Distillers South Australia upcoming events

Making the Most of International Spirit Trade Shows (30 Apr 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Making the Most of International Spirit Trade Shows

Presented by Will Pitchforth, Cheval Rouge

Thursday 30 April, 9:30am-10:15am (ACDT)

FREE online webinar (link to be sent)

*this session will not be recorded*

Thinking about attending an international spirit trade show but unsure where to focus your time and budget?

This webinar provides a concise, expert‑led overview of how distillers can approach trade shows strategically, followed by a live opportunity to ask your own questions. Drawing on extensive international experience, Will Pitchforth will share what actually works when standing behind a trade stand — and the common tropes to avoid.

With only one live session and no recording available, this is a limited opportunity to get practical guidance tailored to your business. Come with questions!

Will Pitchforth is the founder of Cheval Rouge, an Australian consultancy that helps distilleries and drinks brands navigate export markets and international trade shows. With hands on experience supporting producers at major global events across Asia, Europe and North America, Will brings a practical, commercial perspective to making the most of export trade shows.

Key topics discussed

How to choose the right international trade shows

for your product and export goals

What works (and what doesn’t)

when engaging buyers on‑site

How to turn trade show conversations into

real commercial leads

A live Q&A with an expert, focused on your specific markets and challenges

How To Take Your Spirits Global: A masterclass for emerging exporters (11 May 2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 23:30:00 GMT

How To Take Your Spirits Global

A masterclass for emerging spirits exporters

Monday 11 May, 9am-5pm

There are increasing opportunities in international markets for Australian spirits, but the pathway to export requires careful planning and identification of the best market and distribution channels for your product.

This spirits export masterclass is a practical workshop which will help you draft an export plan and budget to make export profitable for your business. It is suitable for distilleries getting ready to export within the next 2 years (those new and returning to market) and for team members responsible for growing export sales.

Receive practical spirits specific tools, information and resources about;

Current market trends and opportunities for SA spirits internationally
Understanding the models to export spirits

Drafting a 2-3 year Export Plan
- Why and how are you exporting?
- Setting a budget for export
- Planned market entry and promotional activities

Identifying if a market is right for you
- Channel and distribution structures for spirits (how they differ from market to market)
- How to research spirits consumer trends and import requirements in international markets (using AI, digital tools and resources to your advantage)
- Tariffs, product labelling summaries, duties etc
- Freight and trade routes to market
- Pricing your product

Entering a market
- Preparing a pitch
- Securing a distributor
- In-market activities (pre and post securing a distributor

Cost: $250pp (1 attendee)

$200pp (for every additional guest booked from same organisation)

Tickets are available at a significantly subsidised price thanks to Austrade's Export Market Development Program. Ticket includes access to all templates, resources and materials, morning tea and lunch per person.

Distillers SA is working closely with the Department of State Development and Austrade to grow SA spirits exports internationally in the next 3 years to 2027. Distilleries who attend this masterclass will gain priority access to apply for opportunities for further training, mentoring and to attend SA spirits trade missions in international priority markets.

Please contact Chloe for more information.

Just a Nip: Distillers SA Networking Night & Farewell (13 May 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Just a Nip: Distillers SA Networking Night & Farewell

"Dynamic duos & the future of SA distilling"

Wednesday 13 May, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Hains & Co., 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide

Free to attend for Distillers SA members and Industry Partners.

$20pp for non-members. Free drink on arrival and snacks provided.

What does Batman & Robin, Mulder & Scully, Simon & Garfunkel,

George Georgiadis (Never Never Distilling) and Marcus Motteram (Hains & Co.) have in common?

These dynamic duos show how strong partnerships create real value for each other and for the communities they serve. Join us for a relaxed networking night as George and Marcus share a candid look at what bars really want from SA distillers.

It’s also our last chance to raise a glass to the end of an era and celebrate the huge contributions of our outgoing President, George Georgiadis, and Vice President, Jon Durdin, who helped build and grow Distillers SA and the SA spirit sector. We’ll toast their achievements and introduce the new leaders ready to carry the industry forward.

Special thanks to Fever Tree for being our mixer partner for this, and all, Distillers SA events and to Hains & Co. for hosting us for this special night.