Michael Clarke’s New Play: Bevmart and the Rise of Aussie-Made Spirits

Michael Clarke isn’t sitting around signing autographs. The former Aussie cricket captain has teamed up with Western Sydney’s own Bevmart, and he’s not just lending his name he’s investing, backing it, and helping take it nationwide.

This isn’t your typical celebrity slap-on-the-brand job. Clarke’s all in. Why? Because Bevmart isn’t some run-of-the-mill online bottle shop. It’s a full-on direct-to-consumer powerhouse, and it’s shaking up a $1.8 billion industry.

The Booze Game Has Changed

Online liquor sales in Australia exploded during the pandemic and haven’t slowed since. According to IbisWorld, the online alcohol market hit $1.8 billion in 2021, growing at over 27%. That’s not just a trend that’s a tidal wave. And Clarke, along with founder Raj Beri, saw it coming.

Beri’s not new to this. He’s built drinks businesses across the US and Australia, pulling in serious capital and launching brands that stand out. Now he’s brought that experience back home, betting big on Australian-made spirits and the Bevmart platform.

What Makes Bevmart Different?

Beri’s not just selling booze he’s building brands. Every product on Bevmart is exclusive to their company. No big retail chains, no stock-standard labels. Just quality drops, hand-picked for their taste and story.

We’re talking products like Drake’s Virginia Black Whiskey and Mod Sélection Champagne. Limited access, high-quality, and marketed with real intent.

“My goal with Bevmart was to make a platform that’s actually built around the customer,” Beri says. “We own the brands, control the story, and keep it all in-house. That way, we can build real loyalty.”

Clarke’s Not Here to Look Pretty

Clarke says he’s proud to back a business that’s born in the same community he grew up in Liverpool, Western Sydney. But again, this isn’t a charity gig.

“I’ve had plenty of offers since retiring, but this one just made sense. It’s a proper business with a strong team and real upside,” Clarke says. “I didn’t just jump on board I’ve put my own money in.”

This is Clarke’s first alcohol brand partnership since retiring six years ago. That tells you a lot.

Aussie Roots, Global Ambition

For Beri, this is about more than making good spirits. It’s about taking Australian craftsmanship global. And he’s doing it out of a distillery in Western Sydney.

“My family came to Australia in the early 90s with four suitcases and a few thousand bucks,” Beri says. “This country gave us a shot. Now I’m building something with my own hands that gives back jobs, opportunity, and a brand we can all be proud of.”

Beri sees a gap in the market: global customers love the idea of Australian-made spirits, but most local producers don’t know how to turn good liquid into a world-class brand. That’s where ABS and Bevmart come in.

Strategy Over Luck

Beri’s also a poker guy. He plays to win, not to gamble.

“Gamblers lose. Poker players with a strategy win. It’s the same in business,” he says. “You take short-term hits, sure. But if you’ve got a plan, and you stay sharp, you’ll come out on top.”

With Clarke onboard, $10 million in pre-IPO funds nearly raised, and more celebrities lining up including an Oscar winner Bevmart’s heating up fast.

The Bottom Line

Michael Clarke and Raj Beri are doing something different here. This isn’t a side hustle or a flash-in-the-pan startup. It’s a calculated, high-stakes move to dominate a booming market with Aussie-made spirits and a tight strategy.

It’s bold. It’s local. And it’s built to last.

If you're looking for the next big name in premium alcohol, keep your eyes on Bevmart because these boys aren’t playing around.

Image Credit: https://www.theceomagazine.com/business/start-ups-entrepreneurs/michael-clarke-bevmart/