The rings symbolise the major milestones in the organisation’s history. These milestones include the formation, new product developments, new members joining the family organisation and the development of major new export markets as the success grew across the World. The human figures are representative of the strong family values held by the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks family.
The background is dominated by a Ginger Beer bottle spilling over the painting and across the World. It all started in 1968 when the Fleming family purchased Electra Brewers (Bundaberg) PTY LTD; a bottling and fermenting business. This foundation is depicted by the circle or meeting place with the 4 U shapes inside. They represent Neville, Gladys, Cliff and Lee Fleming who made the needed investments into brewing knowledge and equipment to develop their company.
The handprints surrounding the foundation circle are those of Gladys, Cliff and Lee Fleming. A move of factories from Electra Street to Bargara Road; and the acquiring a Tarex (now Schweppes) manufacturing and distribution franchise, was the foundations needed to form this successful business. Ring 1 begins with Cliff and Lee taking control of the company after the retirement of Neville and Gladys, in 1985. Ring 2, 1987, sees the first exports of Bundaberg Ginger Beer to New Zealand.
In 1988, a team of chemists were employed for research and development, as shown in ring 3 with a black circle/meeting place surrounded by people (U shapes). Ring 4 represents 1990 when Michael Fleming joined the business; and there was the introduction of new drinks, Lemon Lime Bitters and Burgundy. 1990 also saw the beginning of exports to Singapore. In 1994, John and Rae-lee (Fleming) McLean joined the business as depicted in ring 5, with their handprints. This year also saw the new drink Peaches developed, and the first exports to the United Arab Emirates were sent abroad. In 1995, ring 6, Root Beer (Sarsparilla) was introduced to the production line and the United States of America joined those countries Bundaberg Brewed Drinks exported to.
At this time period the company name was changed from Electra Brewers to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. In ring 7, Fiji joined the growing list of countries to have Bundaberg Brewed Drinks exported to their shores. Ring 8 is representative of the year 2000, when the company started exporting to Greece and the UK, and also saw the introduction of Diet Ginger Beer for the first time. In 2003, exports started going to Malaysia, the Maldives and East Timor as shown over ring 9. In 2004, ring 10, Diet Lemon Lime Bitters was introduced and exports were sent to Brunei. Rings 11 and 12 represent the beginnings of exports to Hong Kong, South Africa, Albania, Serbia and also Romania.
This year was 2005 and a new drink, Apple Ale was introduced. In 2007, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks was awarded QLD Regional exporter of the year, (gold strip to symbolize award). This is depicted in ring 13 which also shows the introduction of Lemon Ale and the start of exports to China. The circle in ring 14 is representative of when John Mc Lean was appointed CEO of Bundaberg Brewed drinks. At this time, exporting to Croatia began and Ginger Beer cordial was introduced. Belinda Fleming (Michael Fleming’s wife) joined the business, which is represented by her handprint. The “Family Dream” continues today with the traditionally brewed drinks growing across the World built on strong family values.