More than 80 distillers from across NSW and the ACT will gather in Sydney this week to officially launch Spirits NSW, an association designed to unify, strengthen and champion the region’s rapidly expanding craft spirits sector.

The association will hold a landmark event – the first-ever NSW & ACT Distillers Conference – at the Park Hyatt Sydney on 25 November 2025.

The one-day conference will bring together distillers, policymakers, hospitality leaders and trade partners for keynote presentations, technical workshops, export discussions and industry networking.

NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues will be the keynote speaker. He will explore the evolving night-time economy and its critical links to hospitality, spirits, events and on-premise innovation.

President of NSW & ACT Distillers Association Christian Young (above) said: “We are thrilled to have Michael Rodrigues join us. His work championing the night-time economy directly intersects with the growth of our sector.

“Distilleries, small bars, events and hospitality partners are part of a broader cultural and economic ecosystem. His presence underscores the significance of what we’re building.”

Spirits NSW will serve as the central platform for:

• Government Advocacy (regulation, tourism, export readiness)
• Whole-of-industry communication
• Safety, training and workforce development programs
• Trade promotion and category visibility
• Regional branding initiatives and spirits tourism

“Spirits NSW allows us to present a coordinated, consistent and credible voice,” Young said.

“It strengthens our position with government, trade, media and tourism, and helps us build long-term outcomes for members. It ensures our industry speaks with one strong voice and is recognised as a serious contributor to the state’s economy.”

Young is the co-founder of Lord Howe Island Distilling, which took home the Champion Other Gin title at the 2024 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show.

Spirits NSW said the Australian spirits industry was on a strong upward trajectory, with robust performance across gin, vodka, whisky, rum and emerging botanically led expressions.

Key indicators of national momentum include:

• $15.5 billion contribution to economic activity
• 100,000+ jobs supported nationally
• 3.5 million distillery door visits annually — the fastest-growing tourism category
• 69% export growth over the past decade
• More than 160 distilleries now operating across NSW and the ACT.

NSW & ACT Distillers Association Vice President Eddie Brook (Cape Byron Distillery CEO) said: “Demand for spirits made in NSW continues to climb. Across the state, distillers are innovating, expanding and earning national and international recognition. But to truly unlock the commercial and tourism potential of our state, we need to move forward with a unified voice.

“Spirits NSW creates that platform enabling stronger branding, coordinated industry development, and the kind of high-value trade partnerships that will support long-term growth.”