Struggling to track down a reliable beverage manufacturer in Australia? Fed up with inconsistent quality, missed delivery dates, and a lack of customisation options? You’re not alone. Plenty of businesses run into these exact challenges when sourcing from Australian beverage companies. But imagine partnering with the country’s top players—the ones who put quality, innovation, and on‑time delivery at the heart of everything they do.
Australia has a booming beverage industry, driven by heavyweights like Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), Asahi Beverages, and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. These manufacturers turn out everything from juices and bottled water to beer and spirits, serving both local and international markets. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction makes them the kind of partners businesses can count on.
So, which Australian beverage brands could take your business to the next level? Let’s take a closer look at the top ten drink companies in Australia and see what makes them stand out from the crowd.
1. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), https://www.cocacolaep.com/au/
Established in 1904, it is the world’s largest independent Coca‑Cola bottler and one of the leading consumer goods companies globally. Headquartered in Uxbridge, United Kingdom, the company operates across 31 countries, serving around 600 million consumers and supporting over two million customers. With a workforce of approximately 33,000 to 41,000 employees worldwide, CCEP runs 81 production facilities—and more than 90% of the beverages it sells are produced right in the country where they’re consumed. The company was formed on May 10, 2021, when Coca‑Cola European Partners acquired Coca‑Cola Amatil in Australia and rebranded under its current name.
Production bases: CCEP has several production sites in Australia, primarily located in Melbourne, Victoria, and across Queensland. The company continues to invest in its Australian operations—upgrades at its Moorabbin and Mentone facilities, for instance, are expected to cut out around two million kilometers of interstate transport each year, reducing CO₂ emissions by roughly 3,700 tonnes.
Main Products:
Non-alcoholic drinks: Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Monster Energy, Powerade, Fuze Tea, Costa Coffee
Alcoholic drinks: BACARDÍ rum, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, GREY GOOSE vodka, PATRÓN tequila, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky, MARTINI vermouth
Key marketing strategies:
Retail Partnerships & Consumer Promotions
The brand rolled out 240 specially designed 24‑packs of Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke, each containing a “Golden Can.” Consumers who scanned the QR code on the can were in with a chance to win 200,000 Flybuys points. Backed by in‑store POS materials across the board, the campaign was all about creating those “surprise and delight” moments while giving sales a solid lift.
Channel Partnerships & Exclusive Distribution
A multi‑year exclusive distribution deal was struck with Bacardi‑Martini Australia, kicking off in November 2025. Under the arrangement, Bacardi handles brand marketing and strategy, while CCEP takes care of nationwide distribution and market expansion—a partnership that plays perfectly to both sides’ strengths.
Brand Sponsorships
For the 2023–2024 season, CCEP signed on as the title sponsor of Erebus Motorsport, with the team competing under the name “Coca‑Cola Racing by Erebus.”
Community Initiatives
CCEP gives back through a range of community programs, investing €12.2 million in community initiatives in 2022 alone.
Support My Cause: Employees nominate charities close to their hearts, which then receive donations
Long‑standing support for the Special Olympics
Disaster relief efforts—such as donating 35,000 bottles of drinking water in the wake of the Tonga tsunami
2. Asahi Beverages, https://www.asahibeverages.com/
Asahi Beverages is the key subsidiary of Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. in Australia and New Zealand, and ranks as the second‑largest beverage group in Australia. Headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, the company employs over 4,200 people across the two countries, produces roughly 2.2 billion liters of beverages annually, and operates more than 50 local manufacturing and distribution facilities.
With a portfolio of around 85 brands, Asahi Beverages covers both alcoholic drinks—including beer, cider, and ready‑to‑drink offerings—and non‑alcoholic categories such as soft drinks, coffee, tea, and bottled water. The company operates under the guiding principle of “Japanese precision meets local consumer needs.”
Starting in 2025, Asahi integrated its Oceania operations with its businesses in Southeast, South, and Central Asia, establishing a regional headquarters for Asia Pacific. The expanded business now spans Australia, New Zealand, and 22 other Asian markets.
Production bases: Asahi Beverages operates more than 50 local manufacturing and distribution facilities across Australia, with over 95% of the beverages it sells in the country being produced locally.
Yatala Brewery, Located in Queensland, roughly halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, it’s one of Australia’s largest breweries. In 2025, the company invested AU$60 million to add a new canning line, bringing annual capacity to 400 million cans—capable of producing more than two million cans in just 24 hours.
Deer Park Distribution Centre
Situated in Melbourne’s western suburbs, this facility is part of a AU$1 billion industrial logistics hub spanning 340,000 square meters. Asahi’s distribution centre alone covers 40,000 square meters. The project is expected to take three years to complete and will consolidate the company’s warehousing and distribution network across Victoria.
Main Products:
Non-alcoholic drinks: Schweppes, Allpress Espresso, StrangeLove, Cottee’s
Alcoholic drinks: Great Northern,Victoria Bitter (VB), Carlton Draught, Carlton Dry, Asahi Super Dry, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, Mountain Goat, Never Never
Key marketing strategies:
Social Media & Digital Marketing
Asahi Beverages places a strong emphasis on Gen Z marketing, using data‑driven social media strategies to boost brand awareness.
Celebrity Endorsements & Localization Strategy
Products are positioned as low‑alcohol, low‑calorie, low‑carb beers, appealing to young, lifestyle‑oriented consumers.
Sports Marketing & Cross‑Industry Collaborations
Manchester City Partnership:
Leveraged Douyin as a platform for digital activations, hosting watch parties with over 200 participants. The campaign generated more than 11,000 social media interactions and delivered a 6% lift in brand awareness quarter‑over‑quarter.
Festive Limited Editions & Artist Collaborations
Teamed up with up‑and‑coming Japanese artist Hermippe to release pixel‑art limited‑edition cans, launched simultaneously in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore. The campaign successfully secured additional in‑store shelf placement during the highly competitive holiday season.
In‑Store Promotions & POS Integration
Content that gains traction on social media is quickly turned into point‑of‑sale materials in stores and used as sales conversation tools, creating a seamless link between digital buzz and offline activation.
3. Suntory Oceania, https://suntoryoceania.com/
Established in 1899, it is the core subsidiary of Japan’s Suntory Group in the Australasia region, officially launched in July 2025 through the merger of the former Frucor Suntory (non‑alcoholic beverages) and Suntory Global Spirits (spirits and ready‑to‑drink alcoholic beverages). Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, the company ranks as the fourth‑largest beverage group in Australasia, with an enterprise value of $3 billion.
With around 1,500 employees, Suntory Oceania serves 10,000 customers across Australia and manages a portfolio of more than 40 market‑leading brands. Guided by the 125‑year‑old Suntory philosophy of Yatte Minahare—”go for it” or “dare to dream”—the company blends Japanese craftsmanship with local innovation, aiming to create entirely new beverage experiences for consumers.
Production bases: Swanbank Facility, Located in Swanbank, Ipswich, Queensland—southwest of Brisbane.
Main Products:
Non‑alcoholic drinks:
V Energy Energy drinks
Suntory BOSS Ready‑to‑drink coffee
Maximus Sports drinks / Protein drinks
Pepsi range Carbonated soft drinks
Mizone Sports drinks
Just Juice Juices
Ribena Blackcurrant drinks
Lucozade Energy drinks
Oasis Juice drinks
Orangina Carbonated fruit drinks
Suntory Tennensui Natural water
Alcoholic drinks:
Suntory -196 RTD (canned)
Jim Beam Bourbon whiskey, RTD
Canadian Club Canadian whiskey, RTD
Maker’s Mark Craft bourbon whiskey
Yamazaki / Hibiki Japanese whiskey
Key marketing strategies:
Brand Experience: RITUALS
When a brand becomes part of the rituals woven into consumers’ daily lives, it builds a lasting, meaningful connection that goes far beyond the product itself.
Sports Marketing & Major Event Partnerships
Sports sponsorships create powerful moments of brand visibility and conversion—especially during peak social media hours and high‑engagement sporting events.
Supply Chain as a Competitive Edge
Suntory Oceania turns its local manufacturing capabilities at the Swanbank facility into a core promotional strength:
Local Production: The Swanbank plant allows the company to respond quickly to shifts in the Australian market and bring products to market faster.
Global Concepts, Local Delivery: By tapping into Suntory’s global production network across Japan, Europe, and the US, the company can fast‑track international innovations into the Australian market.
Category Leadership: With V Energy leading the energy drink category and BOSS Coffee holding the top spot in ready‑to‑drink coffee, the company builds authority by owning key categories.
Digital & Social Media Marketing
Suntory Group takes a data‑driven approach to social media globally:
VOC Analytics: Voice‑of‑the‑customer tools help identify strong “category entry points” for its brands.
Creative Short‑Form Video: Campaigns like the Suntory Tennensui “mixer use” creative video racked up millions of views, boosting mental availability across the board.
Multi‑Channel Integration: Content that goes viral on social media is quickly repurposed into in‑store POS materials.
Retail Partnerships & Trade Relationships
The company works closely with trade partners to unlock shared growth opportunities, leveraging its “East meets West” portfolio—a blend of Eastern and Western brands—to deliver real differentiation for retailers.
4. PepsiCo, https://www.pepsico.com.au/
PepsiCo’s operations in Australia are run by PepsiCo Australia & New Zealand, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc. Headquartered in Chatswood, New South Wales, the company is one of the country’s leading food and beverage businesses.
Production Bases: Regency Park Manufacturing Facility – located in Regency Park, Adelaide, South Australia.
Main Products:
Brand Product Type Notes
Pepsi Max Sugar‑free cola Core cola brand in Australia
Pepsi Cola Classic cola product
Mountain Dew (MTN Dew) Citrus‑flavoured carbonated drink High‑energy carbonated soft drink
Gatorade Sports drink Globally renowned sports drink brand
Bubly Sparkling water Sugar‑free flavoured sparkling water
ROCKSTAR Energy drink Energy boost beverage
7UP Lemon‑flavoured carbonated drink
Aquafina Bottled water
Mirinda Fruit‑flavoured carbonated drink
Key marketing strategies:
Competitive Marketing: The “Tastes OK” Campaign (March 2026)
In March 2026, PepsiCo launched a competitive marketing campaign in Australia called “Tastes OK,” taking direct aim at its main rival, Coca‑Cola.
Creative Core: The ad cleverly points out that the word “Coke” contains the letters “OK” — suggesting that choosing Coke means settling for “just OK,” while Pepsi Max is the better choice.
Product Innovation & Category Expansion
PepsiCo drives growth through ongoing SKU innovation:
Launched Smith’s Crackers in 2025, marking the first time the Smith’s brand has moved into the cracker category
Mini Canisters tap into the growing demand for grab‑and‑go convenience
Doritos rolled out innovative limited‑edition flavours like “coriander”
Sports Marketing
PepsiCo’s Gatorade is the world’s leading sports drink brand, and in Australia it has an extensive network of sponsorships and partnerships spanning a wide range of sporting events and athletes.
Health‑Focused Marketing
PepsiCo highlights its progress in the health and wellness space through targeted promotions:
60% of its beverage sales now come from sugar‑free products
100% of its electricity comes from renewable sources
Smith’s Oven Baked is positioned as a “better‑for‑you” option
Local Storytelling & Social Responsibility
PepsiCo strengthens its brand image by emphasising its commitment to Australian agriculture and manufacturing:
$152 million spent annually on local agricultural produce
40 years of manufacturing history in South Australia
In 2023, the company celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Regency Park plant, telling the stories of long‑serving employees like Anna Marie Dykstra, who has been with the company for 30 years
Retail Partnerships & Channel Promotions
New products are rolled out through major Australian supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths. Mini Canisters and Smith’s Crackers are positioned at clear price points ($4.00/$5.50) for the mass market.
Special Note: Beverage Production & Distribution Model
Unlike its snack business, which PepsiCo manufactures itself, the company’s beverage operations in Australia operate under a franchised bottling model.
5. Bega Cheese, https://begagroup.com.au/
Established in 1899, Bega Group is a leading Australian manufacturer of packaged food, beverages, and ingredients. The company is headquartered in the Bega Valley, New South Wales. Its operations are split into two main divisions: the Brands division, which produces value‑added consumer goods for both owned and external brands, and the Bulk division, which focuses on bulk dairy ingredients, nutritional products, and bio‑based nutrients.
Production Bases: Bega Group runs more than 15 production facilities across Australia, located in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Main Products:
Brand Product Type
Bega Cheese (cheddar, tasty, vintage, slices, cheese sticks, cheese strings, etc.)
Vegemite Savoury spread
Dare Iced coffee, dairy drinks
Dairy Farmers Milk, yoghurt, cream
Yoplait Yoghurt
Farmers Union Yoghurt, iced coffee
Pura Fresh milk, cream
Big M Flavoured dairy drinks
Daily Juice Chilled juices
Zooper Dooper Ice pops (water‑based)
Bega Peanut Butter Peanut butter
Simply Nuts Nut butters
Key marketing strategies:
Creative Out‑of‑Home (OOH) Advertising: The “Night Cheese” Campaign
In April 2025, Bega teamed up with creative agency TBWA\Melbourne to roll out a large‑scale OOH campaign called “Night Cheese.”
Brand Partnership Distribution Model
Bega takes a collaborative approach to distributing its cheese in Australia:
Bega handles manufacturing
Fonterra Brands (Australia) manages sales under the Bega brand
This partnership gives Bega access to Fonterra’s well‑established distribution network and retail channels.
Brand Heritage & Local Storytelling
Bega continues to double down on its Australian identity:
Emphasising its long history, dating back to 1899 in the Bega Valley
Highlighting long‑standing partnerships with 600 local dairy‑farming families
Employing more than 500 people in the Bega Valley, showing a real commitment to the local community
Exporting products to over 50 countries, reinforcing the global reach of its “Australian made” credentials
Product Innovation & Category Expansion
Bega keeps the market engaged through continuous innovation:
Cheese products come in a wide range of formats: slices, blocks, shreds, cheese sticks, kids’ cheese sticks, and more
Expanding beyond cheese into yoghurt, dairy drinks, juice, spreads, and other categories through acquisitions
Developing targeted products for different occasions—kids’ snacks, adult mealtime options, and food service
Integrated Multi‑Channel Distribution Network
Bega distributes through a nationwide network of production facilities, distribution centres, and local warehouses. Its sales channels include supermarket retail (Coles, Woolworths, and others), route trade, petrol stations and convenience stores, and food service.
6. Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, https://www.bundaberg.com/
Established in 1960, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is Australia’s largest family‑owned soft drink company, renowned for crafting non‑alcoholic beverages using traditional brewing methods. The company’s flagship product is its Ginger Beer—a brand known to 96% of Australian consumers. In the 2022 Canstar Blue consumer survey, Bundaberg was voted Australia’s best soft drink brand, beating out giants like Coca‑Cola and Pepsi.
Production Base: Master Brewery – located at 147 Bargara Rd, Bundaberg, Queensland
Main Products:
Ginger Beer Flagship product. Fermented for 3 days, alcohol content <0.2%, visible ginger sediment at the bottom of the bottle
Lemon, Lime and Bitters Brewed over 7 days
Sarsaparilla / Root Beer Traditional root‑based soft drink
Burgundee Creaming Soda Cream soda
Traditional Lemonade Classic lemonade
Fruit Flavours
Pink Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Guava, Passionfruit, Peach, Pineapple and Coconut, Tropical Mango
Diet Range
Diet Ginger Beer, Diet Lemon Lime and Bitters, Diet Sarsaparilla
Seasonal & Special Editions
Spiced Ginger Beer Christmas limited edition—infused with cinnamon and clove flavours
Mini Can Range (200ml / 250ml) Launched a canned range in 2021. In April 2025, introduced the “Refreshingly Light” low‑sugar line, available in Raspberry Pomegranate, Apple Lychee, and Lemon Watermelon.
Collaborations & Licensed Products
Whittaker’s Ginger caramel chocolate block (collaboration with Whittaker’s)
Bundaberg Rum Alcoholic ginger beer
Kettle Chips Ginger beer flavoured potato chips
Key marketing strategies:
Out‑of‑Home (OOH) Advertising: High‑Impact Summer Exposure
Over the 2024–2025 summer, Bundaberg teamed up with oOh!media to roll out high‑impact OOH ads across the Road network in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—Australia’s three biggest markets. The core strategy: reaching higher‑income consumers and older demographics while reinforcing its premium non‑alcoholic brand positioning.
Tourism‑Driven Marketing: The Bundaberg Barrel
The company has turned its factory into a major Australian tourist attraction, drawing in huge crowds year after year. It offers an immersive brand experience—a 360‑degree view of the brewing process, an interactive “guess the aroma” wall, and tastings of 16 different flavours. In 2025, it launched a “Brewed for Mates” local discount: Bundaberg residents can bring friends for a tour and get 20% off. The attraction has earned a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, putting it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
Global Distribution Partnerships
United States: In 2018, Bundaberg partnered with PepsiCo for distribution, gaining access to over 400,000 retail outlets, including shops, restaurants, and bars.
Strategy: In every overseas market, Bundaberg chooses partners who are in it for the long haul—not just chasing short‑term sales.
Result: First‑year exports to the US were just 150,000 bottles; by 2016, that number had climbed to 15 million.
Packaging as a Marketing Asset
Bundaberg’s distinctive stubby glass bottle and ring‑pull cap have become iconic brand assets:
Visual Identity: In a sea of look‑alike soda packaging, the unique bottle shape makes it stand out instantly on the shelf.
Opening Ritual: The company even shot an ad teaching consumers how to open it properly—”Flip it. Ring it. Sip it.”
Nostalgic Appeal: Founder Cliff Fleming once said, “That short, stubby glass bottle has always been our trademark.”
Transparent Glass: It shows off the vibrant colours inside—bright pink guava, blush pink grapefruit—creating a strong visual hook.
Premium Brand Storytelling
Overseas, Bundaberg leans heavily into a premium, quality‑driven narrative:
Storytelling Angle What It Means
Real Ingredients Uses real ginger and real fruit—you can see the sediment at the bottom of the bottle
Traditional Craft Naturally carbonated through 3–7 days of fermentation
Unique Experience The ritual of popping the ring‑pull, the nostalgic glass bottle
Australian Authenticity “Australia’s good image makes overseas consumers more open to embracing the brand”
Derika Legg, US General Manager, puts it this way: “Adult consumers are looking for something more premium—something a bit more special than their everyday soda. A drink you actually want to savour.”
Local Australian Identity
Bundaberg builds a strong moat around its brand by leaning into its “Australian made” identity:
85% of Australian consumers say they would consider buying Bundaberg products
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese personally attended the opening of its new factory, remarking, “There’s nothing that cools down an Aussie more than cracking open a Bundaberg.”
The company sponsors Australian sporting events, and all its factories are located on home soil.
Social Media & Digital Presence
Bundaberg shares its brand story and company culture through platforms like LinkedIn, while using TikTok and other channels for creative short‑form videos—including plenty of that ring‑pull opening ritual content. Throughout, it keeps the focus on being a family‑owned, four‑generation business with genuine heart.
7. Remedy Drinks, https://www.remedydrinks.com/
Established in 2012, Remedy Drinks is Australia’s leading “better‑for‑you” functional beverage company and the third‑largest kombucha brand in the world. The company was founded by husband‑and‑wife team Sarah and Emmet Condon, who started brewing kombucha in their home kitchen in Melbourne back in 2012. What began as a small‑batch kombucha operation has since grown into a health‑focused drinks manufacturer spanning multiple categories.
Production Base: Dandenong South Fermentation Facility – the company’s core production site, located in Dandenong South, Melbourne, Victoria.
Main Products:
Brand / Product Line Flavours / Variants
Remedy Kombucha Raspberry Lemon, Ginger Lemon, Mixed Berry, Peach, Lime Mint, Passionfruit
Remedy Sodaly Raspberry Pomegranate, Apple Lychee, Lemon Watermelon, and others
Remedy Ginger Beer Original Ginger Beer, Lime Ginger Beer
Remedy Shots Immune+ Shot, and others
Remedy KICK Natural energy drink
Remedy Switchel ACV Apple cider vinegar hydration drink
Key marketing strategies:
Bold, Playful Experiential Marketing (The “Get Sodaly Addicted” Campaign)
In February 2026, Remedy hit the beaches—Manly in Sydney and St Kilda in Melbourne—with an outdoor experiential campaign called “Get Sodaly Addicted” to promote its Sodaly sugar‑free soda line.
The Creative Hook: The campaign cheekily positioned Sodaly as “the good kind of addiction.” Mysterious crates appeared on the sand, emblazoned with signs reading “Sodaly dealers operate in this area.” Branded “dealers” then walked the beach handing out free products to sunbathers.
Brand Ambassadors & Cross‑Industry Collaborations
Ben Shewry Partnership: Remedy teamed up with Ben Shewry, head chef of Australia’s top‑tier restaurant Attica. Shewry serves as a brand ambassador, appearing as “Dr Kombucha” in a series of educational brand videos.
Attica Co‑Branded Product: Remedy and Attica also launched a limited‑edition “Strawberries & Cream” kombucha flavour, available exclusively through Coles.
Social Media & Content Marketing
Remedy uses social media to build category leadership through educational content:
Produces videos and blog posts explaining the ins and outs of SCOBY (the kombucha fermentation culture), organic acids, live probiotics, and other technical topics
Posts fun, engaging annual recaps—”Remedy Wrapped”—sharing brand stats (e.g., in 2024, Remedy used 31.5 million tea bags and 13 tonnes of organic ginger)
Retail Partnerships & Channel Expansion
New products roll out through major Australian supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths
A partnership with Chemist Warehouse brings Remedy Shots functional concentrates into the pharmacy channel
Expanding into convenience stores—for example, three kombucha SKUs now on shelf at 7‑Eleven Malaysia
Globalisation & Localisation Strategy
In North America and Europe, Remedy uses co‑packing arrangements to handle local production and distribution
Tailors product formats and channel strategies to fit different markets
Leverages cross‑border fund management solutions from CommBank to support its global growth
Community Initiatives & Sustainability
Teamed up with Coles and SecondBite to launch a “Festive Batch” holiday flavour, donating 20 cents from every bottle sold to help address food insecurity
Employees take part in Clean Up Australia Day and volunteer at FareShare community gardens
Its Dandenong facility has achieved a 5‑star Green Star certification, underscoring an ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint
Consumer Co‑Creation & Feedback‑Driven Development
Remedy places a huge emphasis on listening to its customers:
Continuously gathers input through brand research, direct conversations, and online communities
Has brought back discontinued fan‑favourite flavours in response to popular demand
Its consumer‑driven product development model ensures new products hit the market with confidence, meeting real needs right out of the gate
8. Bickford’s Australia, https://www.bickfordsgroup.com/
Established in 1939, Bickford’s Australia is one of the country’s oldest and most cherished beverage brands—and one of the few independent drink companies still family‑owned and run in Australia. The company started out making traditional cordials and has since grown into a comprehensive beverage group, spanning cordial syrups, juices, sodas, carbonated soft drinks, mixers, and alcoholic beverages.
Production Base: Salisbury South工厂, 162 Cross Keys Road, Salisbury South, SA 5106
Main Products:
Bickford’s product portfolio covers a wide range of categories, including cordial syrups, juices, sodas, carbonated soft drinks, mixers, coffee syrups, kids’ drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
Traditional Cordials Cordial
Lime, Lemon, Bitter Lemon, Lemon Barley, Lemon Lime & Bitters, Sarsaparilla, Blackcurrant, Peach Tea, Raspberry, Ginger Beer
No Added Sugar Range
Lemon, Lime, Tropical, Lemon Lime & Bitters, Raspberry
Non‑Alcoholic Beverages
Premium Juices Premium Juice Berry & Acai, Pear, Pomegranate, Cranberry, Prune, Coconut, Blueberry
Classic Juices Classic Juice Tropical, Apple & Passionfruit, Apple & Blackcurrant, Apple & Peach
Old Style Sodas Old Style Soda Lemon Lime & Bitters, Ginger Beer, Creaming Soda, Original Cola, Sarsaparilla
Mixers Mixers Ginger Ale, Bitter Lemon, Tonic Water, Soda Water
Milkshake / Iced Coffee Milk Mix / Iced Coffee Strawberry, Caramel, Vanilla Malt, Chocolate; Iced Coffee Syrup (original 1919 recipe)
Kids’ Drinks Fruities / Robinson’s Fruit Shoot Juice drinks
Bottled Water Aqua Pura Purified water
Coffee Enhancers Coffee Enhancers Salted Caramel, Roasted Hazelnut (new in 2024)
Alcoholic Beverages (operated through Vok Beverages)
Category Brand / Product
RTD (Ready‑to‑Drink) UDL, Ruski (acquired in 2025)
Gin 23rd Street Signature Gin
Whisky Beenleigh Distillery products
Wine Beresford Estate
Craft Beer Vale Brewing
Vodka, Brandy 23rd Street Distillery
Key marketing strategies:
150th Anniversary Brand Refresh (2024)
In 2024, to celebrate 150 years of cordial production, Bickford’s rolled out a brand refresh across its entire product range. The update retains traditional elements while introducing a cleaner, more modern look, and applies to all product lines—cordials, carbonated drinks, and coffee enhancers. One notable change was the removal of the ribbon motif that had been part of the branding since Ann Margaret Bickford’s era. Owner Angelo Kotses admitted, “Taking the ribbon off was a hard decision—it really shows our commitment to modern design while still respecting our heritage.” The goal: boost shelf presence and market appeal to support the brand’s continued growth.
Sports Marketing & Cross‑Industry Collaboration
Travis Head “Headliner Spritz” Partnership (2025–2026 Summer)
Aspect Details
Partner Travis Head, Australian Test batter
Product Headliner Spritz (23rd Street Signature Gin blended with watermelon, apple, mint, lime, and Cawsey’s Pomegranate Cordial)
Highlight The drink changes colour when stirred with a finger—a nod to Head’s iconic “finger on ice” celebration move
Venue Served at the Headliner Pavilion in the SACA members’ area during the Adelaide Test match
Product Innovation Driving Growth
Bickford’s keeps the momentum going through continuous product innovation:
Year Innovation
2024 Launched 15+ new SKUs, including Salted Caramel and Roasted Hazelnut coffee enhancers
2025 Introduced the “No Added Sugar” cordial line, replacing the old Diet and Sugar Free ranges—no artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners
2025 Acquired UDL and Ruski brands to expand its RTD portfolio
Tourism & Cellar Door Experiences
The Bickford’s group leverages its various tourism assets to create hands‑on brand experiences:
23rd Street Distillery: Gold medal winner at the South Australian Tourism Awards; gold winner in the Tourism Wineries/Distilleries category at the Queensland Tourism Awards
Beenleigh Distillery: Gold winner in the Tourism Wineries/Distilleries category at the Queensland Tourism Awards
Beresford Estate & Vale Restaurant & Bar: Offers dining and wine‑tasting experiences
Heritage & Local Identity Storytelling
Bickford’s continues to reinforce its image as Australia’s oldest beverage brand:
Emphasises its founding in 1839 and the start of cordial production in 1874
In 2024, the South Australian Parliament passed a motion formally recognising Bickford’s 150th anniversary and its contribution to the state’s manufacturing sector
In 2006, Bickford’s Lime Juice Cordial was listed as a heritage icon by the National Trust of South Australia
The brown lime juice cordial is unique to South Australia—versions in other states are light green, while Western Australia’s is a paler shade
Global Exports & Channel Expansion
Exports to more than 45 countries
Products available at Countdown supermarkets in New Zealand
Expands global reach through international food fairs like Gulfood
Social Media & Content Marketing
Bickford’s Group stays active on platforms like LinkedIn, posting about:
New product launches (e.g., No Added Sugar Cordial)
Brand acquisition announcements (UDL, Ruski)
Tourism award wins
Employee stories and company culture
Festive greetings and seasonal content
Group Synergies & Diversification
Bickford’s makes the most of its diverse group assets for cross‑promotion:
Uses 23rd Street Distillery’s gin in Vok Beverages’ RTD products
Leverages wine resources from Beresford Estate
Expands into craft beer through Vale Brewing
Following the acquisition of UDL and Ruski in 2025, the company has created even stronger synergies within the RTD space
9. Lion, https://www.lionco.com/
Established in 1840, Lion is a leading Australian beverage company headquartered in Sydney and a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s Kirin Group. The company operates across beer, cider, ready‑to‑drink (RTD) products, spirits, and wine, with deep‑rooted market presence in both Australia and New Zealand.
Production Base:
Lion operates 19 production sites across Australia and New Zealand, with ongoing investment in brewing, packaging, and innovation.
Key Production Facilities
Facility Location Primary Function
Tooheys Production Facility New South Wales Beer production (operates a 24/7 environmental complaints line)
The Heritage Burnie, Tasmania Formerly the largest specialty cheese production facility in the Southern Hemisphere—completed a $150 million upgrade in 2015
Note: Lion historically ran a dairy business (including cheese), but in recent years has sharpened its focus on the alcohol beverage space. For a full, up‑to‑date list of production sites, it’s best to check Lion’s official website
Main Products:
Lion has a portfolio of 155 beverage brands spanning beer, cider, ready‑to‑drink (RTD) products, spirits, and wine.
Beer Brands
Brand Origin Notes
XXXX Queensland, Australia Iconic Queensland beer brand
Tooheys New South Wales, Australia Classic NSW beer brand
Hahn Australia Well‑known Australian beer brand
Stone & Wood Australia Craft beer brand
Little Creatures Australia Craft beer brand
Steinlager New Zealand Classic New Zealand lager
Speight’s New Zealand Iconic South Island beer brand
Mac’s New Zealand New Zealand craft beer brand
Panhead New Zealand New Zealand craft beer brand
Emerson’s New Zealand New Zealand craft beer brand
KIRIN Ichiban Japan / ANZ Kirin’s flagship beer
KIRIN Hyoketsu Japan / ANZ Kirin’s frozen‑style RTD
Spirits & Ready‑to‑Drink (RTD)
Brand Category
Four Pillars Gin Gin
Vanguard Luxury Spirits Spirits
Various RTDs Ready‑to‑drink pre‑mixed cocktails
Wine Brands
Lion boasts an “enviable portfolio of New Zealand wine brands” and also has a premium boutique wine business in North America
Key marketing strategies:
Digital Marketing & Media Transformation
In 2025, Lion moved its media planning and buying account to EssenceMediacom, ending a nine‑year relationship with incumbent agency UM. The account is reportedly worth around AU$60 million.
New CEO Sahasrabuddhe has made it clear that Lion will double down on digital transformation and product innovation, while also strengthening supply chain operations and customer partnerships.
Brand Image Overhaul
Back in 2021, when she was head of brand, Sahasrabuddhe said the beer category had “lost its way” and that Lion was “looking for growth opportunities beyond beer.” She’s pushed for moving on from outdated brand positioning and tired old formulas, aiming for a brand voice that better reflects the diversity of contemporary Australian society.
Key strategies include:
Drawing on the personalisation and variety that made craft beer successful
Borrowing from New Zealand colleagues’ “fearless” approach to marketing
Avoiding the chilling effect of “cancel culture” on fun advertising, while pushing for more inclusive brand expression
B Corp Certification as Brand Cred
Lion’s B Corp certification, awarded in July 2025, has become a significant brand asset. By showcasing its performance across governance (15.2 points), workers (23.0), community (18.6), and environment (19.1), the company positions itself as a responsible business in the eyes of consumers.
Lion’s sustainability commitments include:
Environmental leadership
Positive social impact
Strengthening governance
Sports & Cultural Sponsorships
Several Lion brands have long‑standing sports and event sponsorship ties, including:
Tooheys with major Australian sporting events
XXXX deeply embedded in Queensland sports culture
Steinlager’s partnership with New Zealand rugby
Product Innovation Driving Growth
Lion has made product innovation a core growth strategy:
Continuously rolling out new RTD flavours and formats
Expanding into craft beer and craft spirits
Leveraging Kirin Group’s global reach to introduce Japanese brands (e.g., KIRIN Ichiban, KIRIN Hyoketsu)
Employer Branding & Talent Attraction
Lion attracts talent through its “Don’t settle for ordinary” employer brand, highlighting:
A “pub‑friendly” workplace culture
Flexible work policies
Product allowances as part of the perks package
A genuine commitment to environmental sustainability
This employer branding work also subtly reinforces a “fun and feisty” brand image among consumers.
10. Noumi Limited, https://noumi.com.au/
Established in 1984, Noumi Limited is a well‑known Australian fast‑moving consumer goods company, specialising in the production and sale of dairy products, plant‑based beverages, and nutritional products. The company was formerly known as Freedom Foods Group Limited and changed its name to Noumi Limited in November 2021. Headquartered in Ingleburn, New South Wales, Noumi is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker code NOU.
Production Base: Noumi operates manufacturing facilities in Victoria and New South Wales. Its core production sites are:
Location Primary Function
Ingleburn, NSW Headquarters and main production facility
Victoria Dairy and plant‑based beverage production
Main Products:
Noumi has a strong and diverse brand portfolio spanning plant‑based beverages, dairy products, and nutritional products.
Brand Product Type Key Characteristics
MILKLAB Barista‑focused plant‑based milks Australia’s leading coffee channel brand, present in 73% of Australian cafés
Australia’s Own Dairy and plant‑based beverages Core consumer brand, offering kids’ milk, high‑protein milk, and more
So Natural Plant‑based beverages and dairy Positioned around natural health
Crankt Functional drinks Energy and sports recovery
Vital Strength Sports nutrition Protein powders, nutritional supplements
PUREnFERRIN Lactoferrin Premium nutritional ingredient
Representative New Products (2026)
In March 2026, Noumi’s Australia’s Own brand launched two innovative kids’ milk products:
Product Name Features Price
Kids No Sugar Added Chocolate Milk No added sugar, 5‑star health rating, contains vitamin B2 and calcium $6.20 (6‑pack)
High Protein Chocolate Milk High protein, post‑workout recovery formula, 5‑star health rating $5.00 (3‑pack)
Both products contain no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, are school canteen compliant, and are available at Woolworths stores nationwide.
MILKLAB Brand Details
MILKLAB is Noumi’s barista‑focused milk brand built specifically for the coffee channel. Its product range includes:
Plant‑based range: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk
Dairy range: Full‑cream milk, skim milk
Key marketing strategies:
Channel Deepening: Barista Community Marketing
MILKLAB’s core promotional strategy revolves around the barista community.
B2B2C model: Get baristas to endorse the product first, and they’ll influence consumers in turn.
Top‑tier barista partnerships: Working with world‑class latte art champions and professional roasters.
Premium positioning: Teaming up with high‑end cafés to build a professional “barista‑only” brand image.
Overseas marketing: Inviting international clients to Australia for site visits, giving them a firsthand look at the brand’s premium credentials.
As Noumi’s Chief Marketing Officer Gerard Smith put it at the FBIF2024 forum: “If baristas love our product, they’ll help promote it—and that will get more consumers to fall in love with the brand.”
Product Innovation Driving Growth
Noumi continues to expand its market share through ongoing product innovation.
March 2026: Launched Australia’s Own kids’ milk range, targeting the “lunchbox milk” segment—a category worth AU$23.3 million annually in Australia, with chocolate milk accounting for 70% of sales.
Health credentials: The new products carry a 5‑star health rating and school canteen compliance, aligning with retailers’ growing tendency to make shelf decisions based on health star ratings.
International Expansion
Noumi is actively pushing into overseas markets, particularly in Asia.
MILKLAB has already entered China, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and other markets.
The company plans to invest AU$20 million to expand production capacity and extend its plant‑based product line, with an eye on the Asian market.
Social Media & Consumer Engagement
Noumi connects with younger consumers through platforms like TikTok.
Encourages users to share creative coffee concoctions—like coffee mixed with cocktails.
Highlights MILKLAB’s latte art advantages, noting that it offers better stretch and texture than many other dairy options.
Sustainability & Technological Innovation
Noumi has formed strategic partnerships with European dairy technology companies to bring in advanced techniques that boost production efficiency while cutting carbon emissions. Sustainability is woven throughout the brand’s messaging, aligning perfectly with the “green, healthy, sustainable” consumer trend driving the plant‑based category.
Portfolio Strategy
Noumi uses a multi‑brand strategy to cover different consumption occasions:
Brand Target Occasion
MILKLAB Professional coffee channels
Australia’s Own Household consumption (kids, health‑conscious adults)
Vital Strength / Crankt Sports nutrition
PUREnFERRIN Premium nutrition products
11. Conclusion
Homegrown brands like Bundaberg and Remedy have struck a chord with consumers—one leaning on traditional craft, the other on better‑for‑you appeal. Meanwhile, household names like Bega and Bickford’s are firmly embedded in the national consciousness, while giants such as Asahi and Lion offer an extensive range of choices across the board.
CCEP, Asahi, and Suntory, backed by their global parent companies, enjoy rock‑solid positions in the market. Noumi is working its way through a post‑restructuring phase, and Bega is navigating pressure on profit margins—making their brand strategies and overseas expansion the key stories to watch.
12. FAQS
Setting up a beverage business is a complex undertaking that pulls together capital, technical know‑how, regulatory compliance, and market strategy. For anyone starting out, there are three core questions worth thinking through before taking the plunge.
Question 1: Is my strength in “production” or “brand”?
In a nutshell: You need to get clear on your business model. If you’re production‑focused, you’ll be looking at heavy upfront investment—a filling line alone can run into the millions—along with securing steady contract manufacturing clients and navigating the ins and outs of food safety compliance. If brand is your focus, you can go the co‑packing route, channelling your resources into product development, marketing, and getting distribution in place. For most people starting out, a brand‑led, asset‑light approach comes with lower risk—but it’s a crowded space. Going the production route is a heavier lift, but if you lock in a solid client base, you’ve built yourself a pretty serious moat.
Question 2: How do I crack the “chicken‑and‑egg” distribution problem?
In a nutshell: Distribution is everything in this industry. Major supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths typically expect products to come with a strong marketing budget or a clear point of difference before they’ll give you shelf space. So you need to think about your route to market. Do you go direct to consumers first—selling through an online store, building a following, or hitting weekend markets—to build up some traction? Or do you jump straight into traditional retail, knowing you’ll need to leave around 30–50% margin on the table for your retail partners? Many startups sidestep the giants altogether, getting their start in independent cafés, gyms, or specialty foodservice venues.
Question 3: How do I handle the hidden hurdles of food safety and compliance?
In a nutshell: The food and beverage space is tightly regulated. In Australia, you’ll need to meet the standards set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and secure the necessary licences. This covers:
Formulation compliance: Making sure ingredients, additives, and nutritional content meet the rules
Packaging and labelling: Accurate nutritional panels, allergen declarations, and batch traceability all have to be spot on
Production licensing: If you’re setting up your own factory, you’ll need local council health approvals and HACCP certification
Getting compliance wrong—whether it’s microbial contamination or misleading labels—can lead to product recalls, or worse, put the whole business at risk.
