Jump to content

Draft:Cliff Fleming

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Cliff Fleming is an Australian entrepreneur, and the founder of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, a company renowned for its traditional brewed beverages, most famously Bundaberg Ginger Beer. Born and raised in Rockhampton, Fleming developed a passion for brewing at an early age, inspired by the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Cliff Fleming
Born01/06/1943
Occupation(s)Founder and Former CEO
OrganizationBundaberg Brewed Drinks
Notable workBundaberg Ginger Beer
SpouseLee Fleming
ChildrenRae-Lee Fleming, Michael Fleming
RelativesJohn McLean (son-in-law)
HonoursMember of the Order of Australia (AM)
Websitewww.bundaberg.com

His journey began back in 1968 when his parents, wife and himself bought Electra Breweries. Now known around the world as Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, his Ginger Beer and iconic glass stubby bottle have become a staple of the Australian way of life. With a range of craft brews that are now available in more than 60 countries globally, Fleming has achieved worldwide success while maintaining a regional mindset and entrenching his business with family values.[1][2]

Cliff served as the CEO of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks from 1985 until 2005 and remains an active part of the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Board today.[3]

In 2024, Cliff Fleming was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to business and to the community of Bundaberg.[4]

Personal Life

[edit]

Born in 1943 to parents Neville and Gladys, Cliff is the oldest of three children.

Cliff married his wife, Lee, in 1965 and went on to have two children, Rae-Lee and Michael, and five grandchildren.[2]

Cliff resides in Bundaberg and remains an active part of the local community. He is involved in various local initiatives and supports local charities, continuing with his mission of giving back.

Career

[edit]

Cliff's career in the beverage industry started in 1968. Alongside his parents, Neville and Gladys, and his wife, Lee, he purchased Electra Breweries (Bundaberg) Pty Ltd, a bottling and fermenting business.[1][5]

A few years into the venture, Cliff began to endure what he refers to as the 'Sausage Years'. During this time, the family chose to sell their home in way of securing the future of the business; had to rebuild their original brewery due to it being torn down by a mini cyclone, and many other adversities. Nonetheless, Cliff worked tirelessly, investing in the brewing process with a commitment to producing a product and treating the world to Bundaberg.[6]

During the 1970s & 1980s, Cliff focused the company's mission on the local market, manufacturing and selling franchised drinks into the Bundaberg and Maryborough (Queensland, Australia) regions. During this time, behind the scenes, Cliff remained committed to perfecting the art of brewing – which is where he formulated the now Bundaberg Ginger Beer recipe.[7]

In 1978, the big breakthrough came for Cliff, he secured a deal with Woolworths supermarkets in Queensland. A month later, Cliff secured a similar deal within Coles.[1]

During the 1980s, production of Ginger Beer expanded, with further distribution secured within Australian and New Zealand supermarkets alike. In 1987, this growth continued with the business's premium, non-alcoholic beverages beginning to land on supermarket shelves around the world. At this same time, Cliff's parents, Neville and Gladys, retired and handed the reigns over to Cliff and Lee Fleming.[1][8]

In 1995, Cliff was instrumental in changing the company name to what it's now famously referred to as, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. Developing a distinctive, local brand, this period also saw the introduction of the brands 'Brewed to Be Better' promise, which highlights the key point of difference of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, brewing.[1][9]

In 2004, to secure a constant supply of the best quality ginger, Cliff instigated Bundaberg Brewed Drinks first ginger farm. Over time, this evolved into a research farm dedicated to determining the best way of growing flavourable ginger in a sustainable manner, with findings and results shared with local farms as Cliff believed shared knowledge was better for the industry.[10][11]

In 2005, Cliff oversaw the build of 'The Bundaberg Barrel' alongside the operational brewery. This tourist attraction provided visitors to the region the chance to see how their favourite Ginger Beer is made, while offering a full range taste test to guests. The Barrel now hosts approximately 70,000 visitors per year.[12][13]

In 2005, Cliff stepped down from his position as CEO, handing the reigns to his son-in-law, John McLean, in 2007[14]. Since stepping down, Cliff has remained an active member of the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Board of Directors, and still plays a key role in all consumer-facing advertising.[1][15][16]

Honours

[edit]
  • Founder, Board Member, Former CEO, Chairman and Master Brewer of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.[1][17]
  • In 2017, Cliff was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business at CQUniversity.
  • Multiple roles within Bundaberg East Rotary Club[9], including:
    • Secretary 1979-80
    • Treasurer 1981-82 and 1991-92
    • President 1985-86
    • Recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1991 (this Service Above Self Award is the highest honour an individual Rotarian can receive)
  • Former Board Member of Bundaberg Tourism, IMPACT Community Services and Independent Recyclers (Bundaberg) among others.[9]
  • In 2024, Cliff Fleming was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to business and to the community of Bundaberg.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Our History". Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  2. ^ a b Turnbull, Emma (2019-12-21). "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks a family passion". Bundaberg Now delivers free good news. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  3. ^ Writers, Staff (2024-06-10). "Bundaberg brewer raises glass to King's Birthday honour". Australian Seniors News. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  4. ^ a b Contributed (2024-06-10). "King's Birthday Honour for Cliff Fleming AM". Bundaberg Now delivers free good news. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  5. ^ Wheeler, Mike (2020-09-07). "Meet the Manufacturer: All in the family – Bundaberg Brewed Drinks' rosy future". Food & Beverage Industry News. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  6. ^ Pierce, Jeremy (July 6, 2024). "'We bought 10 cases to take to Rocky': Amazing family story behind Qld brand Bundaberg".
  7. ^ "How to brew a family business". Intelligent Investor. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  8. ^ Swiers, Autumn (2024-03-14). "What To Know About Australia's Beloved Bundaberg Ginger Beer". Tasting Table. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  9. ^ a b c Contributed (2024-06-10). "King's Birthday Honour for Cliff Fleming AM". Bundaberg Now delivers free good news. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  10. ^ "The plant behind a world famous ginger beer". ABC News. 2018-10-26. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  11. ^ "The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks recipe for success". www.bundabergregion.org. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  12. ^ "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel Click & Collect". The Bundaberg Barrel. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  13. ^ "Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame". Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame | State Library Of Queensland. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  14. ^ Kitney, Damon (February 9, 2024). "Tough times paying off for owners of Bundaberg Ginger Beer".
  15. ^ Rider, Nicholas (2022-11-09). "Bundaberg celebrates 'simple pleasures' this Christmas". Retail World Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  16. ^ Writers, Staff (2020-12-10). "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Launches 'The Great Australian Brew'". B&T. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  17. ^ Arboleda, Nico (May 29, 2023). "Bundaberg Brewed Drinks celebrates founder's 80th birthday in new campaign".
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Cliff_Fleming&oldid=1257016718"