Five years after helping establish the Victorian Barley Program, Riordan joined growers and Asahi Beverages in Bendigo this week to celebrate a partnership that continues to create value across the barley supply chain.

Around 40 growers from Central Victoria came together with representatives from Asahi and Riordan to discuss the season, hear the latest industry updates and celebrate the role local barley plays in brewing iconic beers including Victoria Bitter and Carlton Draught.

The Victorian Barley Program has grown to include more than 150 growers across Victoria and southern New South Wales, supplying barley for Asahi’s Abbotsford Brewery and, more recently, premium brewing customers in Japan. In the past 12 months, growers have supplied more than 25,000 tonnes of barley to the domestic program, alongside approximately 35,000 tonnes exported for Japanese brewing.

Riordan Group Chief Commercial Officer Mark Lewis said the program had matured into an example of what could be achieved through long-term collaboration.

“Over the past five years, the Victorian Barley Program has shown what’s possible when growers, brewers and supply chain partners work together with a shared commitment to quality,” Mr Lewis said.

“The program gives growers confidence to invest in barley production by providing access to a secure premium market, while giving brewing customers the quality, consistency and provenance they value. Our role is to bring those partnerships together and help ensure the supply chain operates efficiently.”

Sixth-generation Bridgewater grower Andrew Collins said working with Asahi and Riordan had strengthened the relationship between growers and the end market.

“There is a romantic side to growing barley and it is exciting to know we’re helping brew such well-known Australian beers,” Mr Collins said.

“By working closely with Asahi and the Riordan team, we know where our barley is going and what is expected. That partnership helps deliver better quality, greater consistency and confidence for the future.”

For Riordan, the Victorian Barley Program reflects the company’s broader approach to connecting growers with premium domestic and international markets through trusted relationships, coordinated logistics and supply chain expertise.