National Liquor News

Earlier this year, Coles Liquor Group struck a deal in which it acquired all 20 of Federal Group's 9/11 bottleshops across the state of Tasmania. With the transition of the stores to the Liquorland banner now complete, Coles Liquor Group CEO Michael Courtney shared an update with National Liquor News.

Liquorland completes 9/11 bottleshops transition - National Liquor News Coles Liquor Group CEO Michael Courtney shares an update on the transition of the 9/11 bottleshops to the Liquorland fleet.

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.

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

With modern gin consumers on the hunt for new and exciting flavours, New Zealand gin is well-positioned for success on the Australian market. National Liquor News sat down with George Grbich, author of the Guide to New Zealand Gin and co-owner of The Gin Club, to talk about what New Zealand gin has to offer for the Australian market.

The unique appeal of New Zealand gin - National Liquor News Author of the Guide to New Zealand Gin, George Grbich, speaks about the potential for New Zealand gin on the Australian market.

In the June/July issue of National Liquor News, we put a spotlight on six of Adelaide's independent retailers, reflecting on the highlights and challenges of operating in the South Australian liquor market, and the unique qualities that give them a point of difference.

ADELAIDE RETAILER SPOTLIGHT - Issuu With its strong focus on local products and proximity to some of Australia’s most respected wine regions, the South Australian liquor market is a unique one.

Following a successful six-month trial period, Coles Liquor has announced the rollout of its Liquor Easy Ordering (LEO) platform, which uses machine learning to ensure that the right store has the right stock at the right time. Currently, a number of Coles Liquor staff members are manually ordering their stock, but LEO will simplify this process and allow them to spend more time with customers.

Coles Liquor introduces machine learning platform for stock supply - National Liquor News The new Coles Liquor platform uses machine learning to predict product demand and simplify the stock ordering process.

While the lockdowns of the pandemic are firmly fading into our rear view mirrors, some key trends that developed during these lockdowns still remain in play today. Perhaps one of the most lasting impacts has been the confidence and curiosity to explore ‘better’ drinks at home, a movement assisted by the exciting products that can be found in Australia’s premium mixer market. Despite cost-of-living pressures, consumers will continue to use premium mixers as a small indulgence for a variety of reasons this winter. In the latest issue of National Liquor News, we explore the mindsets driving the interest in premium mixers, the ways in which liquor retailers can use premium mixers to craft a competitive advantage against supermarkets, and much more.

PREMIUM MIXERS: IN THE MIX - Issuu While the lockdowns of the pandemic are firmly fading into our rear view mirrors, some key trends that developed during these lockdowns still remain in play today. Perhaps one of the most lasting impacts has been the confidence and curiosity to explore ‘better’ drinks at home, a movement assiste...

Despite the quality and diversity of its wine, Spanish wine can be overlooked on the Australian market, especially compared to other European winemaking countries such as France or Italy. But, with an interesting geographical influence and a wide-ranging commitment to innovation, is Spanish wine the next big region for Australian consumers?

Is Spanish wine the next big region for Australian consumers? - National Liquor News With strong ties to cuisine and culture, the diverse world of Spanish wine has significant potential for growth on the Australian market.

As Yalumba embarks on 175 years of family winemaking, the Barossa Valley winery has unveiled the 2019 vintage of its flagship The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz, showcasing the distinct terroir of the region. Created as a symbol of dedication to time-honoured practices, the release is named after the traditional 100-litre oak barrels known as octaves and blends select parcels from some of the Barossa’s most redeemed vineyards.

Yalumba marks 175th birthday with special vintage release - National Liquor News The Hill-Smith family will be releasing The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz 2019 vintage, and a small parcel of the 2009 vintage.

The June/July issue of National Liquor News is here, offering insights into Australia's dynamic retail liquor industry. This issue includes interviews with some of Australia’s major banner groups, sharing the ways in which they support their member stores. We also put the spotlight on six independent retailers in Adelaide and the unique market in which they operate. We share insights into premium mixers, and readers can look forwards to hearing all about Vinexpo 2024, which took place last month in Hong Kong. Explore all of this and more in the June/July issue of National Liquor News, linked in our bio.

National Liquor News June-July 2024 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...

Morris of Rutherglen has completed an extensive renovation to its iconic Cellar Door and Whisky Distillery in the heart of Victoria’s wine country. The revitalised space now offers visitors an immersive experience to enjoy the rich heritage and craftsmanship that defines Morris of Rutherglen, a brand famous for producing world-renowned fortified wines and premium single malt whisky.

Morris of Rutherglen unveils new Cellar Door and Whisky Distillery - National Liquor News Morris of Rutherglen has completed an extensive renovation of its Cellar Door and Whisky Distillery in the heart of Victoria’s wine country.

Known for their distinct characteristics and rich agricultural heritage, New Zealand producers have emerged as significant players in Australia’s liquor market in recent years. For Australian retailers, understanding this segment could mean tapping into a trending market and leveraging the positive recognition that so many New Zealand producers are receiving around the country.

Can Aussie retailers capitalise on Kiwi craft? - National Liquor News Known for their rich agricultural heritage and unique flavour characteristics, New Zealand beverages represent a growing market in Australia.

Canstar Blue has named First Choice Liquor Market as its Best Liquor Retailer Brand for the second year in a row, with the store outperforming the market average for customer satisfaction.

First Choice Liquor Market named Best Liquor Retailer Brand - National Liquor News The second consecutive Canstar Blue win reflects strong customer satisfaction and quality in-store experience.

Independent Australian brewery Rocky Ridge Brewing Co is one of nine small businesses to receive financial support from the Coles Nurture Fund in its 12th round of grants, receiving $400,000 of funding to accelerate its mission to become Australia’s first Net Zero Certified Sustainable brewery. There are two key components to the mission, and Rocky Ridge Co-Founder Hamish Coates sat down with National Liquor News to discuss the next stages of the project, and the industry-wide ability to make change.

Sustainability Series: $400k grant accelerates Rocky Ridge net zero mission - National Liquor News Rocky Ridge Brewing Co is one of nine small businesses to receive funding from the Coles Nurture Fund towards its sustainability project.

Earlier this month, National Liquor News was lucky enough to join a group of 30 journalists from nine countries on a journey to the Loire Valley in France, to discover the richness of its wines and its people. Over the course of five days, we tasted our way through 380 beautiful wines from across the Loire Valley, while meeting the winemakers and learning all about the wines and the rich history of the region. On National Liquor News, we share some insights from the trip, but stay tuned for the August issue of National Liquor News for a full report.

A discovery of Loire Valley wines - National Liquor News The Loire Valley is steeped in history, with 42,000ha of wine-growing area along the Loire River, and a thriving, high quality wine industry.

Coles Group recently awarded grants of up to $500,000 to nine small and medium sized businesses from across the country, and industry-wise, Rocky Ridge Brewing Co. and Beachtree Distilling Co. were among the recipients.

Coles awards $780k grant funding to two industry small businesses - National Liquor News Rocky Ridge Brewing Co. and Beachtree Distilling Co. were awarded the funding the help further their innovative sustainability projects.

Born out of a belief that nobody should be left out from having a toast with mates, Son of A Nun offers a range of better-for-you beers designed to suit every lifestyle, with the recent addition of a new mid-strength.

Son of A Nun grows better-for-you beer portfolio - National Liquor News Son of A Nun Mid Strength joins the core range of beers, made for lager lovers in search of guilt-free beverages.

As part of our Sustainability Series, we spoke to Reefton Distilling Co’s Founder and Chief Executive, Patsy Bass, about the New Zealand distillery's focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, driven by its proximity to an expansive and abundant natural forest.

Sustainability Series: Reefton Distilling is protecting its home - National Liquor News Located in Victoria Forest Park on the NZ West Coast, the distillery sources its water and native botanicals from the surrounding forest.

Thirsty Camel has unveiled its new South Melbourne head office, with spaces for suppliers, members, and Thirsty Camel staff to come together for events, workshops, and strategy sessions.

Thirsty Camel unveils new state-of-the-art head office - National Liquor News With an event space, bar, and internal ideation space, the new office will help build relationships between Thirsty Camel and its members.

Western Australia’s liquor retail environment is a complex landscape, challenged by several issues such as liquor restrictions, licensing and ongoing retail crime. But despite these challenges, support from state-based associations and local Government members is proving to be valuable, while positive spending habits have also sustained. Chris O’Brien, General Manager of Liquor Barons, recently sat down with National Liquor News to discuss some of the opportunities and challenges for liquor retailers in Western Australia right now.

Navigating liquor retail in Western Australia - National Liquor News Liquor Barons GM Chris O'Brien speaks about the opportunities and challenges in WA liquor retail, and the value of state-based support.

Introducing a first-of-its-kind packaging solution for the RTD category, Mandatory Spirit Co has released Mandatory Twisted, a premium vodka premix uniquely boxed in a resealable and recyclable Tetra Pak carton.

Mandatory Drinks disrupts RTD category with packaging innovation - National Liquor News Premium vodka premix Mandatory Twisted is uniquely boxed in a resealable and recyclable carton in a category-first packaging solution.

Thirsty Camel Bottleshops has renewed its national partnership with St Kilda Football Club, following a successful first year as Platinum Partner in 2023.

Thirsty Camel Bottleshops renews partnership with St Kilda FC - National Liquor News Thirsty Camel has renewed its national partnership with St Kilda Football Club, following a successful first year as Platinum Partner in 2023.

The May issue of National Liquor News is here, offering insights into Australia's dynamic retail liquor industry!

National Liquor News May 2024 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...

Moving from a career in wine supply and distribution, Proprietor Tore Margiotta has opened Carlingford Cellar Door in Sydney’s northern suburbs, offering an expansive and unique range within the store’s small footprint.

Carlingford Cellar Door packs a punch for its size - National Liquor News In its first six months of opening, the Sydney bottle shop has been well-received for its unique and expansive range.

Ahead of Modus Brewing’s 10th anniversary celebration which took place last weekend, we took the opportunity to chat with Co-Founder Grant Wearin about the origins of the brewery and his highlights from the past decade.

Grant Wearin talks 10 years of Modus Brewing - National Liquor News Ahead of Modus Brewing’s 10th anniversary celebration this weekend, we chat with Co-Founder Grant Wearin about his highlights from the past decade.

Casella Family Brands has made a major step towards its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, unveiling one of Australia’s largest solar power facilities to power its production facility in Yenda, NSW.

Casella opens solar farm to power Yenda facility - National Liquor News The 11-ha solar farm will provide 30 per cent of the power needs for the production facility in Yenda, NSW.

Recognising the importance of sustainability for the wine industry’s longevity, Giesen has introduced innovative practices across its vineyards and wine production facilities, especially focusing on reducing water use and repurposing waste products. National Liquor News recently sat down with Duncan Shoulder, Giesen’s Chief Winemaker, to discuss why the company is committed to sustainable winemaking, and the actions the winery is taking to be environmentally responsible.

Sustainability series: Giesen goes above and beyond certification - National Liquor News Chief Winemaker Duncan Shoulder spoke to National Liquor News about the technologies that Giesen uses to increase sustainability.

Having delivered a robust performance in 2023, the coming year presents significant opportunities for Independent Liquor Retailers. Under the leadership of new CEO Anthony Abdallah, the group reported strong sales last year and drove profitability for members.

ILR supports members with profitability and competitiveness - National Liquor News Led by new CEO Anthony Abdallah, ILR had a successful year despite the slowing down of retail sales and rising operating costs.

According to Endeavour Group CEO and Managing Director Steve Donohue, being an inherently social nation makes for a resilient liquor industry, despite the challenges of 2023. In the National Liquor News Leaders Forum, Donohue spoke about customers as a priority, a growing network and portfolio, and technological advancements.

Customer experience integral for Endeavour Group - National Liquor News CEO and Managing Director Steve Donohue describes Endeavour Group’s 2023 achievements, from AI initiatives to network growth.

Having received countless awards on domestic and international stages, 2023 was a year that confirmed Top Shelf International’s standing as a spirits company of exceptional quality. In the Leaders Forum edition of National Liquor News, Top Shelf CEO Trent Fraser spoke about winning awards, national retail expansion, and the highly anticipated launch of Act of Treason.

Top Shelf International leads the way with pioneering project - National Liquor News After an outstanding year on the awards front, Top Shelf International has disrupted the agave spirits category with the release of Act of Treason.

Reflecting on the highs and lows of 2023, Blake Vanderfield-Kramer, Co-Founder of Feels Botanical, says that despite some challenges it was a rewarding year for the Australian brand. Feels Botanical's range of four spirits each draw on unique flavours, and with a new distribution partnership with Cape Byron Distillery, Vanderfield-Kramer says there is great opportunity for growth of the all-Australian portfolio in the off-premise.

Feels Botanical to advocate for collaboration and innovation in 2024 - National Liquor News A key opportunity for Feels Botanical in the year ahead will be its new distribution partnership with Cape Byron Distillery.