Australia’s spirits industry association the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia has rebranded to Spirits and Cocktails Australia (SCA), which it says will better reflect the vibrant spirits sector and cocktail culture it represents.
In addition to the rebranding the association has also welcomed a new member in Pernod Ricard Australia, which joins existing members Bacardi-Martini Australia, Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Diageo Australia, William Grant & Sons, Moët Hennessy Australia, Remy-Cointreau and Bundaberg Distilling Company.
Spirits and Cocktails Australia Chair and Managing Director of Diageo Australia, David Smith said: “There’s a positive cultural change underway in Australia right now when it comes to alcohol trends. Australians are choosing to drink better rather than more, and premium spirits are in growth.
“With Australians embracing an increasingly vibrant local bar scene that puts cocktail culture and the art of bartending front and centre, now is the right time for us to have a name that better reflects our dynamic industry and the contribution we make to Australian culture and the local economy.”
Smith added: “We’re also delighted to welcome our newest member Pernod Ricard Australia. Spirits and Cocktails Australia now represents 75 per cent of the Australian spirits sector and is the leading voice and advocate for our industry.”
The CEO of DSICA, Alec Wagstaff, remains CEO of the rebranded association and he highlighted what the priorities will be for SCA.
“Spirits and Cocktails Australia will promote and protect a spirits sector that supports a positive Australian drinking culture, employs thousands of people locally right across the country and makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy,” Wagstaff said.
“Right now, our highest priority issue remains the heavy tax burden carried by Australian spirits drinkers who responsibly enjoy 20 per cent of the total alcohol consumed in Australia but pay 50 per cent of the total alcohol tax collected and face twice yearly excise increases on their favourite spirits drink.
“Spirits and Cocktails Australia will continue to play a vital role in working with its stakeholders to address the inequality of the current alcohol tax laws.”