Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has been named as Queensland’s fourteenth #eatqld Champion.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Bundaberg Brewed Drinks had been chosen for their long and proud history of creating premium, craft-brewed drinks.
“Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is a proud family owned business formed in 1968 by Neville and Gladys Fleming together with their son Cliff and daughter-in-law Lee,” Mr Furner said.
“Over that time, the Flemings have continually evolved and adapted their business to meet numerous challenges and grow their reputation for delivering premium beverages including Australia’s number one ginger beer.
“Their ‘Brewed to Be Better’ promise is reflected in the fact that their products are exported to more than 60 countries around the world including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Singapore and are served on QANTAS flights.
“The Flemings live the #eatqld mantra by proudly sourcing local product whenever they can and even growing some of their own.”
Mr Furner said every economy had been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but agriculture was playing a key role as the Palaszczuk Government implements Queensland’s $8 billion plan for economic recovery.
“Their example is truly inspirational as we unite and recover from the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Furner said.
“They will be fine ambassadors promoting Queensland’s world of flavour from the state of delicious.”
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks’ CEO John McLean, son-in-law of founder, Cliff Fleming, said being an #eatqld Champion would be a wonderful opportunity to promote Bundaberg as a region that generates quality produce and is deservedly recognised as one of Australia’s great ‘Food Bowls.’
“Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is very proud of their Ginger Beer that uses a unique brewing process that extracts an unsurpassed depth and complexity of flavour from local ingredients.” Mr McLean said.
“We planted our first ginger crop in 2004 to ensure we always had a constant supply of the best quality ginger, Queensland Gold, which we regard as the best type of ginger to optimise the taste profile of our Ginger Beer.
“Using local ingredients has underpinned our company’s growth and expansion into international markets and, as a #eatqld Champion, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks now has another way to highlight Queensland’s wonderful produce industry.”
Mr Furner said the Queensland Government’s #eatqld campaign encouraged the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state’s agricultural sector.
“Our produce is second to none. We are urging everybody to explore Queensland-grown food and when you do, we ask that you take a photograph and share it online using the hashtag #eatqld,” Mr Furner said.
“By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table.”
Previous #eatqld Champions include Creek to Coast host Scott Hillier, Walkamin entrepreneur Krista Watkins, Bowen horticulturalist Carl Walker, and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre’s Executive Chef David Pugh.
