Environmentally-friendly brew
It’s Australia first, then overseas markets
A BEER helping to conserve one of Queensland’s greatest natural icons could start eyeing export markets as early as next year.
But first Great Barrier Beer founder James Grugeon will focus on winning over Australians with the pale ale being available in BWS stores across Queensland from today.
Mr Grugeon said it was a massive milestone for the social enterprise, which started earlier this year after a successful crowd-funding campaign.
“We’ve created 4500 cartons since we started and raised $15,000 for AMCS,” he said.
A BEER helping to conserve one of Queensland’s greatest natural icons could start eyeing export markets as early as next year.
But first The Good Beer Co founder James Grugeon will focus on winning over Australians with his Great Barrier Beer brew after it was stocked in BWS stores across Queensland yesterday.
Mr Grugeon said it was a massive milestone for the social enterprise, which started earlier this year after a successful crowd-funding campaign.
“We’ve created 4500 car- tons since we started and raised $15,000 for AMCS,” he said.
“We aim to raise $100,000 by the end of the year.
“We’ve had a great reaction from overseas customers who have tried the beer at the Pullman International Hotel.
“The export market is probably something we will look at towards the middle of next year.
“For now, the focus is on getting it out across Australia.”
Half the profits from sales of the Great Barrier Beer are donated to the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s work to protect the Reef.
The Good Beer Co has started a second crowd-funding campaign to raise enough money to enter the Sydney and Melbourne markets.
A competition has also been launched where the public can vote for the next style of beer to be brewed by the company.
BWS beer category manager Sid Ajala said stocking a beer made by a social enterprise was a first for the company.
“It’s a great mid-strength session pale ale that we know our customers will enjoy drinking,” he said. “And craft beer is the fastest-growing segment of beer in Australia.”
AMCS’s Great Barrier Reef campaign director Imogen Zethoven welcomed the news.
“There really couldn’t be anything easier than doing good by enjoying a good beer,” she said.
“The Reef needs all of our help right now and this revolutionary beer is raising muchneeded funds to support our education programs with tour operators and farmers that will conserve our national icon.”