Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has been named 2022 Queensland Exporter of the Year for its significant export success.
The local company won the major award at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards Gala on Wednesday night, after also taking home the Agribusiness, Food and Beverages category.
Accepting the Queensland Exporter of the Year award Bundaberg Brewed Drinks CEO John McLean thanked the locals who continued to make the family business successful.
“To be named Queensland Exporter of the Year is an incredible honour for our family-owned business,” John said.
“We first started brewing back in the 1960s, so to receive this recognition is great reinforcement that we’re on the right track.
“We owe a large portion of our success to remaining true to our family values, which has been a catalyst in the growing of our brand globally.
John was humbled to win the two awards after being recognised by his peers.
“We come from regional Queensland – Bundaberg is the best town,” he said.
“Without the hundreds of talented team members we’ve surrounded ourselves with, both past and present, we wouldn’t be standing where we are today.
“We’re excited to continue treating the world to Bundaberg for the next 50 years and flying the flag for all of our fellow Queensland exporters.”
Premier congratulates Bundaberg Brewed Drinks
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Bundaberg Brewed Drinks had impressed judges with its significant export success, product quality and continual range development.
“Companies like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks represent the tenacity and commitment of original Queensland family businesses, showing that products from any of our regions can grow their worldwide demand,” the Premier said.
“This year I’m struck by the increasing mix of established and newly developed Queensland goods and services with successful export outcomes.
“The judges are always challenged by the high standard of nominations.
“Queensland can be very proud of each of the 2022 finalists.”
Also congratulating Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the ability of exporters made the family business internationally competitive.
“Queensland’s trade strategy aims to develop export excellence across a diverse array of industries that take the lead on the international stage,” the Treasurer said.
“The quality of the goods and services produced by the nominees in each award category confirms that strategy is working.”
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks began was established by founder Cliff Fleming 60 years ago, producing ginger beer, a local favourite and an iconic representation of the Bundaberg Region.
Today it exports to more than 60 countries.
“Congratulations to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks on being named Queensland Exporter of the Year,” Mr Dick said.
“In the year to July 2022, Queensland exports totalled a record $123 billion.
“The total value of our exports exceeded that of New South Wales and Victoria combined, with Queensland also contributing over 40 per cent of the nation’s goods export growth.
“The impact that Queensland exporters have on our economy and our state’s future is tremendous.”
Premier of Queensland’s Export Award winners
Queensland Exporter of the Year Award
• Bundaberg Brewed Drinks
Agribusiness, Food and Beverages Award
• Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (Bundaberg)
Advanced Technologies Award
• Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment (Sunshine Coast)
Creative Industries Award
• Next Level Racing (Gold Coast)
E-commerce Award
• ABI Interiors (Gold Coast)
Emerging Exporter Award
• Plungie (Brisbane)
International Education and Training Award
• John Paul International College (Logan)
International Health Award
• Imaging Solutions (Logan)
Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Award
• Sun Engineering (Brisbane)
Professional Services Award
• Medical Rescue (Gold Coast)
Regional Exporter Award
• Mort & Co (Toowoomba)
Resource and Energy
• Real Time Instruments (Mackay)
Small Business Award
• Plasvaac (Scenic Rim)
Sustainability Award
• Hydrobiology (Brisbane)
Queensland Women in International Business Award
• Philippa Coleman and Fiona Wiebusch, The Queensland Institute.
