Pernod Ricard's new can and bottle line the fastest in the Southern Hemisphere

Pernod Richard Winemakers has opened a new, state-of-the-art combination can and bottle line to produce their Ready-to-Drink (RTD) line in-house.

With a processing capacity of 24,000 cans per hour, the line housed at Pernod-Ricard's production site in Rowland Flat, South Australia, utilises an all-in-one combination filler making it the fastest and most efficient can and bottle line in the Southern Hemisphere.

Looking to the future, Pernod Richard anticipates RTD volumes will represent more than 20 per cent of the total Australian production volume by 2026.

Brett McKinnon, Chief Operating Officer, Pernod Ricard Winemakers, said the new line will make servicing the Pacific market with RTD and small format still and sparking wines more efficient.

"Bringing production in-house gives us the flexibility and speed we need to meet the evolving requirements of the RTD category, improving cost competitiveness and enhancing our existing operations across Australia and New Zealand. It is an exciting step forward for Pernod Ricard Winemakers, the Asia- Pacific region, and Pernod Ricard's RTD ambitions," he said.

The project was supported by a $1.2 million grant from the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions as part of their $15 million strategy for regional growth.

The South Australian Government announced the grant in 2020 to help fast-track the recovery of regional economies after the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, focusing on projects that could demonstrate greater private-to-government funding ratios and strong economic outcomes.

"We sincerely thank the South Australian Government for supporting our investment in the RTD category with the development of our new combination line, and in turn, their commitment to regional growth in South Australia," said McKinnon.

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