The parent company behind the Margaret River Distilling Co has been named the 2017 Telstra WA Business of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony in Perth on Saturday.
The Great Southern Distilling Company (GSDC), which was also awarded the top prize in the competition’s Small Business category, took home the major prize at the 25th annual awards.
Founder Cameron Syme said the business’ strengths lay in its ability to connect with emerging consumer trends.
“Customers want top quality, Australian-made products with real country provenance,” he said.
“We solve that problem, distilling internationally award-winning whiskies, gins and liqueurs using the best home grown Western Australian products.
“For us quality is always the priority over quantity.”
Representing both WA and Australia on the global stage, this small business has proven they are a cut above the rest and are more than capable of taking on major spirit houses from established regions like Scotland and the USA.
- Brendan Donohoe, Telstra Small Business Executive Director
The business, with locations in Margaret River, Albany and Porongorups, is known for its Limeburners branded whisky and has picked up national and international awards for their products, including the World Whiskies Awards' 2017 Best Australian Grain Whisky and 2017 Best Australian Single Malt Under 12 Years.
Leading whisky critic Jim Murray recognised the GSDC as ranking in the top two per cent of the world’s whisky producers.
Telstra Small Business Executive Director Brendan Donohoe said the GSDC demonstrated what it took to become “that” business.
“The Western Australian winners are all underpinned by strong leadership teams who have recognised the importance of technology to successfully engaging staff and driving business growth,” he said.
“For the Great Southern Distilling Company, their team spirit and ambition to excel has undoubtedly enabled the business to emerge as a powerful force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive industry.
“Representing both WA and Australia on the global stage, this small business has proven they are a cut above the rest and are more than capable of taking on major spirit houses from established regions like Scotland and the USA.”
The company will open its largest venue, The Tiger Snake Distillery, in the Porongorups later this year.
Winners of the State awards will join other State and Territory winners at the national awards in Sydney on August 25.
