- Australian drinks company makes sad announcement
- Company shared the news on social media
One of the founders of Australian icon Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has died, the Queensland family-owned company has announced.
The company announced via social media the death of Lee Fleming, who played an important role in founding the company with her husband Cliff in the 1960s.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Bundaberg Brewed Drinks co-founder, Lee Fleming,” the company said in a statement.
‘Lee was passionate, kind and played an integral role in the creation and growth of our beloved Bundaberg Ginger Beer.
‘The entire Bundaberg Brewed Drinks family will miss her tremendously.
“We’ll miss you, Lee.”
Mrs Fleming died on August 8 at the Friendly Society Private Hospital in Bundaberg at the age of 82.
She played a key role in founding the company, known for the iconic Bundaberg Ginger Beer, before growing into an international giant in the soft drinks industry in recent years.
One of the founders of Australian icon Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has died, the Queensland family-owned company has announced (stock image)
The company announced via social media the death of Lee Fleming (pictured), who played a key role in founding the company with her husband Cliff in the 1960s.
Together with Cliff and her parents-in-law Neville and Gladys, she founded the company in 1968.
When Neville and Gladys retired in 1985, she and her husband took over the business.
Shortly afterwards the company began exporting to other countries and today Bundaberg products can be found in over 60 countries.
In 2018, the company entered into a distribution agreement with Pepsi, which now places the company’s products in more than 400,000 stores and restaurants in the United States, with annual sales estimated at more than $200 million.
It is one of the largest employers in the central Queensland city and its workforce has grown to 240.
The company recently opened a $150 million “superbrewery” that aims to double production and capture a larger share of the global market.