflected on the journey of the business, which has grown from a small family business in Bundaberg with two employees to a large global organisation. The business remains family-owned and -operated, and with the new facility, will remain in Bundaberg.

Albanese attended the opening ceremony and spoke about Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.

“This is an extraordinary business and it’s one that’s an iconic Australian Business. Importantly, it’s an Australian manufacturing business,” he said.

“Whenever you go around the world you see Bundaberg ginger beer and other Bundaberg products, and that’s a great credit and brings this wonderful city of Bundaberg to life right around the globe. I was with President Biden just a few days ago; his go-to drink is ginger beer. Now we need to convert him to Bundaberg ginger beer.”

Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm, said, “We see backing businesses like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks as integral to the Albanese government’s agenda when it comes to strengthening local manufacturing.

“In addition to ensuring production remains in Bundaberg, the new brewery will benefit local suppliers, farmers and other direct and indirect affiliates of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. The super brewery will also support global market growth, while improving operational capabilities by increasing annual production.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Estudio conceito