Bundaberg Brewed Drinks founder and master brewer Cliff Fleming will celebrate his 80th birthday this week, with the local entrepreneur taking the opportunity to reflect on his iconic business.
Cliff brewed his first Bundaberg Ginger Beer as a young man with nothing but a dream and today he continues as a director on the company’s board.
“A lot has changed since we started out in 1968 but I’m extremely proud our brewery remains a family-owned business and is still based in the region I love so much,” Cliff said.
“There is no Bundaberg Brewed Drinks without Bundaberg and I’m happy to be celebrating my 80 years with my two loves – my family and our business.”
Having founded the business with his parents and wife Lee, Cliff built a much-loved Australian brand which continues to grow year-on-year and today exports to more than 60 countries.
Home to the iconic Bundaberg Ginger Beer, the business is now in its fourth generation of family involvement and employs more than 250 people.
“It has not always been the smoothest of journeys, but we persevered because we knew we had a product that people loved,” Cliff said.
“There have been offers to sell across the years or take the brewing out of Bundaberg but the decision to remain a hometown business has paid off.”
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks CEO John McLean said the business was looking forward to celebrating the founder’s milestone birthday.
John assumed the CEO role from his father-in-law Cliff in 2007.
“Cliff is a pillar of the Bundaberg community and deserves every bit of praise that comes his way,” John said.
“Along with gifting the world Bundaberg Ginger Beer and our other premium brews, Cliff has created a legacy for his family and community that will continue for many years to come.”
Cliff celebrates his 80th birthday on Thursday 1 June.
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