Whisky proves to be the top drop for Albany company

After a phenomenal year of growth and sales, a small malt whisky distillery in the Great Southern has won the 2013 Western Australian Regional Small Business Award.

Small Business Minister Joe Francis said the Great Southern Distilling Company was a worthy winner, having experienced a 20 per cent growth in turnover this year with profit levels well ahead of expectations.

"The Great Southern Distilling Company in Albany is a fine example of an innovative, creative and sound business model, powered by enthusiasm, dedication and smart business acumen," Mr Francis said.

"After opening its doors as WA's only single malt whisky distillery in 2004, the company now distributes nationally and internationally and holds in excess of $12million worth of whisky for sale."

The winners were chosen from a high calibre field of award-winning businesses, representing all nine regions and a diverse range of industries.

In addition to securing the overall award, the Great Southern region also had two category winners and the 2013 Hall of Fame Inductee, Vicki Brown.

The Goldfields-Esperance and Mid-West regions had two winners each, and the Pilbara claimed one prize.

The Minister said the event recognised the significant role played by regional small businesses in generating local employment and contributing to the State's overall economic success.

"There are more than 211,000 small businesses in the State with more than 53,000 in rural and regional areas," he said.

Visit http://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/media-centre for more information.  

Minister's office - 6552 6500