National Liquor News

18/12/2024

In each fortnightly instalment of our ‘Five minutes with…’ series, National Liquor News puts the spotlight on a key figure in the industry, sharing a glimpse into their personality and the experiences that underpin their achievements. This week, we sat down Dave Ward, Sales Director for Gravity, who spoke about the importance of building loyalty, looking after your customers and having a fierce focus on quality.

Gravity Sales Director Dave Ward speaks about the importance of building loyalty, looking after your customers and focusing on quality.

17/12/2024

Liquor Barons has collaborated with West Australian brewery Gage Roads Brew Co on the release of a West Coast-inspired beer, Shore Break West Coast Pils. Blending two brewing styles, Shore Break takes the clean and crisp characteristics of a pilsner and injects tropical and citrus flavours typically found in new wave brews.

Independent West Coast businesses Gage Roads and Liquor Barons came together to put a fresh spin on the classic pilsner style.

16/12/2024

Born from the belief that exceptional wine quality stems from a profound respect for the land, Flesh and Blood (FAB) is an online Australian retailer with a curated network of 100 per cent organic wine and spirits. Showcasing organic viticulture from around the world, Founder William D**g launched the retail platform with a vision to redefine sustainable wine retail, working exclusively with artisanal producers committed to preserving the earth. As consumers increasingly prioritise sustainably-made wines, D**g speaks about the benefits for both winemaking and the planet, and the longevity of the industry.

Online retailer Flesh and Blood (FAB) showcases organic viticulture from around the world, supporting long-term sustainability in winemaking.

12/12/2024

This year, summer is all about Spritzes, dominating cocktail menus and hitting bottle shop shelves across the country in convenient formats. Responding to demand for a Spritz that suits every occasion, Lyre's has launched Lyre’s Pink London Spritz in 250ml cans. Crafted with high-quality natural ingredients, the new RTD offers an indulgent yet guilt-free option for those jumping on board the trend while keeping alcohol consumption low. Not only does Lyre’s Pink London Spritz deliver a refreshing and vibrant taste, a portion of proceeds from each purchase goes directly to the McGrath Foundation, dedicated to funding breast care nurses and supporting those impacted by breast cancer.

11/12/2024

Sydney artist Karina Jambrak has won the 2024 Ink Art Competition, with her winning design featured on a limited-edition release of Ink Art Gin across Australian retailers. After transitioning from a graphic design career to full-time artist in 2019, Jambrak has built a reputation for her striking, contemporary artwork. The limited-edition Ink Art Gin, featuring Jambrak’s design, is set to be a collector’s item for gin lovers and art enthusiasts alike. With only 2000 bottles available, it offers liquor retailers a unique product for the upcoming holiday season.

Sydney artist Karina Jambrak has won the 2024 Ink Art Competition, with her design featured on a limited-edition release of Ink Art Gin.

09/12/2024

As the weather heats up, consumers are looking for refreshing and vibrant drinks to complement their outdoor gatherings and at-home social occasions. In our latest Marketplace Round-up we compile a selection of new products that align with summer drinking trends.

With demand shifting towards lighter and easy-drinking beverages, cider, wines and RTDs are all positioned for strong performance, deserving a spot at the forefront of retail shelves 🌞

In the latest Marketplace Round-up, National Liquor News compiles a selection of new summer beverages that align with market trends.

05/12/2024

Paramount Retail has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy, announcing the acquisition and rebranding of BoozeBud and Barrel & Batch, and plans for a new store rollout. In an exclusive interview with National Liquor News, Paramount Retail CEO Leigh Rowe shared Paramount Retail's plans to combine its physical and online retail via two omnichannel brands – Bottle Stop and Barrel & Batch, including the opening of more than 100 bottle shops over the next four years.

The acquisition and rebranding of BoozeBud and Barrel & Batch allows Paramount Retail to enhance its omnichannel experience.

03/12/2024

Each fortnight, National Liquor News puts the spotlight on a key figure in the industry, sharing a glimpse into their personality and the experiences that underpin their achievements as part of our 'Five minutes with...' series. Most recently, we spoke to Ty Menzies, who reflected on his 23-year career with Samuel Smith & Son before he steps up to his new role as Executive Director Sales for Australia and New Zealand later this month.

Ty Menzies reflects on a 23-year career with Samuel Smith & Son before stepping up to his new role as a Sales Director for ANZ.

25/11/2024

Offering broad appeal, diverse products, and continuing innovation, the North American whiskey category is an important part of the Australian spirits market. With a production history dating back to the late 1700s, North America is home to a number of established production regions - and it represents a key category in Australia, with Australian adults enjoying more Bourbon per capita than any other country.

With a strong Australian consumer base and a variety of appeals, North American whiskey represents a valuable opportunity for retailers.

24/11/2024

The November issue of National Liquor News is here, bringing you the latest insights to keep you ahead in the liquor industry. This month, we’re excited to launch our inaugural Prosecco Buyer’s Guide, featuring expert ratings of top Australian and international Proseccos. We also take a deep dive into North American Whiskey and Tasmanian drinks, exploring the latest trends and releases in these dynamic categories. As the festive season approaches, we’ve curated a selection of summer and Christmas products to help you prepare for the holiday sales surge. Plus, we celebrate the winners of the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) in the off-premise categories, with full coverage coming in December. Enjoy the read and get ready for the busy season ahead!

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...

23/11/2024

In the latest edition of our Sustainability Series, we sit down with Tread Softly’s Director Nicholas Crampton to learn more about the environmentally-conscious wine brand, which over the last five years has worked with Carbon Neutral to regenerate Australian bushland that was once cleared for agricultural use. We learn more about the Tread Softly Forest initiative, sustainable winemaking and the move to lighter, more eco-friendly glass bottles.

The wine brand has planted its two millionth tree with the Tread Softly Forest initiative, and is now shifting to eco-friendly glass bottles.

22/11/2024

In a fitting farewell to Lou Spagnolo’s 15-year tenure as President of the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia (LSA WA), Minister Paul Papalia has made a ministerial statement in Parliament to honour his service. Spagnolo’s leadership has been integral to the growth and advocacy of independent liquor retailers in Western Australia, and the tribute highlighted his unwavering commitment to the industry.

Minister Paul Papalia has made a ministerial statement in Parliament to honour Lou Spagnolo's 15-year tenure as President of LSA WA.

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.