Steinbok to expand

Steinbok, Australia’s leading manufacturer of schnapps and liqueurs has announced a major expansion programme following development approval to build a new facility adjoining their factory at Somersby.

A second-generation business now run by Managing Director, Gavin Yates was originally established by Norm and Gill Yates making breakfast jam for Qantas and leading hotels in the early eighties. As the market changed Gavin moved the business to manufacturing cocktails under the Steinbok brand with the first product being Apple Schnapps.

In the years since Steinbok has developed a full range of schnapps, liqueurs and cordials for the fast-growing bar trade across Australia. They also sell into the consumer market through liquor stores with a full range of retail cocktail products.

Steinbok is an inspirational success story. Based at Somersby since the Yates Family established the business over thirty years ago posting double digit growth for the past six years straight and 20% up again this year.

The Steinbok brand is now recognised at a retail level but more so in the bar trade throughout Australia. They offer a complete range of cocktail-ready products for the bar trade. Developed by Mr Yates and his team, these products enable faster service of quality cocktails to bar customers.

Continuous improvement and innovation are a part of the Steinbok psyche

In recent years they have installed 40kW of solar panel on the factory roof, plus a 25KW storage device resulting in zero electricity costs. Additionally, they collect all rainwater for the cooling towers for the still.

With a 1,000-litre copper still with 23 plates in three separate towers Steinbok last year manufactured 10% of their own alcohol needs. 

Last month Steinbok received a Complying Development Certificate for a 450sqm extension to the Somersby factory.

With this facility they will open a distillery door, restaurant and educational space and install a second full production line for contract filling.

“We also have our next innovation line ready for the new space,” Mr Yates said.

Steinbok has a reputation for being an educator on cocktail creation and bar economics, helping bar owners maximize their profit margins using their products.

In this respect the new facility will include an education space to teach bartenders the trade.

In recognition of the history behind the business and distillery at Somersby Mr Yates earlier this year named it the Norman Yates Distillery