Council to consider expanding Sarina Sugar Shed distillery
‘There is little doubt that the current inability to increase production capacity and distil rum is impacting on retail sales.’
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The rum sales at the Sarina Sugar Shed have met such sweet success that the council is considering building a bigger distillery.
Documents reveal Mackay Regional Council has spent $100,000 on consultants to review the business.
"The Sarina Sugar Shed of course has over the last quarter been turning in a pretty good profit," Mayor Greg Williamson said.
"Every time we produce a new rum it gets sold out within a week."
Council documents stated the shed's retail sales were "higher than anticipated" at $425,691 - more than 140 per cent of the budgeted $295,500.
"There is little doubt that the current inability to increase production capacity and distil rum is impacting on retail sales," council documents stated.
"Combined with some past barrelling decisions, there is a significant reduction in rum spirit product which is the foundation of alcoholic offerings such as the Sugar Shed Rum and the Spiced Rum."
More stories:
New childcare for Mackay city to fill 'genuine need'
Mackay region Wagyu breeding program to expand production
Cr Williamson said the council had since purchased new barrels but they needed bigger facilities if they were to get serious about alcoholic production.
"We can either do it ourselves, which is probably not the best solution, we can do it as a joint venture or we can outsource it," he said.
"Council will have to make that decision shortly."
He said the new distillery would keep the Sarina Sugar Shed branding but could be built outside of Sarina.
Alcoholic products would still be sold at the shed.
Subscriber benefits:
How to activate your free Courier-Mail subscription
How to get Daily Mercury news straight to your inbox
The council has also recently invested $30,000 towards cafe and distiller equipment and has plans for a $65,000 building improvement in the 2021-22 financial year.
Sarina shooting: Alleged accomplice, kidnapper swaps lawyers
A young woman accused of being involved in a horror incident where a man was shot in the stomach and then forced into his own vehicle has change lawyers.
‘A true workhorse’: Meet Mackay Cutters’ under-17 superstars
With QRL junior action set to get underway in a matter of weeks, take a look at the key players set to light up the Harvey Norman, Mal Meninga and Cyril Connell Cups in 2025.