National Liquor News

National Liquor News The leading trade magazine for independent liquor retailers in Australia.

National Liquor News includes features on industry trends and categories, product information and issues impacting the trade across the country, as well as regular news and profile pages. The magazine also has a team of specialist contributor writers who share their intimate industry knowledge in dedicated features about the various liquor categories. National Liquor News is also a proud co-host of the annual Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA).

As Liquor Marketing Group (LMG) looks to the future, CEO Gavin Saunders reflects on the group’s achievements, strategies...
27/02/2025

As Liquor Marketing Group (LMG) looks to the future, CEO Gavin Saunders reflects on the group’s achievements, strategies, and the innovations driving its success. In this exclusive interview for National Liquor News Leaders, he discusses the key developments of the past year, the growth of its member-first approach, and the exciting opportunities on the horizon for 2025. To discover how LMG is navigating the challenges of the retail sector while continuing to deliver value for its members, read more at the link below, where you can also subscribe to our newsletter for more exclusive content.

LMG CEO Gavin Saunders shares insights on loyalty programs and strategies driving growth and member success in 2025.

Have you read the 2025 National Liquor News Industry Leaders Forum yet? This issue features exclusive interviews with le...
25/02/2025

Have you read the 2025 National Liquor News Industry Leaders Forum yet? This issue features exclusive interviews with leaders across the liquor industry, as well as insights from industry associations, data organisations, and researchers, revealing key predictions and reflections on 2024 and what to watch for in 2025. We highlight the shift towards a ‘drink less, drink better’ mentality, with consumers prioritising quality over quantity. Premium, lighter options and low- or no-alcohol products are in demand, alongside sustainable brands that align with health-conscious lifestyles. Innovation continues to drive growth, especially in RTDs and spirits.

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...

Each fortnight in our 'Five minutes with...' series, National Liquor News dives into the professional accomplishments an...
19/02/2025

Each fortnight in our 'Five minutes with...' series, National Liquor News dives into the professional accomplishments and unique perspectives of our industry’s dynamic leaders, uncovering their personal stories of success. Most recently, we sat down with Michelle Geber, Managing Director of family-owned Barossa Valley winery Château Tanunda, who reflects on her exposure to the global wine industry and Château Tanunda's rich legacy.

Château Tanunda Managing Director Michelle Geber reflects on her exposure to the global wine industry and the winery's rich legacy.

Endeavour Group has launched The Cellar at Barangaroo, a small-scale, premium retail trial designed to complement the co...
18/02/2025

Endeavour Group has launched The Cellar at Barangaroo, a small-scale, premium retail trial designed to complement the company’s core Dan Murphy’s and BWS brands.

Endeavour Group launches The Cellar at Barangaroo, a premium concept designed to test customer preferences.

While 2024 proved challenging for the brewing industry, the Independent Brewers Association (IBA) is helping independent...
17/02/2025

While 2024 proved challenging for the brewing industry, the Independent Brewers Association (IBA) is helping independent brewers to become more efficient, profitable and sustainable. In the 2025 Leaders Forum, we speak to IBA CEO Kylie Lethbridge about the impact of growth-inhibiting tax increases. She also shared the advocacy efforts the IBA has planned for the year ahead, and her optimism for the future of the craft brewing industry.

While 2024 proved challenging for the industry, the IBA is helping independent brewers to become more efficient, profitable and sustainable.

The global online alcohol market is entering a new era of steady, sustainable growth, projected to surpass $36 billion b...
14/02/2025

The global online alcohol market is entering a new era of steady, sustainable growth, projected to surpass $36 billion by 2028. This shift is largely driven by the increasing role of digital platforms in consumer behaviour – not just as purchasing channels but as spaces for brand discovery and engagement. For Australian liquor retailers, these trends present both a significant challenge and a huge opportunity to drive profitability in a rapidly changing environment.

E-commerce is set to grow by 20 per cent over the next five years, presenting both opportunities and challenges for liquor retailers.

In the latest instalment of our ‘Five minutes with…’ series, National Liquor News puts the spotlight on Lark CEO Satya S...
07/02/2025

In the latest instalment of our ‘Five minutes with…’ series, National Liquor News puts the spotlight on Lark CEO Satya Sharma, who shares his vision of a thriving Australian whisky industry, and ambitions to be a leader in new world whisky.

Satya Sharma, CEO of Lark, shares his vision of a thriving Australian whisky industry, and ambitions to be a leader in new world whisky.

Since the onset of the pandemic, trends and consumer preferences have evolved at a fast pace, from the downfall of craft...
06/02/2025

Since the onset of the pandemic, trends and consumer preferences have evolved at a fast pace, from the downfall of craft beer to the rapid growth of RTDs, and although the market is volatile, one long-term trend is clear: the desire to shop local. As consumers increasingly prioritise authenticity, quality and innovation, National Liquor News explores the appeal of Australian-made liquor.

As consumers increasingly prioritise authenticity, quality and innovation, Molly Nicholas explores the appeal of Australian-made liquor.

With its mountainous terrain of forests, lush grasslands and diverse coastline, Tasmania is home to native botanicals, p...
04/02/2025

With its mountainous terrain of forests, lush grasslands and diverse coastline, Tasmania is home to native botanicals, plants and spices that are unique to the island. Using these ingredients, the essence of the rugged and vast alpine landscape is something that Taylor & Smith Distilling Co. has captured in its handmade small-batch spirits. In our latest Sustainability Series, National Liquor News sat down with Taylor & Smith Co-founder Natalie Smith to learn more about the island’s unique qualities and what makes it a prime location for distilling spirits.

Using native ingredients in each product, Taylor & Smith Distilling Co. focuses on sharing its stories of the Tasmanian landscape.

Few breweries can say they’ve brewed the most popular craft beer in Australia, and fewer still can say they’ve done it t...
02/02/2025

Few breweries can say they’ve brewed the most popular craft beer in Australia, and fewer still can say they’ve done it three years in a row. But for Mountain Culture, Status Quo Pale Ale has once again taken out top honours in the GABS Hottest 100 poll. This three-peat is no small feat. Only one other brewery, Feral Brewing Company, has ever pulled it off, and it’s been a decade since it last happened. The win certainly cements Mountain Culture’s place in Australian brewing history, and National Liquor News sat down with Co-founder DJ McCready to find out what it means to be named Australia’s favourite craft beer once again, and what it takes to keep brewing Australia’s most popular beer.

With just five years under its belt, Mountain Culture's Status Quo was named Australia's favourite craft beer for the third year running.

In the latest instalment of our 'Five minutes with...' series, National Liquor News sat down with Emma Brown, Head of In...
03/01/2025

In the latest instalment of our 'Five minutes with...' series, National Liquor News sat down with Emma Brown, Head of Innovation at Brown Family Wine Group, who shared insights into the family business and delivering great quality wine with a consumer-centric lens.

Emma Brown shares insights into the Brown Family Wine Group and delivering great quality wine with a consumer-centric lens.

Over the last 12 months, liquor retailers have navigated shifts in consumer preferences, health conscious choices and a ...
30/12/2024

Over the last 12 months, liquor retailers have navigated shifts in consumer preferences, health conscious choices and a wave of new product development. As we look ahead to 2025, the retail liquor landscape is shaping up to be just as dynamic, and staying on top of trends is key for retailers looking to engage modern shoppers. This feature highlights some of the products, trends and opportunities set to reshape shelves and sales in the year ahead.

In our latest Marketplace Round-up, National Liquor News highlights the products, trends and opportunities set to reshape shelves and sales in the year ahead.

On the latest edition of the Packaged podcast, Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia (LSA WA) CEO Peter Peck ta...
24/12/2024

On the latest edition of the Packaged podcast, Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia (LSA WA) CEO Peter Peck takes stock of 2024 and has pulled no punches. In the final installment for 2024, Peck talks through the ongoing battle to negotiate liquor restrictions, highlights the LSA’s goals for 2025, and stresses the importance of fostering close relations with all sides of politics.

LSA WA CEO Peter Peck takes stock of 2024 and shares plans for the year ahead on the Packaged podcast with host Peter Kapsanis.

Paramount Retail has acquired two Sydney bottle shops under the Barrel & Batch trading arm, taking Barrel & Batch's netw...
19/12/2024

Paramount Retail has acquired two Sydney bottle shops under the Barrel & Batch trading arm, taking Barrel & Batch's network of physical stores up to five. The retailer purchased Darlinghurst Fine Wines and Paddington Fine Wines from the Neighbourhood Cellars group, which have operated under the long-term stewardship of Stephen Harris until now.

Paramount Retail has acquired two stores from Neighbourhood Cellars, taking Barrel & Batch's network of physical stores up to five.

The December/January issue of National Liquor News is here! In this issue, we wrap up the year with a celebration of the...
19/12/2024

The December/January issue of National Liquor News is here! In this issue, we wrap up the year with a celebration of the off-premise winners of the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA). This month, we also honour Lou Spagnolo, retiring after 15 years as President of the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia, and cover the recent Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards. To help you get the most out of the year ahead, we explore the growing appeal of Australian-made liquor, offer insights into catering for Lunar New Year shoppers, and lastly, highlight the key trends shaping liquor retail in 2025. We'd like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year 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...

In each fortnightly instalment of our ‘Five minutes with…’ series, National Liquor News puts the spotlight on a key figu...
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.

Liquor Barons has collaborated with West Australian brewery Gage Roads Brew Co on the release of a West Coast-inspired b...
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.

Born from the belief that exceptional wine quality stems from a profound respect for the land, Flesh and Blood (FAB) is ...
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.

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National Liquor News launched 39 years ago and is the leading trade magazine for independent liquor retailers in Australia.

It includes features on industry trends and categories, product information and issues impacting the trade across the country, as well as regular news and profile pieces. The magazine also has a team of specialist contributor writers who share their intimate industry knowledge in dedicated features about the various liquor categories. National Liquor News reaches all pockets of the nation’s liquor businesses and also co-hosts the annual Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA). Since its launch 10 years ago, TheShout has attracted overwhelming trade interest. The site is updated each Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is the first to market with liquor industry news, product launches and events.

Pictured: Paul Wootton (Publisher), Deborah Jackson (Editor), Shane T Williams (General Manager Sales), Kea Thorburn (Group Art Director).