Bickford's Australia Pty Ltd is one of Australia’s most iconic beverage companies, with a heritage that dates back to 1874. Headquartered in Salisbury South, South Australia, the company has evolved into a modern, vertically integrated beverage powerhouse. Through its parent holding, Bickford's Group, the company encompasses a broad portfolio of brands across non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage segments, functional drinks, premium spirits, and lifestyle products. Bickford's is recognized for its commitment to heritage, innovation, and global expansion.
Core Business and Offerings
Bickford's Group operates in multiple beverage categories under various brands:
-
Traditional Cordials (Bickford's):
- Lime Juice Cordial
- Lemon Barley
- Sarsaparilla
-
Premium Juices:
- Berries & Açaí
- Cloudy Pear
- Pomegranate Juice
-
Sodas & Mixers:
- Lemon Lime & Bitters
- Ginger Beer
- Creamy Soda
-
Dairy Alternatives (Bickford’s Better Choices):
- Almond Milk
- Oat Milk
- Soy Milk
-
Coffee Syrups & Essences:
- Coffee & Chicory Essence (Iced Coffee Syrup)
-
Sparkling Water:
- Aqua Pura (Natural and Flavoured)
-
Alcoholic Beverages (via Vok Beverages):
- Spirits (Whiskey, Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs)
- Ready-To-Drink (RTD) Cocktails
- Wines (Beresford Wines)
- Premium Craft Beverages (23rd Street Distillery, Beenleigh Rum)
The company’s diversified product range addresses both retail and foodservice segments globally.
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Bickford’s Group excels in:
- Heritage Branding: Over 140 years of beverage production legacy in Australia.
- Innovation in Formulation: Introduction of superfruit juices, plant-based milks, and functional drinks.
- Integrated Supply Chain: Ownership of production, bottling, R&D, warehousing, and logistics.
- Premium Positioning: Craft spirits and artisan mixers under brands like 23rd Street Distillery and Vok.
- Export-Driven Strategy: Custom formulations and regulatory adaptation for more than 45 global markets.
Market Positioning and Target Market
Bickford’s targets a wide spectrum of consumer segments, including:
- Retail Consumers via supermarkets, health food stores, and convenience outlets.
- HoReCa Clients (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) requiring mixers, juices, and spirit lines.
- International Distributors seeking Australian-made, heritage-rich beverages.
- Health-Conscious Consumers through Better Choices range of low-sugar, dairy-free and clean-label products.
The company's heritage appeal combined with modern product relevance ensures a strong cross-generational market footprint.
Financials
As a privately held company, detailed financials are not publicly disclosed, but estimated indicators include:
- Annual Group Revenue: Over AUD 150 million across all beverage verticals.
- Export Markets: 45+ countries including China, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and North America.
- Production Facility: The state-of-the-art bottling plant in South Australia operates with over 200 SKUs and high-speed lines.
These figures highlight the company’s role as a top-tier independent beverage producer in Australia.
Shipment and Export Data
Bickford’s is a significant player in Australia’s beverage export sector:
-
Key Export Regions:
- Asia-Pacific: China, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia
- North America: USA, Canada
- Oceania: New Zealand, Fiji
-
Export Capabilities:
- Compliance with FDA (USA), SFDA (China), GCC (Middle East)
- Custom product variants and labeling for regional markets
- Dedicated export teams and warehousing hubs
Capabilities
- Beverage Manufacturing: Full-scale bottling, labeling, and formulation for all formats (glass, PET, cans).
- Spirits Distillation: Owns 23rd Street Distillery and Beenleigh Rum Distillery, producing award-winning spirits.
- R&D and Innovation: In-house lab and tasting panels for continuous product development.
- OEM and Private Label: Capability to supply white-label beverages for global retail chains.
Certifications and Compliance
Bickford's Australia adheres to global food and beverage manufacturing standards:
- ISO 9001
- HACCP
- Australian Certified Organic (select products)
- Kosher Certification
- Halal Certification
- WQA and GFSI compliance
These certifications support the company’s international trade and safety commitments.
Customer Testimonials
The brand is widely reviewed and stocked in leading Australian and global retail outlets. Consumer feedback consistently praises:
- Rich, traditional cordial flavors
- Innovation in functional beverages
- Premium taste of Vok and 23rd Street spirits
- Professionalism in private label partnerships
Major Achievements
- Winner of International Beverage Awards for craft spirits and mixers
- Global Distribution to Over 45 Countries
- Sustainable Operations with eco-friendly bottling and packaging initiatives
- Launch of Better Choices line to cater to health and wellness trends
- Expansion of 23rd Street Distillery and its emergence as an award-winning craft spirits brand
Watch Bickford’s Corporate Video: Bickford's Group Corporate Video
Product Catalogues:
