Bickford’s Group of Companies will give local distilling a veritable shot in the arm and provide the Riverland with a major economic boost and world-class tourism attraction when it opens its new $6.6-million distillery and visitor centre in Renmark this Friday.
The distillery, a century-old landmark on the town’s 23rd Street, has been transformed and given new life thanks in part to a State Government grant and the vision of its owner, Angelo Kotses (pictured). When opened by South Australian Tourism Minister Leon Bignell at precisely 11.23am, it will serve as the company’s premier distillery and significantly lift Australian spirits profile and volume with a new range of craft spirits, focused on gin and brandy.
The facility and its associated visitor centre also promise to boost the local economy through job creation – it’s anticipated more jobs will follow the initial 15 fulltime and casual positions – and tourism.
Described by Bickford’s Group Managing Director Angelo Kotses as “a great day for South Australia as we’re using local produce wherever available, adding a new ‘must see’ tourist destination to this beautiful region and creating dozens of jobs for locals”, the launch will also be celebrated in Adelaide later in the day, bringing the region to the city.
The city event kicks off at 6.23pm at a replica ‘pop up’ distillery experience in Rundle Mall featuring cocktails, fresh Renmark produce prepared by award-winning chef from Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Matt Fitton, body art with Amanda Nash and live entertainment courtesy of Fresh FM. Bickford’s Group Brand Ambassador Shaun Pattinson will also be on hand to showcase the distillery’s signature cocktails.