Welcome to our next instalment about the growing craft spirit industry in Australia. This is just a quick summary of what you need to do to take your idea from page to bottle!
How to start your own spirit brand:
Before you begin the hard work, there are two really easy first steps that everyone has to do themselves when starting the journey to your own spirit brand and distillery.
Firstly, know what you like.
Set you plan to create a spirit that you love, and a brand that you are proud to share with the world. Start by talking to friends and family about what you would love to make, and what spirits and flavours you are really passionate about. If you are creating something that you are truly passionate about, it will be much easier to build the brand.
Next, have a drink! Responsibly, of course! And critically, get out there and taste and see what other people are distilling in that segment. Taste the established market leaders, and taste the new giant killer, craft brands. Don’t just enjoy a bottle with friends, get into local bars early in the week when they’re quieter, and ask the staff what they love, what their customers are asking about. This is the market research that multi-national companies pay squllions for – but remember, they need the information to get past corporate bean counters and gatekeepers. You only need to see the opportunity.
Finally, this is the most important part of the planning. After you have made a decision about what you love, seen what else is out there and evaluated their strengths and weaknesses, this is the step where almost everyone stops.
Do it.
The rising craft industry has created a new fear for multi-national business. No longer do we hear ‘big fish eat small fish’, now it is ‘fast fish eat slow fish’. This is your strength in the market, you can move fast from opportunity to delicious spirit in a bottle. So make the first step fast, before the big players can. The Craft & Co is a business structured to fast track your product to market. As an example, take a look at how the first brand we helped launch – Anther Gin – in their initial crowdfunding campaign!
In a traditional model of building a distillery, the average delivery time for your still is 12 months. The licensing, taxation approval and permits can take just as long, and sometimes longer. Then you can begin the R&D process.
At The Craft & Co, we can start R&D with you tomorrow.
To make the process faster, and easier, here are my ten steps to your own spirit brand and distillery:
1 – Think of your idea for a product and brand.
2 – Design your brand identity and choose the right bottle.
3 – Start R&D distilling at The Craft & Co to perfect your product.
4 – Create your launch plan and route to market.
5 – Perfect your product at The Craft & Co.
6 – First commercial distillation at The Craft & Co.
7 – Launch it!
8 – Sell it!
9 – Keep making more.
10 – Build your own distillery!
We can help with every detail along the way, from ATO planning documents, to where to source rare ingredients and luxurious bottles. And we love all craft spirits right!? So pour a taster of your favourite tipple and send us an email about your idea, and we can begin to make it a reality.
If you’re ready to get started on your own distillation business, please contact our friends at Gypsy Hub for more details: