An Australian-led Filipino distillery, Destileria Barako, is bringing its award winning drinks to the local market, through the signing of a national distribution deal with 7000 Islands.
Founded in 2019, 7000 Islands is a distributor and marketer of Southeast Asian spirits in Australia. Based in Sydney, the start-up offers a range of imported spirits, encapsulating unique tastes and ingredients.
Destileria Barako is now joining the 7000 Islands portfolio, entrusting the company to handle supply, logistics, trade marketing, and customer relationships for its products in Australia.
Co-founded by Junalyn Alo, Tyson Branz, and Brendan Green in 2016, Destileria Barako is a distillery in the tropical rainforests of Malay Aklan in The Philippines. Using locally-foraged indigenous Filipino ingredients in its spirits has led the company to receive global recognition, particularly for crafting the world’s first Ube spirit – Ube Cream Liqueur.
7000 Islands founder, Siegfried Bacani, said that Ube is uniquely Filipino, and Destileria Barako is helping to redefine the liqueur category for the better.
“I’m really excited about this partnership with Destileria Barako, as it showcases the craftsmanship of the two countries I call home,” said Bacani.
“Tyson, Brendan, Junalyn and Kalel are the perfect harmony of the tropical gastronomy of The Philippines and Australian craftsmanship.”
Joined by mixologist Kalel Demetrio, the Destileria Barako team developed Ube Cream Liqueur, featuring the Philippines’ native purple yam, which started to gain popularity in Australia towards the end of 2023.
The market distribution deal between Destileria Barako and 7000 Islands solidifies the companies partnership, and aims to expand the availability of Ube cream Liqueur across the country.
Destileria Barako founder, Tyson Branz, said that the company was stoked to join 7000 Islands, with the team understanding their goals from the beginning.
“Australia has outperformed our other export markets for its size, and been really creative in getting our products recognised in a short amount of time – overcoming the barriers to a premium priced liqueur offer,” said Branz.
“Our goal is to produce more sustainably, and increase export opportunities for our local farmer partners. 7000 Islands has helped us level-up and crack it big time in even larger markets overseas.”
