Distillers from around the state will be heading to Ballarat for the annual Sprits Victoria Association Conference this weekend.
Held over Sunday and Monday, Treasurer Tim Pallas will one of the 140 delegates attending the event, which will include tours of local distilleries and talks on safety, sustainability and business resilience.
Victorian distilleries produced over 2.6 million litres of pure alcohol in 2022, with the industry contributing nearly $3 billion to the state’s economy.
In 1863, Ballarat was the location of the first distillery in the colony of Victoria, with the city now home to four artisan distilleries.
Part-owner of the Kilderkin Distillery, Chris Pratt, says the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the industry will be a main topic.
“We all are aware of it and exploring different ways of raising revenue. We’re moving much more into providing experiences rather than direct sales,” he said.
“It has an impact, and we have a panel session specifically on business resilience, getting out the other end and how to communicate effectively to promote your products and to promote what else you’re doing.”
