National Liquor News

19/11/2024

Each year, the World’s Best Vineyards celebrates the top wineries from around the world providing unforgettable experiences and promoting wine culture, and the 2024 list saw D’Arenberg named the top vineyard in Australasia. Landing 32nd place on the list, D’Arenberg was one of two Australian wineries to make the top 50, followed closely by Penfolds’ Magill Estate at 37.

Two of Australia's wineries made the World's Best Vineyards 2024 top 50 list, with d'Arenberg being the highest scoring.

12/11/2024

In a move that marks the end of an era for the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia, Lou Spagnolo has announced his departure after an extraordinary 15-year tenure as President. Acknowledged as the longest-serving president in the association’s 72-year history, Spagnolo’s leadership has been a defining force in advocating for the rights and interests of independent liquor retailers across the state.

After 15 years of leadership, Lou Spagnolo is stepping down as President of the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia.

08/11/2024

After 15 years of leadership, Lou Spagnolo is stepping down as President of the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia.

05/11/2024

Each fortnight, National Liquor News puts the spotlight on a key figure in the industry in our 'Five minutes with...' series, sharing a glimpse into their personality and the experiences that underpin their achievements. Most recently, we sat down with Eveline Albarracin, Senior Vice President, Managing Director APAC at Brown-Forman, who shared some insight into portfolio evolution, building exceptional brands and creating lasting legacy.

Eveline Albarracin speaks with National Liquor News about Brown-Forman's portfolio evolution, building exceptional brands and lasting legacy.

28/10/2024

As the warmth of summer approaches and social occasions ramp up, aperitifs are becoming the go-to choice for Australian consumers. Uniquely suited to the summer season, they provide a refreshing alternative to heavier beverages, with a brightness that complements warm-weather socialising. In the October issue of National Liquor News, we explore the rising popularity of aperitifs, and the opportunity for retailers to boost sales over the summer trading period.

Molly Nicholas explores the rising popularity of aperitifs, and the opportunity for retailers to boost sales over the summer trading period.

25/10/2024

On Wednesday 13 November, around 500 members and industry colleagues from all parts of the country will come together in Sydney for the Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards. This week on National Liquor News, Retail Drinks Australia CEO Michael Waters gives an overview of what to expect from the Summit and Awards, including the opportunity to connect, share, learn and importantly, celebrate the successes of people and companies in the industry.

Michael Waters, CEO of Retail Drinks Australia, gives an overview of what to expect from the 2024 Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards.

24/10/2024

The October issue of National Liquor News is here, offering insights into Australia's dynamic retail liquor industry, with highlights from ILG’s 2024 Study Tour in South Korea, which focused on the group’s future plans, and Thirsty Camel Victoria's recent forum. We also share insights into orienting towards the new “social shopper”, and readers can look forwards to hearing all about the maturing RTD category. You can explore all of this and more in the October issue of National Liquor News!

National Liquor News prides itself on delivering Australia’s liquor industry the most relevant and accurate news across the trade. It includes features on industry trends and categories, product information and other issues impacting the trade across the country, as well as regular news and profil...

22/10/2024

Each fortnight on National Liquor News, we dive into the professional accomplishments and unique perspectives of our industry’s dynamic leaders, uncovering their personal stories of success in our 'Five minutes with...' series. Most recently, we sat down with Thirsty Camel Victoria General Manager, Adrian Moelands, to talk about his diverse industry experience, why he loves his role, and his plans for the year ahead.

National Liquor News sat down with Thirsty Camel Victoria General Manager, Adrian Moelands, to talk about his diverse industry experience.

16/10/2024

Following a successful pilot wave for its Platinum Program, Independent Brands Australia (IBA) has announced an upcoming planned rollout, allowing retailers to benefit from a collaborative ecosystem and create a true omnichannel experience that inspires shoppers of the future, and National Liquor News is pleased to reveal more details.

Rollout of the IBA Platinum Program creates opportunities for retailers to enhance their shopping experience and generate new revenue streams.

14/10/2024

Despite perceptions of Gen Z being the ‘broke generation’, NIQ’s latest report, Spend Z, reveals the unparalleled spending power of the demographic. With a combined global spending power that will reach $12 trillion USD by 2030, in just over 15 years Gen Z is set to become the wealthiest generation in every region of the world, presenting a significant growth opportunity for businesses that orient themselves effectively.

Online at National Liquor News, we explore the unique concerns and preferences of Gen Z when it comes to their shopping activity, why it's important to understand their relationship with technology, and how their in-store spending tracks against other demographics.

Set to become the dominant spending power in the next 15 years, NIQ’s Spend Z report encourages retailers to strategise for Gen Z customers.

11/10/2024

Ahead of the awards ceremony held on Wednesday 13 November 2024, Retail Drinks has announced the finalists for the 2024 Retail Drinks Industry Awards. Designed to highlight the year-round efforts made by the people and companies in Australia’s retail liquor industry, the annual awards program celebrates exceptional individuals and provides a benchmark for businesses in the industry.

The Retail Drinks Industry Awards showcase the people and companies in Australia's retail liquor industry, with finalists now named.

09/10/2024

Accelerated by the pandemic, demands for convenience have driven a shift towards online shopping, making e-commerce an important consideration for any retailer and an opportunity to differentiate themselves. Increasingly, customers want the option of shopping from the comfort of their own homes and having products delivered to their doorstep, but more than that, they want fast and flexible delivery options. On National Liquor News, we delve into the future of liquor retail, and just how important it is to offer on-demand delivery and click and collect, with insights from Retail Drinks Australia, Thirsty Camel and Anglers Inn Hotel Motel.

Increasingly, consumers want fast and flexible delivery options, and retailers who can meet these demands are positioned to outperform competitors.

06/10/2024

In the latest instalment of our ‘Five minutes with…’ series, National Liquor News sat down with Blake Vanderfield-Kramer, Co-founder of Feels Botanical, the small-batch Australian grape spirit distilled with sustainably sourced botanicals, to hear about what it takes to create a new category, and the importance of thinking differently.

Blake Vanderfield-Kramer shares what it takes to create a new category, and the importance of thinking differently.

03/10/2024

Located in NSW in an area known as the Devil’s Wilderness, award-winning Karu Distillery is on a sustainability journey, which aims to protect and conserve the natural environment that surrounds the distillery. As part of our Sustainability Series, we spoke to Karu Distillery's Head Distiller, Ally Ayres, about the impacts of climate change on the distillery, the improvement of the practices within the distillery and the use of sustainable and local botanicals in Karu’s gin and flavour-forward vodkas.

From relocating snakes to growing botanicals, Karu Distillery is driven to think sustainably because of its pristine natural surroundings.

29/09/2024

Little Creatures and Liquor Barons have unveiled the winner of the Create Your Kegacy competition, with Ravensthorpe local Stevie Smart’s limited-edition creation, Little Towns Crispy Lager, now available through the Liquor Barons retail network in WA.

The limited-edition Little Towns Crispy Lager was designed by Ravensthorpe local Stevie Smart as part of the Create Your Kegacy competition.

20/09/2024

Each fortnight on National Liquor News, we dive into the professional accomplishments and unique perspectives of our industry’s dynamic leaders, uncovering their personal stories of success in our 'Five minutes with...' series. Most recently, we sat down with John Casella, Managing Director of Casella Family Brands, who shared his earliest memories of the family business and intentions for the year ahead, including a focus on Casella's premium and super-premium offerings and its growing spirits portfolio.

John Casella shares some of the biggest learnings from his career with National Liquor News.

19/09/2024

The September issue of National Liquor News has just landed, offering insights into Australia's dynamic retail liquor industry. In this issue, we explore gin as part of our Trade Buyer's Guide, while also spotlighting the flourishing category of organic drinks. Readers can look forward to reading insights into the opportunities for summer beer retailing, a recap of the 2024 IBA Trade Workshop held on the Gold Coast last month, and the latest trends, brand news and innovations.

National Liquor News prides itself on delivering Australia’s liquor industry the most relevant and accurate news across the trade. It includes features on industry trends and categories, product information and other issues impacting the trade across the country, as well as regular news and profil...

18/09/2024

With dozens of new releases across several product categories coming to the market every month, we have compiled a list of some of the latest products available for retail distribution in our Marketplace Round-up.

National Liquor News has compiled a list of some of the latest products available for retail distribution in our Marketplace Round-up series.