GITNUXREPORT 2026

Australian Spirits Industry Statistics

Australian spirits production and sales are booming, with significant growth in gin and whisky.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Australians consumed 4.8 litres of pure alcohol from spirits per capita in 2022.

Statistic 2

Gin consumption volume rose 20% to 12 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 3

35% of Australians aged 18-34 consumed spirits weekly in 2022.

Statistic 4

RTDs accounted for 45% of total spirits consumption volume in 2023.

Statistic 5

Premium spirits consumption grew 28% among millennials in 2022.

Statistic 6

Average annual spirits consumption per adult was 8.2 litres in 2023.

Statistic 7

Women represented 42% of gin consumers in 2022.

Statistic 8

Whisky drinking occasions increased 15% to 250 million in 2023.

Statistic 9

Home consumption of spirits rose to 68% of total in 2022 post-COVID.

Statistic 10

Low/no alcohol spirits consumption hit 1.2 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 11

Urban consumers drank 55% more spirits than rural in 2022.

Statistic 12

Cocktail culture drove 30% of spirits volume in bars in 2023.

Statistic 13

Vodka remained the top consumed spirit at 35 million litres in 2022.

Statistic 14

Gen Z spirits trial rate was 62% in 2023.

Statistic 15

Seasonal peak consumption in December was 25% above average in 2022.

Statistic 16

Flavoured spirits consumption share was 22% in 2023.

Statistic 17

48% of consumers preferred Australian-made spirits in 2022 surveys.

Statistic 18

Per occasion pour size averaged 40ml for whisky in 2023.

Statistic 19

Rum consumption in QLD was 2x national average in 2022.

Statistic 20

Non-premium spirits still held 60% consumption volume in 2023.

Statistic 21

Social media influenced 55% of young adult spirits choices in 2022.

Statistic 22

Average drinking frequency for spirits was 2.1 times/week in 2023.

Statistic 23

Craft spirits consumer base grew to 15 million adults in 2022.

Statistic 24

Liqueur consumption peaked at night-time occasions 70% in 2023.

Statistic 25

Health-conscious consumers reduced spirits intake by 10% in 2022.

Statistic 26

Festival and event spirits consumption was 8 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 27

Brandy loyalists consumed 1.5 litres/person annually in 2022.

Statistic 28

The spirits industry employed 8,500 people directly in 2023.

Statistic 29

Number of distilleries reached 520 across Australia in 2022.

Statistic 30

Women comprised 32% of the spirits workforce in 2023.

Statistic 31

Average salary in distilleries was AUD 85,000 in 2022.

Statistic 32

1,200 new jobs created in craft distilling since 2020 by 2023.

Statistic 33

Tasmania hosted 120 distilleries, 23% of national total in 2022.

Statistic 34

Industry contributed AUD 1.2 billion to GDP in 2023.

Statistic 35

65% of distillery owners had agriculture backgrounds in 2022.

Statistic 36

Apprenticeships in distilling numbered 450 in 2023.

Statistic 37

Victoria had 150 spirits businesses employing 2,200 in 2022.

Statistic 38

Indigenous-owned distilleries: 12 in operation by 2023.

Statistic 39

R&D staff in spirits firms: 950 full-time equivalents in 2022.

Statistic 40

Turnover per employee averaged AUD 495,000 in 2023.

Statistic 41

NSW spirits sector employed 2,800 with 180 distilleries in 2022.

Statistic 42

Youth employment (under 25) was 18% of total workforce in 2023.

Statistic 43

Family-owned distilleries: 75% of total in 2022 survey.

Statistic 44

Export-related jobs: 1,500 positions in 2023.

Statistic 45

Sustainability officers in firms: increased to 220 in 2022.

Statistic 46

QLD rum industry employed 1,100 people in 2023.

Statistic 47

Average distillery size: 12 full-time staff in 2022.

Statistic 48

Veteran-owned spirits businesses: 25 registered in 2023.

Statistic 49

Training investments totalled AUD 15 million industry-wide in 2022.

Statistic 50

Regional employment share: 55% of total spirits jobs in 2023.

Statistic 51

Diversity training completed by 70% of workforce in 2022.

Statistic 52

SA distilleries employed 900 across 65 sites in 2023.

Statistic 53

Part-time workers: 25% of industry employment in 2022.

Statistic 54

Certifications held by staff: 85% WSET or equivalent in 2023.

Statistic 55

WA spirits sector growth added 400 jobs since 2021 by 2022.

Statistic 56

In 2022, Australian gin production reached 2.8 million litres, marking a 15% increase from 2021.

Statistic 57

Whisky production in Australia totalled 1.2 million litres in 2023, up 12% year-on-year.

Statistic 58

Rum distilleries produced 4.5 million litres of rum in 2021 across Queensland facilities.

Statistic 59

Vodka output from Australian distilleries hit 3.1 million litres in 2022.

Statistic 60

Craft spirits production grew by 25% to 1.8 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 61

Number of operational distilleries in Australia increased to 450 in 2023 from 380 in 2021.

Statistic 62

Tasmania produced 650,000 litres of premium whisky in 2022.

Statistic 63

Brandy production declined to 800,000 litres in 2022 due to market shifts.

Statistic 64

Liqueur manufacturing output was 1.1 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 65

New South Wales distilleries accounted for 28% of national spirits production in 2022.

Statistic 66

Victoria's gin distilleries produced 1.2 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 67

Average annual production per distillery was 33,000 litres in 2022.

Statistic 68

Organic spirits production reached 250,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 69

Single malt whisky output grew 18% to 450,000 litres in 2022.

Statistic 70

Premixed spirits (RTDs) production surged to 45 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 71

South Australia's distilleries produced 900,000 litres of spirits in 2022.

Statistic 72

Western Australia saw a 22% rise in local spirit production to 400,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 73

Barrel-aged spirits production totalled 2.1 million litres in 2022.

Statistic 74

Australian-made absinthe production was 50,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 75

Tequila-style agave spirits output hit 120,000 litres in 2022.

Statistic 76

Biodynamic spirits production increased to 80,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 77

Micro-distilleries (under 100,000 L/year) numbered 320 in 2022.

Statistic 78

High-proof neutral spirit production was 5.2 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 79

Flavoured vodka production reached 1.5 million litres in 2022.

Statistic 80

Heritage brandy distilleries produced 300,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 81

Experimental botanical gins totalled 750,000 litres in 2022.

Statistic 82

Carbon-neutral spirits production was 600,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 83

Queensland craft rum output grew to 1.8 million litres in 2022.

Statistic 84

Total pot still usage produced 900,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 85

Column still spirits production dominated at 60 million litres in 2022.

Statistic 86

The Australian spirits market was valued at AUD 4.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 87

Gin sales revenue reached AUD 850 million in 2022.

Statistic 88

Total domestic spirits sales volume was 120 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 89

Whisky segment generated AUD 650 million in revenue in 2023.

Statistic 90

RTD premixed spirits sales hit AUD 2.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 91

Vodka sales revenue totalled AUD 1.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 92

Online spirits sales grew 35% to AUD 450 million in 2022.

Statistic 93

Premium spirits (over AUD 50/bottle) sales were AUD 1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 94

Rum sales revenue increased to AUD 720 million in 2022.

Statistic 95

Total retail sales through bottle shops were AUD 3.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 96

Bar and hospitality sector spirits revenue was AUD 950 million in 2022.

Statistic 97

Craft spirits sales reached AUD 380 million in 2023.

Statistic 98

Liqueur and specialty sales generated AUD 420 million in 2022.

Statistic 99

Average bottle price for Australian spirits was AUD 65 in 2023.

Statistic 100

Export sales revenue for spirits was AUD 250 million in 2022.

Statistic 101

Domestic wholesale revenue totalled AUD 2.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 102

Gin category led sales growth at 18% to AUD 920 million in 2023.

Statistic 103

RTD sales volume was 55 million litres worth AUD 2.3 billion in 2022.

Statistic 104

Brandy sales declined to AUD 150 million in 2023.

Statistic 105

Supermarket chain spirits sales were AUD 1.4 billion in 2022.

Statistic 106

Independent retailers captured 22% of spirits sales revenue at AUD 900 million in 2023.

Statistic 107

Premium gin sales revenue hit AUD 550 million in 2022.

Statistic 108

Whisky retail sales grew 14% to AUD 720 million in 2023.

Statistic 109

Total industry profit margin averaged 12.5% on AUD 4.5 billion sales in 2022.

Statistic 110

Vodka RTDs generated AUD 1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 111

Duty-paid spirits sales value was AUD 3.9 billion in 2022.

Statistic 112

Per capita spirits expenditure was AUD 145 in 2023.

Statistic 113

Market share of Australian-made spirits in domestic sales was 18% valued at AUD 760 million in 2022.

Statistic 114

Annual growth in spirits revenue was 8.2% from 2021 to 2023.

Statistic 115

Australian spirits exports totalled 5.2 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 116

Spirits export value reached AUD 180 million in 2022.

Statistic 117

USA was the top export market with 1.8 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 118

Gin exports grew 32% to 2.1 million litres in 2022.

Statistic 119

Whisky exports to UK hit 650,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 120

Imports of spirits were 85 million litres valued at AUD 1.9 billion in 2022.

Statistic 121

China imported AUD 45 million worth of Australian spirits in 2023.

Statistic 122

EU markets took 28% of total spirits exports in 2022.

Statistic 123

Rum exports reached 900,000 litres primarily to Asia in 2023.

Statistic 124

Import duty on foreign spirits generated AUD 2.5 billion in revenue in 2022.

Statistic 125

Singapore was the 3rd largest export destination with 450,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 126

Premium spirits exports value grew 25% to AUD 120 million in 2022.

Statistic 127

Canada imported 320,000 litres of Australian whisky in 2023.

Statistic 128

Total trade surplus/deficit in spirits was -AUD 1.7 billion in 2022.

Statistic 129

Japan spirits imports from Australia doubled to 280,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 130

Vodka exports were minimal at 150,000 litres in 2022.

Statistic 131

FTA benefits boosted exports to Korea by 40% in 2023.

Statistic 132

Middle East markets imported 200,000 litres of premium gin in 2022.

Statistic 133

Import growth rate for spirits was 5% YoY to 89 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 134

NZ took 15% of Australian spirits exports at 780,000 litres in 2022.

Statistic 135

Scotch whisky imports dominated at 25 million litres in 2023.

Statistic 136

Export certifications issued numbered 12,500 for spirits in 2022.

Statistic 137

Taiwan market grew to AUD 30 million in spirits imports in 2023.

Statistic 138

RTD exports hit 1.5 million litres to Pacific islands in 2022.

Statistic 139

US tariffs impacted exports by reducing volume 8% in 2023.

Statistic 140

Hong Kong duty-free sales of Aus spirits were AUD 22 million in 2022.

Statistic 141

Brandy exports remained steady at 100,000 litres in 2023.

Statistic 142

Digital trade platforms facilitated 10% of spirits exports in 2022.

1/142

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While some industries are slowing down, Australia's spirits sector is bursting at the seams, with craft production soaring by 25%, a 450% boom in local gin, and over 520 distilleries now dotting the landscape from coast to coast.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Australian gin production reached 2.8 million litres, marking a 15% increase from 2021.
Whisky production in Australia totalled 1.2 million litres in 2023, up 12% year-on-year.
Rum distilleries produced 4.5 million litres of rum in 2021 across Queensland facilities.
The Australian spirits market was valued at AUD 4.2 billion in 2023.
Gin sales revenue reached AUD 850 million in 2022.
Total domestic spirits sales volume was 120 million litres in 2023.
Australians consumed 4.8 litres of pure alcohol from spirits per capita in 2022.
Gin consumption volume rose 20% to 12 million litres in 2023.
35% of Australians aged 18-34 consumed spirits weekly in 2022.
Australian spirits exports totalled 5.2 million litres in 2023.
Spirits export value reached AUD 180 million in 2022.
USA was the top export market with 1.8 million litres in 2023.
The spirits industry employed 8,500 people directly in 2023.
Number of distilleries reached 520 across Australia in 2022.
Women comprised 32% of the spirits workforce in 2023.

Australian spirits production and sales are booming, with significant growth in gin and whisky.

Consumption Patterns

Australians consumed 4.8 litres of pure alcohol from spirits per capita in 2022.
Gin consumption volume rose 20% to 12 million litres in 2023.
35% of Australians aged 18-34 consumed spirits weekly in 2022.
RTDs accounted for 45% of total spirits consumption volume in 2023.
Premium spirits consumption grew 28% among millennials in 2022.
Average annual spirits consumption per adult was 8.2 litres in 2023.
Women represented 42% of gin consumers in 2022.
Whisky drinking occasions increased 15% to 250 million in 2023.
Home consumption of spirits rose to 68% of total in 2022 post-COVID.
Low/no alcohol spirits consumption hit 1.2 million litres in 2023.
Urban consumers drank 55% more spirits than rural in 2022.
Cocktail culture drove 30% of spirits volume in bars in 2023.
Vodka remained the top consumed spirit at 35 million litres in 2022.
Gen Z spirits trial rate was 62% in 2023.
Seasonal peak consumption in December was 25% above average in 2022.
Flavoured spirits consumption share was 22% in 2023.
48% of consumers preferred Australian-made spirits in 2022 surveys.
Per occasion pour size averaged 40ml for whisky in 2023.
Rum consumption in QLD was 2x national average in 2022.
Non-premium spirits still held 60% consumption volume in 2023.
Social media influenced 55% of young adult spirits choices in 2022.
Average drinking frequency for spirits was 2.1 times/week in 2023.
Craft spirits consumer base grew to 15 million adults in 2022.
Liqueur consumption peaked at night-time occasions 70% in 2023.
Health-conscious consumers reduced spirits intake by 10% in 2022.
Festival and event spirits consumption was 8 million litres in 2023.
Brandy loyalists consumed 1.5 litres/person annually in 2022.

Consumption Patterns Interpretation

It seems Australians are increasingly sophisticated drinkers, preferring their gin premium and their whisky neat at home, yet the national spirit remains a reliable vodka soda poured generously from a December bottle.

Industry Demographics

The spirits industry employed 8,500 people directly in 2023.
Number of distilleries reached 520 across Australia in 2022.
Women comprised 32% of the spirits workforce in 2023.
Average salary in distilleries was AUD 85,000 in 2022.
1,200 new jobs created in craft distilling since 2020 by 2023.
Tasmania hosted 120 distilleries, 23% of national total in 2022.
Industry contributed AUD 1.2 billion to GDP in 2023.
65% of distillery owners had agriculture backgrounds in 2022.
Apprenticeships in distilling numbered 450 in 2023.
Victoria had 150 spirits businesses employing 2,200 in 2022.
Indigenous-owned distilleries: 12 in operation by 2023.
R&D staff in spirits firms: 950 full-time equivalents in 2022.
Turnover per employee averaged AUD 495,000 in 2023.
NSW spirits sector employed 2,800 with 180 distilleries in 2022.
Youth employment (under 25) was 18% of total workforce in 2023.
Family-owned distilleries: 75% of total in 2022 survey.
Export-related jobs: 1,500 positions in 2023.
Sustainability officers in firms: increased to 220 in 2022.
QLD rum industry employed 1,100 people in 2023.
Average distillery size: 12 full-time staff in 2022.
Veteran-owned spirits businesses: 25 registered in 2023.
Training investments totalled AUD 15 million industry-wide in 2022.
Regional employment share: 55% of total spirits jobs in 2023.
Diversity training completed by 70% of workforce in 2022.
SA distilleries employed 900 across 65 sites in 2023.
Part-time workers: 25% of industry employment in 2022.
Certifications held by staff: 85% WSET or equivalent in 2023.
WA spirits sector growth added 400 jobs since 2021 by 2022.

Industry Demographics Interpretation

The Australian spirits industry is not just bottling gin; it's fermenting a potent economic engine, supporting over 8,500 livelihoods, infusing regional communities with 55% of its jobs, and proving its craft is so sophisticated that even 950 people are employed full-time just to think about it.

Production Statistics

In 2022, Australian gin production reached 2.8 million litres, marking a 15% increase from 2021.
Whisky production in Australia totalled 1.2 million litres in 2023, up 12% year-on-year.
Rum distilleries produced 4.5 million litres of rum in 2021 across Queensland facilities.
Vodka output from Australian distilleries hit 3.1 million litres in 2022.
Craft spirits production grew by 25% to 1.8 million litres in 2023.
Number of operational distilleries in Australia increased to 450 in 2023 from 380 in 2021.
Tasmania produced 650,000 litres of premium whisky in 2022.
Brandy production declined to 800,000 litres in 2022 due to market shifts.
Liqueur manufacturing output was 1.1 million litres in 2023.
New South Wales distilleries accounted for 28% of national spirits production in 2022.
Victoria's gin distilleries produced 1.2 million litres in 2023.
Average annual production per distillery was 33,000 litres in 2022.
Organic spirits production reached 250,000 litres in 2023.
Single malt whisky output grew 18% to 450,000 litres in 2022.
Premixed spirits (RTDs) production surged to 45 million litres in 2023.
South Australia's distilleries produced 900,000 litres of spirits in 2022.
Western Australia saw a 22% rise in local spirit production to 400,000 litres in 2023.
Barrel-aged spirits production totalled 2.1 million litres in 2022.
Australian-made absinthe production was 50,000 litres in 2023.
Tequila-style agave spirits output hit 120,000 litres in 2022.
Biodynamic spirits production increased to 80,000 litres in 2023.
Micro-distilleries (under 100,000 L/year) numbered 320 in 2022.
High-proof neutral spirit production was 5.2 million litres in 2023.
Flavoured vodka production reached 1.5 million litres in 2022.
Heritage brandy distilleries produced 300,000 litres in 2023.
Experimental botanical gins totalled 750,000 litres in 2022.
Carbon-neutral spirits production was 600,000 litres in 2023.
Queensland craft rum output grew to 1.8 million litres in 2022.
Total pot still usage produced 900,000 litres in 2023.
Column still spirits production dominated at 60 million litres in 2022.

Production Statistics Interpretation

The Aussie spirit is booming and diversifying, with craft and premium offerings thriving, though the real workhorse of the industry remains the mighty column still, which ensures the nation’s vast thirst for pre-mixed drinks is never in drought.

Sales and Revenue

The Australian spirits market was valued at AUD 4.2 billion in 2023.
Gin sales revenue reached AUD 850 million in 2022.
Total domestic spirits sales volume was 120 million litres in 2023.
Whisky segment generated AUD 650 million in revenue in 2023.
RTD premixed spirits sales hit AUD 2.1 billion in 2022.
Vodka sales revenue totalled AUD 1.1 billion in 2023.
Online spirits sales grew 35% to AUD 450 million in 2022.
Premium spirits (over AUD 50/bottle) sales were AUD 1.8 billion in 2023.
Rum sales revenue increased to AUD 720 million in 2022.
Total retail sales through bottle shops were AUD 3.5 billion in 2023.
Bar and hospitality sector spirits revenue was AUD 950 million in 2022.
Craft spirits sales reached AUD 380 million in 2023.
Liqueur and specialty sales generated AUD 420 million in 2022.
Average bottle price for Australian spirits was AUD 65 in 2023.
Export sales revenue for spirits was AUD 250 million in 2022.
Domestic wholesale revenue totalled AUD 2.8 billion in 2023.
Gin category led sales growth at 18% to AUD 920 million in 2023.
RTD sales volume was 55 million litres worth AUD 2.3 billion in 2022.
Brandy sales declined to AUD 150 million in 2023.
Supermarket chain spirits sales were AUD 1.4 billion in 2022.
Independent retailers captured 22% of spirits sales revenue at AUD 900 million in 2023.
Premium gin sales revenue hit AUD 550 million in 2022.
Whisky retail sales grew 14% to AUD 720 million in 2023.
Total industry profit margin averaged 12.5% on AUD 4.5 billion sales in 2022.
Vodka RTDs generated AUD 1.2 billion in 2023.
Duty-paid spirits sales value was AUD 3.9 billion in 2022.
Per capita spirits expenditure was AUD 145 in 2023.
Market share of Australian-made spirits in domestic sales was 18% valued at AUD 760 million in 2022.
Annual growth in spirits revenue was 8.2% from 2021 to 2023.

Sales and Revenue Interpretation

While Australia's $4.2 billion spirits market is clearly taking its gin renaissance and premium indulgences very seriously, the staggering $2.3 billion RTD sector suggests we're equally committed to the art of convenient, pre-mixed frivolity.

Trade

Australian spirits exports totalled 5.2 million litres in 2023.
Spirits export value reached AUD 180 million in 2022.
USA was the top export market with 1.8 million litres in 2023.
Gin exports grew 32% to 2.1 million litres in 2022.
Whisky exports to UK hit 650,000 litres in 2023.
Imports of spirits were 85 million litres valued at AUD 1.9 billion in 2022.
China imported AUD 45 million worth of Australian spirits in 2023.
EU markets took 28% of total spirits exports in 2022.
Rum exports reached 900,000 litres primarily to Asia in 2023.
Import duty on foreign spirits generated AUD 2.5 billion in revenue in 2022.
Singapore was the 3rd largest export destination with 450,000 litres in 2023.
Premium spirits exports value grew 25% to AUD 120 million in 2022.
Canada imported 320,000 litres of Australian whisky in 2023.
Total trade surplus/deficit in spirits was -AUD 1.7 billion in 2022.
Japan spirits imports from Australia doubled to 280,000 litres in 2023.
Vodka exports were minimal at 150,000 litres in 2022.
FTA benefits boosted exports to Korea by 40% in 2023.
Middle East markets imported 200,000 litres of premium gin in 2022.
Import growth rate for spirits was 5% YoY to 89 million litres in 2023.
NZ took 15% of Australian spirits exports at 780,000 litres in 2022.
Scotch whisky imports dominated at 25 million litres in 2023.
Export certifications issued numbered 12,500 for spirits in 2022.
Taiwan market grew to AUD 30 million in spirits imports in 2023.
RTD exports hit 1.5 million litres to Pacific islands in 2022.
US tariffs impacted exports by reducing volume 8% in 2023.
Hong Kong duty-free sales of Aus spirits were AUD 22 million in 2022.
Brandy exports remained steady at 100,000 litres in 2023.
Digital trade platforms facilitated 10% of spirits exports in 2022.

Trade Interpretation

While Australia’s distillers are winning over the world one sophisticated sip at a time, the nation's glass remains half empty, drowning in a staggering flood of imported spirits that turns a spirited export success into a sobering trade deficit.

Sources & References

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