National Liquor News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.