Spinifex Brewing Co, based at Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA), is set to ship its first batch of beers to Peru after formalising a distribution deal with Gussman Enterprises.
Spinifex Brewing Co CEO Adam Barnard said, “The signing of our distribution agreement with Gussman Enterprises, is a pivotal step in our journey to bring the taste of Western Australia to Peru and beyond that, the world. This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, and we are excited about the opportunity to share our passion for craft brewing with a new audience.
“I am especially grateful for the efforts of our Export Manager Steve Jansen, who has worked tirelessly to get us to this point and has handled the many COVID-19-related challenges and setbacks with professionalism and patience.”
The first consignment will include a selection of ales and ginger beer along with flagship Lima Light, a clean, crisp, mid-strength beer developed in collaboration with the Peruvian Horse Association. The beer has undergone extensive market testing to ensure it matches the Peruvian craft beer customer. It’s set to go into production with plans to ship the inaugural batch to Peru in the coming months.
“The unveiling of Lima Light is a proud moment for us. This brew embodies the dedication and innovation that define Spinifex Brewing Co. We believe it will not only captivate the taste buds of our new Peruvian friends but also set a new standard for quality in their vibrant beer culture,” Barnard said.
Spinifex Brewing co-director John Gibbs said Peru was a natural choice due to its strong indigenous history and came after a series of tasting masterclasses were held in the country.
“Spinifex co-director Mick Little is an Australian First Nations leader from the Yamatji and Noongar nations. He works closely with the indigenous community in the region and consequently has a significant influence on the work of Spinifex.
“The opportunity with Peru involved extensive market research and more than 40 focus group tasting sessions with Peru’s leading sommeliers and restaurants. They love the beer,” Gibbs said.
FIPWA GM Chris Vas said the first shipment took FIPWA a year to bed down but provided a huge boost to the value-adding capability of the Western Australian agrifood and beverage sector.
“It’s an exciting time for this start-up and a joy to see it grow from a little craft beer company into an international supplier,” Vas said. “Exporting to Peru has opened opportunities for increased local production and local employment will grow through such developments.
“This milestone instils confidence in the aspiration of FIPWA to enable WA food and beverage business growth, scaling up of production and carving out new markets for WA products.”
Spinifex Brewing Co’s core range incorporates native Australian botanicals and includes Myrtle Summer Ale, Geraldton Wax Ginger Beer, and Western Australian Pale Ale, along with non-alcoholic brews such as Gubinge Ginger Beer.
