Coles gives $780,000+ in grants to sustainability and innovation initiatives in liquor

Coles Group has put $780,000 worth of funding towards small and medium sized breweries and distilleries implementing plans to drive sustainability and innovation

Nine separate beer and spirits producers will receive the funding as part of the twelfth instalment of the Coles Nurture Fund, bringing the program’s total funding amount to more than $36 million across the 108 businesses that have received funding since its establishment in 2015.

According to Coles Group’s Chief Commercial Officer Anna Croft, the Round 12 recipients were chosen for their pioneering and high impact projects.

“I am excited to watch all of the recipients bring to life their incredible ideas in their respective fields – demonstrating they are leading the way when it comes to innovation and sustainability,” she said.

One of these projects is Beachtree Distilling Co’s Re-spirits program, which has received $380,000 in funding. 

“We plan on using our grant to acquire equipment to repurpose what other local businesses consider waste to create our delicious spirits, with the aim to create a more circular economy and reduce waste,” said Kirra Daley, Co-Founder.

"As a small business, we have experienced many challenges over the years which is why we are so grateful for the Coles Nurture Fund, as it will provided us with the space and resources to build our business while continuing to support our local community.”

Another grant recipient, Rocky Ridge Brewing Co, has been awarded $400,000 for its project to become the first Net Zero Certified Sustainable Brewery in the Australian and Asia Pacific region.

Co-Founder Hamish Coates said, “our brewery operates off-grid using solar and batteries and the Coles Nurture Fund will allow us to upgrade these facilities to support our growth and install a wastewater reuse system, reducing the water consumption by 28%.

“We are farmers in the south-west, so we know water is a precious resource and it is our responsibility to use less and do the right thing.”

Overall, the Coles Nurture Fund grant program will donate upwards of $3.7 million to sustainability and innovation initiatives across the food and drink sector.

“It’s so fulfilling to know Coles will be granting close to $3.7 million to assist these amazing suppliers – to help them to make changes that drive sustainability and reduce emissions and waste at a time when many businesses are feeling the pinch,” said Coles Ambassador and Nurture Fund judging panelist Curtis Stone.

“I am blown away by the wonderful list of applicants for Coles Nurture Fund for Round 12, and the nine successful businesses are extremely worthy recipients."

Round 13 of the Nurture Fund is scheduled to open to applications in January next year. To learn more about the requirements, visit the Fund’s dedicated webpage here.