Australian company Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has launched a new low-sugar offering.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s ‘Buy Australian’ call urged people to “buy Bundy soft drinks rather than some of the American products”. The Prime Minister has sampled the new ‘Refreshingly Light’ range during a visit to the family-owned company’s regional hometown to promote the Support Australia campaign.
The range, which will be available in Australia and New Zealand, features three distinctive flavours that contain “only 20 calories per can”. The three flavours are Brewed Raspberry & Pomegranate, Brewed Lemon & Watermelon and Brewed Apple & Lychee.
Mr Albanese thrust Bundaberg Brewed Drinks into Australia’s trade negotiations with the United States when he said buying such home-grown products could help counter US President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs.
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks CEO John McLean said the ‘Refreshingly Light’ range was the latest innovation for a proud Australian business that “punches above our weight”.
“It is difficult to compete against the global soft drink companies, but we give them a run for their money by focusing on what we do best – craft brewing, using real ingredients and bottling in glass,” he said.
“Aussie businesses such as ours appreciate any support we receive, and it is heartening to know the Government is planning to invest in encouraging consumers to buy Australian-made products.
“I’m not interested in pushing a political agenda but one thing I can say for certain is that nothing tastes better than a Bundaberg Ginger Beer.”
Along with visiting the company’s original Bargara Road brewery, the Prime Minister toured the Bundaberg Barrel tourist attraction that captures the iconic brewer’s 57-year journey from small town operator to global exporter.
Also in attendance was Mr McLean’s wife Rae-Lee, the daughter of company founder Cliff Fleming OAM, and their own daughter Bronte.
Mr McLean said the ‘Refreshingly Light’ range was an opportunity to expand its customer base while staying true to its traditions.
“Countless people have grown up enjoying our iconic brews such as Bundaberg Ginger Beer and our latest range will provide them with a delicious treat that is light on sugar and full-on flavour,” he said.
“We embraced the challenge of expanding our existing portfolio to include lower sugar options but were equally determined to maintain the same great taste and craft brewing processes we are famous for.
“For more than 50 years, we have combined real ingredients, time-honoured recipes and unique craft brewing processes and ‘Refreshingly Light’ continues that tradition with a brew that extracts maximum flavour while offering minimal calories and no artificial sweeteners, colours or flavours.”
The ‘Refreshingly Light’ product line will boast its own look and feel including being offered in 4 x 250ml slimline can packs and dual-colour packaging that represents the unique fruit pairings.
Mr McLean said the range would initially be sold in two of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks’ strongest markets.
“With our brews enjoyed by one in four households in Australia and one in three in New Zealand, we are expecting a great response from friends both at home and across the Tasman,” he said.
“Between the convenience and visual appeal of the 250ml cans and guilt-free enjoyment of a quality low-sugar beverage, there is a lot to like about ‘Refreshingly Light’.”
