Adelaide-based Prohibition Liquor Co has officially launched South Australia’s most ambitious equity crowdfunding campaign, with a target of $4 million. This follows a remarkably successful expression of interest phase, which attracted nearly $15 million from close to 4,000 potential investors. The private round opened at 10am this morning, establishing a new milestone in the Australian liquor industry.
The current Australian record for a liquor industry raise stands at $4.3 million, achieved by Hellyers Road in May 2024. Should Prohibition’s initiative succeed at its targeted amount, it will rank as the second-largest liquor equity crowdfunding raise in the nation. Prohibition’s campaign signals a significant nod to local ownership amid growing concerns over foreign acquisitions in the Australian spirits sector.
Tim Eisenhauer, Managing Director of OnMarket, oversaw the launch and shared his perspective on the campaign’s early success. “Prohibition Liquor Co Pty Ltd is on track to set equity crowdfunding records for 2025, with an incredible expression of interest phase generating close to $15 million worth of potential investments from almost 4,000 people,” said Eisenhauer.
This crowdfunding venture is distinguished by its focus on maintaining local ownership, responding to the community’s desire to keep the iconic South Australian brand under Australian stewardship rather than seeing it sold to international entities.
Adding to the narrative of local pride and investment in South Australian heritage, high-profile Adelaide figures Ali and Matt Clarke have joined Prohibition as investors and strategic advisors. Their involvement emphasises the community-driven ethos behind Prohibition’s growth initiatives, including the revitalisation of the historic Seppeltsfield Distillery in the Barossa Valley.
Ali Clarke said, “As close friends to Prohibition’s Co-founder Adam Carpenter and his partner Kate, we’ve watched the passion and hard work they have injected into this magnificent distillery – Prohibition is more than just an incredible gin brand—it’s a movement to protect Australia’s craft distilling industry. Matt and I love what this company stands for, and as investors and advisors we want to help it grow while ensuring it stays in Australian hands.”
With this equity crowdfunding campaign, Prohibition is not only aiming to raise crucial funds for expansion but also allowing everyday Australians an opportunity to hold a stake in preserving and continuing the legacy of one of South Australia’s most iconic brands.
The campaign stands as a significant opportunity for community members to invest alongside the Clarkes, contributing to a future that honours Australia’s distilling heritage while innovating for global success and local ownership. With almost $15 million worth of expressions of interest, this could easily be one of the biggest crowdfunding efforts of the past 12 months.
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