Ochre Nation in BDO Fast Movers 2019 list

Gumeracha company Ochre Nation’s efforts to introduce “real” Australian wines and spirits to the world has helped it gain entry on the list of finalists for BDO SA’s top Fast Movers in 2019.

Ochre Nation founders Brendan Carter and his wife Laura. Picture: Dylan Coker.

Gumeracha company Ochre Nation’s efforts to introduce “real” Australian wines and spirits to the world has helped it gain entry on the list of finalists for BDO SA’s top Fast Movers in 2019.

The full list will be revealed at a breakfast event on May 24 at the Adelaide Oval.

Since it was set up in 2012, Ochre Nation has evolved and grown at a fast pace through its focus on building a business based on a sustainable approach and community support.

Co-founders Brendan and Laura Carter, currently travelling for business in the US, have established a number of initiatives and products, supporting suppliers and using native Australian ingredients in their drinks.

Their wine labels Unico Zelo and Harvest use chosen varieties sourced from the Riverland based on what grapes can grow with the least human intervention.

Ochre Nation’s Harvest Co-op supports growers in northern Adelaide Hills, including lower grape fruit that gets used by their Applewood Distillery business.

It also provides loans to farmers wanting to replace vines with native crops, which are then used in the gin they make.

Applewood Distillery uses local native ingredients and lower grade fruit that growers would otherwise not be able to sell.

Brand manager Noah Ward said Ochre Nation was trying to spread the idea of what Australian alcohol should look like.

“Using grape varieties that don’t use too much waters and building a sustainable brand through the use of Australian natives is what we are about,” he said.

“Also we look for ways to support the refarming of natives.

The brands sell through independent retailers and the group’s cellar door at Gumeracha and are also expored to US, UK, Hong Kong and Japan.

“It’s always exciting when we come to this stage of Fast Movers — seeing the success stories that are emerging from the dynamic South Australian business scene, and those that are continuing their growth trajectory,” Rudy Pieck, BDO Managing Partner.

Every year our shortlist is filled with businesses built on remarkable ideas, tenacity and inspiring characters who we can all learn from and who personify the best qualities of our state,” he said.

The BDO Fast Movers program, supported by Brand SA and The Advertiser, recognises SA businesses that are the most innovative, smart and fastest growing.

Enviroclad Australia, Elite Building and Renovations and internet services provider Uniti Wireless, which listed on the Australian sharemarket earlier this year, were the top three Fast Movers in 2018.

Most of the fast growing companies in this year’s list expect revenue to increase in the next 12 months with an increase in profit and staffing levels.

Most of the business owners on the list were aged in their 30s and 40s, going into business for lifestyle reasons.