National Liquor News December 2018 by The Intermedia Group

AUSTRALIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING LIQUOR INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

vol. 37 no. 11 - DECEMBER 2018

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Editor’s Note

elcome to the December edition of National Liquor News. Can you believe we’ve come to the end of another year already? In this issue we have all of the winners and highlights from both the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) and the LSA NSW & ACT Retail Liquor Industry Awards for Excellence. We also have full page interviews with the major award winners from both of these nights. On page 40 you will find our interview with Josh Towers who was named the LSA NSW & ACT Young Liquor Retailer of the Year. On top of this, the store he manages, Red Bottle Pitt Street, was also named the Liquor Store of the Year. Congratulations to Josh and the Red Bottle team. Meanwhile, on page 41 you can find our chat with Wayne Bayfield and Andy Gerry whose Bayfield Liquor Superstore at Dee Why took out the ALIA Liquor Store of the Year. A huge congratulations to the team at Bayfield’s as well. This year’s ALIA was really a night to remember. Attendees went all out with their costumes and Randwick Racecourse was taken over by hundreds of Day of the Dead, vampires, zombie brides, evil clowns and all kinds of freakish ensembles. Further to this our sponsors went all out with some amazing beer, wine, spirits and cocktails available throughout the night. We’ve got a full wrap of the evening beginning on page 8 with feedback from winners, sponsors and attendees – and by all reports the evening was a screaming success. As we bid farewell to 2018 and say hello to what looks to be a scorching summer, we’ve covered off the categories that are likely to be in demand through the warmer months. Andrew Graham has taken a look into the booming rosé category, which he has dubbed the ‘Rosénado’ – feel free to use it. Rosé is the fastest growing category in the Australian wine industry, with value rising by 60 per cent YOY to the beginning of this year (according to IRI figures). What’s more, the dollar growth was more than

Get the facts DrinkWise.org.au

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EDITOR: Deborah Jackson

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ASSISTANT EDITOR: Charles Whitting cwhitting@intermedia.com.au

Andrew Johnston from De Bortoli and Deb Jackson double that of 2016 too, a nod to how quickly the popularity of rosé has exploded – you can read all about it starting on page 42. On the spirits front, on page 35 we’ve put together a bit of ‘Gin-spiration’ for you with some great gin brands to stock this summer and beginning on page 48 Charlie Whitting has taken a look at the vodka category and found that it’s all about product range, value perception and hot-spot store positioning in this growth category. Finally on page 52 you will find all of the results from our Pinot Gris and Pinto Grigio wine tasting, where our judging panel struggled to find a wine that they didn’t enjoy. It’s been another great year together and the whole team at National Liquor News thanks you for all of your continued support. We’d like to with you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and all the very best for the busy trading period ahead. Cheers, Deb Deborah Jackson, Editor 02 8586 6206 | djackson@intermedia.com.au

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Shane Jacobson

Bellr

PATRON RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

CAMPARI

APEROL SPRITZ LOGO IN POSITIVO CON RAGGI

CO-HOSTED BY

MICHAEL RITOLI, GM SALES, ASAHI PREMIUM BEVERAGES

PRE-DRINKS BY

RETAIL SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Austra

“It feels absolutely fantastic. This is the ultimate recognition for us as a business. We’re humbled by it. We love this industry, we love what this industry is all about. The team at Asahi are absolutely awesome. I’ve got to bow my head to them and say thank you. Thanks to them, thanks to the retailers and to the customers. “These guys at ALIA do a great job. I take my hat off to everyone. The night is a great night, it’s what this industry is about. This industry is about fun and these guys absolutely put on a night that’s all about fun. “I want to be here next year doing the exact same thing. I want to win this award again. We want to do a great job for our customers and be recognised for it.”

lian Brew

ery bar

AFTER PARTY BY

NETWORKING BARS BY

The Brown Family Wine Group and Mister Mixer had a great night

ANDY GERRY, GROUP OFF-PREMISE GM, BAYFIELD HOTELS

tworking bar

Rum Co . of Fiji ne

LIQUOR STORE OF THE YEAR AWARD “We were honoured to receive Liquor Store of the Year for Bayfield’s Liquor Superstore at the ALIAs. To be recognised as an independent, family-owned operator is extremely rewarding knowing that all the hard work that you put into the business is recognised and appreciated. “To have that recognition in a forum of your peers from your industry also tells us that we must be doing something right. You are essentially being recognised by ‘the people in the know’. It is one of the only forums where all channels of the industry come together from on- to off-premise, suppliers and wholesalers, to recognise the outstanding performers of the year. “We have been in prior years and as always it was well executed and very entertaining. It gets better every year – Shane Jacobson is an amazing and engaging host. The venue was superb.”

DRINKS TROLLEY BY

PHOTOBOOTH BY Winner of the Liquor Store of the Year, Bayfield Liquor Superstore Dee Why

BACARDI-MARTINI AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

Spooktacular Awards Thanks to Mister Mixer for sponsoring the after party

Getting into the freaky

Day of the Dead

spirit

“ALIA IS SUPER IMPORTANT. IT’S MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT THAT WE BAND TOGETHER AND FIND WAYS TO GET MORE PEOPLE INTO OUR VENUES, WHETHER THAT’S A PUB OR A CLUB OR A BOTTLE SHOP.” – KYLIE FARQUHAR, TWE

supplier but as a key part of the industry supporting our venues and owner operators,” she said on the night. “We’ve already won a couple of awards and we’ve got a couple of highly commended, so we’re very lucky. ALIA is super important. It’s more and more important that we band together and find ways to get more people into our venues, whether that’s a pub or a club or a bottleshop.” The opportunity to show people the canned wine range was also very important, as TWE seeks to change some perceptions around wine drinking occasions. Six wines were on offer at the bar – Squealing Pig Spritzed Rosé, Squealing Pig Spritzed Pinot Grigio, T’Gallant Spritzed Prosecco, T’Gallant Spritzed Moscato, A’tivo Rosé Spritzer with a twist of raspberry, and A’tivo Crisp White Spritzer with a twist of lime. All of TWE’s canned wines were slightly spritzed because, as Farquhar explains: “When people open a can, they do like to hear that noise and they correlate that with refreshment.” “This is the first time we’ve done the networking bar and we think it’s really important for us to show people that wine can be considered in different occasions. It’s a great opportunity to show it to all the fantastic trade and venues here tonight and give them a chance to try something new. Next year, we’d love to showcase some stuff on tap. It’s very exciting. Another innovation.” Another networking bar was hosted by Australian Brewery, which Marketing Manager Dave Ward observed to be two or three deep throughout the night as people looked to sample and learn about the beers from the independent brewery. The number of people trying his beers was just what Ward was looking for from his networking bar – instant reactions about his product from the biggest names in the industry. “Getting real life feedback on the spot from these people, I think that’s invaluable,” he said. “I’ve been in the industry since I was 18 and I’ve been to a lot of these events, but I think the passion and the engagement, the ‘give a fuck factor’ of the attendees is a high regard for this event. It’s a celebration. It’s a ‘let’s attend’ event. It’s a shared experience.” Moving through the assembled crowd were spooky trolleys delivering cocktails in hospital bags or ladled into cups using a ‘severed arm’. Asahi

Elizabeth Schoen from Samuel Smith & Son and Deb Jack

son

Premium Beverages was the team behind this, showcasing spirits Vodka O and Untold Spiced Rum to the attendees in a disruptive and interactive way. “The Asahi Premium Beverages team had a great evening,” commented Abby Joyce, Senior Brand Manager for Dark RTD and Spirits at Asahi. “I haven’t been for about six years. We wanted to get our brands in hand and build awareness via a unique activation that tied into the event theme.” Another of the networking bars and also the evening’s after party sponsor was draught cocktail makers Mister Mixer. Espresso Martinis were available on draught during the awards. And afterwards, people were also treated to the company’s new whisky sours. Founder Valjean Boynton was “stoked” to be at the awards, not least because his product made the top 10 shortlist in the Best Draught Product category. “I’ve been at this nearly 10 years and to be recognised as a leader of tap cocktails against nine of the biggest breweries for Best Draught Product is an absolute feather in my cap,” he said. “We’re super excited to be showcasing. It’s what I love about this crowd. They get excited about good things in the industry. It’s fun here. Good on everyone involved. For us to look around and feel part of it, this is the best. Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of this?” All the networking bars received great attention throughout the night, with people crowding around them in each interval, whether to get Pimm’s from Diageo’s bar or a range of drinks from the Rum Co. of Fiji and Vonu Export stand. At the latter bar, they served 800 Rum Co. of Fiji Bati White Daiquiris, over 350 Vonu beers and over 200 Rum Co. of Fiji Ratu Signature Blend serves, ensuring that the products were tried by a host of people that night. “Parties are always important, and the ALIAs are a great time with the industry,” says Michael Nouri, Assistant Brand Manager of Rum Co. of Fiji & Vonu Export. “We were there to showcase and draw attention to our relatively new brands, while giving the industry an opportunity to trial them straight up or in tasting cocktails. I’d say that [the number of drinks served] was a good result.” And his advice for anyone thinking of going next year? “You should go.”

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Bellr

PATRON RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

CAMPARI

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CO-HOSTED BY

AND THE WINNERS ARE... Full Strength winner, Great Northern Original

BEER AND CIDER AWARDS

Premium Domestic winner, Furphys

1. FULL STRENGTH

6. MAINSTREAM CRAFT

Great Northern Original – Winner Carlton Draught – Highly Commended

James Squire 150 Lashes Pale Ale – Winner Mountain Goat Steam Ale – Highly Commended

2. MID AND LOW STRENGTH

The De Bortoli team

7. INDEPENDENT CRAFT

Iron Jack – Winner Great Northern Super Crisp – Highly Commended

Young Henrys Newtowner – Winner Stone & Wood Pacific Ale – Highly Commended

3. LOW CARBOHYDRATE

Coopers Clear – Winner Hahn Super Dry – Highly Commended

8. CIDER

Pure Blonde – Winner Young Henrys Cloudy Cider – Highly Commended

4. PREMIUM DOMESTIC Cider winner, Pure Blonde

Premium International winner, Asahi Super Dry

DOUG MAY, DIRECTOR OF TRADE RELATIONS, LION LIQUOR BRAND OF THE YEAR: FURPHY NEW PRODUCT OF THE YEAR: IRON JACK “This is a marvellous result for Lion, and a credit to the teams who have put so much work into these brands over the last 12 months. “The Australian Liquor Industry Awards is the industry’s night of nights, and it is an honour to earn the votes of our industry peers in so many categories. “We celebrated very appropriately at the Melbourne Cup Carnival with a Furphy in hand.”

9. BEST MARKETED BEER OR CIDER Furphy Refreshing Ale – Winner Coopers Pale Ale – Highly Commended

5. PREMIUM INTERNATIONAL

Asahi Super Dry – Winner Peroni Nastro Azzurro – Highly Commended

BACARDI-MARTINI AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

Great Northern – Winner Furphy Refreshing Ale – Highly Commended

“We’re in the hospitality industry and hospitality is about having fun and being with people. It’s what makes the world great.” – Cam Pearce, Coopers Brewery

Spooktacular Awards WINE AWARDS 10. RED WINE $14.99 AND UNDER

De Bortoli Deen Vat Series – Winner McGuigan Black Label – Highly Commended

15. WHITE WINE - $30 AND OVER

Leeuwin Art Series – Winner Shaw & Smith M3 – Highly Commended

The Vanguard and Nip of Courage teams

16. ROSÉ WINE 11. RED WINE $15 TO $29.99

Pepperjack – Winner Wynns Coonawarra – Highly Commended

12. RED WINE $30 AND OVER

De Bortoli La Bohème – Winner Squealing Pig – Highly Commended

17. AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL SPARKLING

St Hugo – Winner Henschke Hill of Grace – Highly Commended

18. CHAMPAGNE

13. WHITE WINE - $14.99 AND UNDER

G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge NV – Winner Taittinger – Highly Commended

Yalumba Y Series – Winner Jacob’s Creek Classic – Highly Commended

14. WHITE WINE $15 TO $29.99

Shaw & Smith – Winner Jim Barry Watervale – Highly Commended

Red Wine Under $15 winner, De Bortoli

Jansz – Winner Brown Brothers Prosecco – Highly Commended

19. DESSERT AND FORTIFIED WINES

M’s bar

The PIM

was a hit

opers from Co The team at on the night re looked g

De Bortoli Noble One – Winner Morris of Rutherglen Rare Tawny – Highly Commended

20. BEST MARKETED WINE

19 Crimes – Winner G.H. Mumm NV – Highly Commended

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r $15 White Wine Unde winner, Yalumba

CO-HOSTED BY

GAVIN SAUNDERS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, LIQUOR MARKETING GROUP

RETAIL GROUP OF THE YEAR: BOTTLEMART “It feels fantastic. A great acknowledgement for all the hard work that goes into the Bottlemart programs and each of our members who represent the Bottlemart brand on a daily basis. It has been great to receive messages of congratulations and support from our members. Their trust and commitment to the brand allows us to continue to advance Bottlemart to the point where it has been recognised by the industry as Retail Group of the Year. “ALIA provides the opportunity for recognition of outperformance and advancement within the industry. Importantly this is adjudged by the industry, including supplier partners and competitors, to provide an impartial view of performance over the year.”

Retail Group of the Year winner, Bottlemart

SPIRITS, RTD AND RTS AWARDS 21. DARK SPIRITS

Jameson – Winner Canadian Club – Highly Commended

22. LIGHT SPIRITS

Bombay Sapphire – Winner Grey Goose – Highly Commended Tanqueray – Highly Commended

Light Spirits winn er, Bombay Sapphir e

25. DARK RTD/RTS

Jack Daniel’s Double Jack – Winne Canadian Club & Dry – Highly Commended

26. LIGHT RTD/RTS

Gordon’s Gin & Tonic – Winner Pimm’s No.1 Cup – Highly Commended

27. LIQUEUR 23. LUXURY DARK SPIRIT

Laphroaig – Winner Starward Whisky – Highly Commended

24. LUXURY LIGHT SPIRIT

Baileys Irish Cream – Winner Cointreau – Highly Commended

28. BEST MARKETED SPIRIT/ RTD/RTS

e ark winn Luxury D ig Laphroa

Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin – Winner Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin – Highly Commended

Liqueur winner, Baileys

BACARDI-MARTINI AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

Canadian Club & Dry – Winner Four Pillars – Highly Commended

CO-HOSTED BY

MAJOR AWARDS 29. NEW PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Iron Jack – Winner Tanqueray & Tonic RTD – Highly Commended

30. LIQUOR BRAND OF THE YEAR

Furphy Refreshing Ale – Winner Aperol – Highly Commended

Australian and International Sparkling winner, Jansz

“THESE GUYS AT ALIA DO A GREAT JOB. I TAKE MY HAT OFF TO EVERYONE. THE NIGHT IS A GREAT NIGHT, IT’S WHAT THIS INDUSTRY IS ABOUT. THIS INDUSTRY IS ABOUT FUN AND THESE GUYS ABSOLUTELY PUT ON A NIGHT THAT’S ALL ABOUT FUN.” – MICHAEL RITOLI, ASAHI PREMIUM BEVERAGES

Off-Premise Supplier of the Year winner, Asahi Premium Bev erages

31. RETAIL GROUP OF THE YEAR Penny Sippe from Bacard i-Martini Australia and Paul Wootton from Inte rmedia

Bottlemart – Winner Liquor Barons – Highly Commended

A big thank you to Cooper s for sponsoring the pre-dr inks

32. LIQUOR STORE OF THE YEAR The Lion team had a fantas

tic night

Bayfield’s Liquor Superstore NSW – Winner Dan Murphy’s Prahran VIC – Highly Commended

33. OFF-PREMISE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Asahi Premium Beverages – Winner Treasury Wine Estates – Highly Commended

Pre-drinks have

never been such

SPONSORED BY

a scream

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APEROL SPRITZ LOGO IN POSITIVO CON RAGGI

CM 29 09 2016 Pantone 021 C

Pantone 116 C

Pantone 2768 C

Start CeLebratinG with bottLeMart (winner of beSt retaiL Group at 2018 aLia awardS)

Bottlemart is winning with the shopper1 and thanks to the industry, winning at 2018 alia awards. the driVing ForCes are our Family oF retailers who represent the Bottlemart Brand on a daily Basis.

so, Cheers to you and start the CeleBrations with Bottlemart!

Call us now to find out how LMG can grow your business. New South Wales Aidan Desmond 0427 250 618 | Queensland David Gyte 0411 039 723 Victoria Chris Christofi 0401 714 257 | Western Australia Mike Stubber 0419 992 542 South Australia & Northern Territory Simon Rowe 0417 417 886

Leading convenience liquor retailer for price perception, innovation, premium products and shopper satisfaction.

NEWS

NIP OF COURAGE CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY Australian craft spirits distributor Nip of The Nip of Courage team Courage is celebrating five years of business and a record breaking year in 2018. The business, which was founded by Kathleen Davies in 2013 is setting its sights on further growth and the expansion of its team in early 2019. Nip of Courage proudly represents 100 per cent Australian made and owned craft spirits, and since its inception has helped more than 2,000 wholesale customers around Australia to access Australian craft spirits from rural areas. These rural craft spirits producers include Belgrove Distillery (Kempton, Tasmania), Kangaroo Island Spirits (Kangaroo Island, South Australia), Reed & Co. Distillery (Bright, Victoria), Timboon Railway Shed Distillery (Timboon, Victoria) along with Stone Pine Distillery (Bathurst, NSW). Nip of Courage also represents The Aussie Tipple Company, a pre-batched cocktail business which launched in 2015. Davies is understandably delighted to have hit the five year milestone on such a high note and says that she is looking forward to the next five years. “Our hard work and commitment have led us to this point with 2018 proving to be a record breaking year for the team.

“We’re extremely proud of the work we do and the difference it makes to the distillers that we represent, the local community and economy. We continue to go from strength to strength and are excited about our future growth as we plan for the expansion of our team early next year. “Thank you to everyone who has supported the Nip of Courage team along the way so far and thank you also to the wonderful distillers that we currently represent. Here’s to the next five years.”

The Gepps Cross distribution centre masterplan from ARC Architects

METCASH SECURES NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE Metcash has revealed that it has signed a longterm lease agreement with Charter Hall for the construction and leasing of a new “best in class” distribution centre at Gepps Cross in South Australia. The new centre, which will be around 68,000m², will replace Metcash’s existing facility at Kidman Park. The company said it expects the centre to “deliver operational efficiencies for our independent retailer network in South Australia and provide access to a wider range of products than currently available through the DC at Kidman Park”. The new Gepps Cross facility will also serve as the distribution centre for Metcash’s

Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM) operation in South Australia. Metcash Group CEO Jeff Adams said: “This significant long-term investment for our independent retailers in South Australia reflects our continued focus on championing their success. “Our retailer network will benefit from a greater range in grocery and perishables that will further underpin their ability to provide a quality, differentiated offer that is tailored to their local community. “Our independent retailers already include some of the best stores in the world, and we expect today’s announcement will further strengthen the foundation for continued investment in the network.”

16 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

The announcement follows Metcash agreeing long-term supply agreements with Foodland multiple store owners the Romeo’s and Chapley’s, as well as the remaining members of the Foodland Supermarkets Board who are owners of Foodland supermarkets in South Australia (excluding Drakes Supermarkets). These supply agreements were conditional on Metcash entering into a lease agreement for the new DC by 21 December 2018. Construction of the new centre is scheduled for completion in mid-2020 and Metcash added that the centre will benefit local suppliers by providing an efficient route to market for their products through access to Metcash’s distribution network.

NEWS

COLES MAKES ITS DEBUT ON ASX The long-running Coles demerger has seen the supermarket giant finally make its debut on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), with an opening price of $12.49, beating the expectations of many analysts. Over the course of its opening day those shares rose above $13, ultimately finishing the day on $12.75, with 5.7 million shares changing hands. Meanwhile shares in Wesfarmers, Coles’ former parent company fared less well, dropping by 27.7 per cent on that opening day to close at $31.96, with a further two per cent drop the day after to $31.32. Wesfarmers now owns 15 per cent of Coles, with shareholders in the Perth-based conglomerate receiving one Coles share for each Wesfarmers they own. Market analysts have given a mixed reaction to Coles’ listing, with Macquarie highlighting private label, fresh food and FlyBuys data as ways the supermarket could lift its earnings by three to four per cent in the coming years. “We estimate every one per cent increase in private label increases Coles EBIT by one per cent,” Macquarie said. However, the company also said that it was concerned about what impact competitors including Amazon and Kaufland could have on the business, adding, “Kaufland would obtain about one per cent market share quite quickly diluting sector returns.” The Australian reported Deutsche Bank’s Michael Simotas as being “a little cautious” about Coles’ near-term outlook. “We believe Coles is in for a fairly challenging year of standing on its own two feet,” he said. He added that heading into the key Christmas shopping period that the bank believed the momentum was with Coles’ big rival. “Woolworths appears to have strong momentum into Christmas and is executing well, with sales likely to be boosted by Christmas cutouts. This could make the key Christmas period challenging for Coles, particularly given it has been somewhat distracted in the lead up due to the demerger.” The ASX-trading Coles business includes its supermarket, fuel and liquor businesses with Wesfarmers maintaining ownership of Bunnings, Kmart, Target and Officeworks.

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AUSTRALIAN DISTILLERS DEMAND REDUCTION IN ‘SPIRITS SUPER TAX’ BY MITCHELL STAPLETON-COORY, BELLR Australian distillers are demanding a decrease in excise duty on spirits, labelling the current regime a ‘spirits super tax’. At the Australian Distillers Association (ADA) annual conference in Adelaide last month, delegates were united and vocal in their opposition to the tax regime that spirits are subject to. Under Australian law, distilleries are beholden to an $84.51 excise duty per litre of alcohol sold. The tax raised from a single nip of gin in Australia is $1.06, which is around 10 times the amount levied in the US, and more than twice as much as packaged beer and four times higher than commercial cider. At a panel discussion including Federal Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie MP, comments from delegates were squarely focused on characterising the regime as a spirits super tax on distilleries, with many wanting to get the issue onto the political agenda ahead of the 2019 election. Trudy Dickson from Ambleside Distillers and David Pearse of 5Nines Distilling led the charge in lobbying Minister Sharkie to help raise political awareness. “Our businesses are creating jobs and have huge growth and export potential. But the spirits super tax is holding back growth opportunities,” said Dickson. But Minister Sharkie said that spirits excise is not being widely discussed in Parliament and she implored delegates to act as a united front to raise awareness. “It’s important that you establish relationships with your local members. Invite them to your facilities, educate them about this industry and help them to comprehend the potential for economic growth in this sector,” she said. Alec Wagstaff, the CEO of Spirits & Cocktails Australia, told National Liquor News that Australian spirits consumers and producers deserve a fair go. “It was great to meet with such a passionate community at the Australian Distillers Association conference. Australian spirits drinkers of all types deserve a fair go and local businesses face an uphill battle faced with punitive levels of tax. I believe Spirits & Cocktails Australia and the ADA are of one voice when we call on the Government to freeze the spirits super tax.”

CHECK OUT THESHOUT.COM.AU NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 17

NEWS

QUEENSLAND CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME STARTS From Thursday 1 November, Queensland became the latest state to have a container deposit scheme (CDS) in place, offering a 10 cent refund to those who collect and return their eligible containers. The scheme, known as Containers for Change, started with around 230 container refund points in operation across the state, with the Government promising that the number of sites will continue to grow as the scheme rolls out. Speaking about the scheme, the Queensland Government said: “The Scheme is a product stewardship arrangement with the costs of operating the scheme and recovering the containers for recycling, paid for by drink manufacturers. This means that drink manufacturers will take responsibility for ensuring that the environmental impacts from the empty drink containers are reduced. “The Queensland Government has appointed the industry-based, not-for-profit group Container Exchange (CoEx) as the Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO), to develop and run the container refund scheme in Queensland. “The PRO is responsible for ensuring that an effective and efficient scheme operates in Queensland, and that there is convenient and statewide access to container refund points. “CoEx has been appointed as the Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO) because it has the structure and experience required to undertake this product stewardship scheme.” As with other CDS, consumers will receive the refund on most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and three-litres. After a period of transition, all eligible drink containers will have to display a refund marking that will make it easy to see which containers can be returned for a refund. A few drink containers are not eligible for a refund under the scheme. These include: • plain milk containers • glass containers which have contained wine or pure spirits • large containers (1L or more) which have contained flavoured milk, pure juice, cask wine or cask water

• cordial or vegetable juice containers • sachets above 250ml which have contained wine • registered health tonics. All containers that are smaller than 150mL and bigger than 3L will not be eligible for a refund. A similar scheme has been in place in New South Wales and was implemented 12 months ago so the introduction of the Queensland CDS should be a welcome relief for border retailers who would have lost out to some NSW consumers electing to buy their products across the border where no CDS levy was in place. In June the NSW Government said that border businesses that had lost out as a result of the CDS would be entitled to compensation and last month it was reported that the vast majority of craft beer drinkers in NSW said they preferred to continue with kerbside recycling, ignoring the state’s CDS.

NEW DISTRIBUTOR FOR AUSTRALIAN WHISKY HOLDINGS Australian Whisky Holdings (AWH) has appointed Proof & Company to distribute Lark Whisky, Overeem Whisky and Forty Spotted Gin in mainland Australia. The three iconic Tasmanian Brands will take pride of place in Proof & Company’s super premium portfolio alongside Citadelle Gin, Plantation Rum and Pierre Ferrand Cognac. The agreement is for a period of three years and covers all states apart from Tasmania to which AWH retains the rights of distribution. Proof & Company commences mainland distribution from 3 December. AWH CEO Chris Malcolm said, “We are delighted to be working with the team of highly regarded on-premise professionals and educators at Proof & Company. The Proof & Company team bring with them a commitment to building brands, a customer focused mindset and strong retail capability which will ensure we grow our brands into the future. “We will work closely with the Proof team to minimise any disruption to our customers and are confident that with the physical presence they have in the mainland states, we will ultimately serve our customers and consumers to an even higher standard.” Proof & Company General Manger, Dan Walker said “We are thrilled to commence our partnership with Australian Whisky Holdings, in line with our commitment to championing the finest local and regional spirits. Lark Whisky was one of the pioneers of the world-renowned Tasmanian whisky industry and we feel privileged to represent and further grow a brand with such rich history and exceptional liquid.”

18 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

PROMOTION

PREDICTIONS OF GROWTH FOR SPARKLING CATEGORY WINES LIKE HENKELL ARE PROVING THAT THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO SPARKLING WINE THAN JUST CELEBRATIONS.

ith a key period for Champagne and sparkling wine upon us, brands like Henkell are looking to educate consumers that there is so much more to the category than just being the drink of choice for celebrations. Henkell is a sparkling wine that has been embraced by the Australian consumer, demonstrated in the brands double-digit growth, outperforming the market in its category. With this momentum behind the brand, Australian distributors, McWilliam’s Wines Group, are looking to make the most of key trends in this country. Ivor MacDonald, Head of Domestic Markets Sales, explains: “We believe that its fresh, elegant and well-rounded style really provides an approachable and enjoyable wine for those developing drinkers entering the wine category. With over 160 years’ experience in understanding and crafting sparkling wines, Henkell continues to gain favour with consumers not only for special occasions but are appearing more and more in their everyday drinking repertoire. “For 2019 the trends that we are continuing to approach with Henkell are those of convenience and occasionality. We are focusing on sparkling as an everyday proposition with our ATL campaign going live over the December/January period reaching consumers with out of home advertising, digital influencer and experiential activity. “Furthermore, with the continuing momentum of convenience in wine drinking (cans etc) we feel this is a perfect time for our Henkell piccolos to become even more preferential to consumers. We look to build on this in 2019 through ATL campaign work and the potential for NPD with other Henkell ranges.” As well as the wine’s well-rounded style, Henkell is also benefiting from an increase in consumer understanding in Australia regarding the versatility and food-friendly nature of sparkling wine. This is helping growth and company’s like McWilliam’s are confident this will help brands and the category to continue growth in the New Year and after the key Christmas period. Amy Hayes, PR and Media Manager with McWilliam’s Wines Group, said: “It’s wonderful to see how the Australian sparkling drinker is evolving and thinking about this wine style for more than just an aperitif. “Sparkling wine is one of those special wines that can be enjoyed with such a diverse range of foods from delicate seafood dishes to creamy desserts. Sparkling wines are great for a palate cleanser between bites of dishes that are quite creamy or have been fried, they also have a vibrant flavour profile that can elevate the freshness and delicacy of a seafood or white meat dish.” She added: “They also offer a great textural element to make even the simplest of dishes more interesting – a personal favourite of mine is popcorn and sparkling wine. “Sparkling wines are definitely a no brainer when it comes to dinner parties because of their diverse matching style which makes them a perfect choice if you aren’t sure what your host is preparing.” Already in FY19, Henkell has continued to support retailers with in-store promotional activity and this will continue over the second half of the year. This will include outdoor media advertising as well as digital and social media campaigns and events to influence consumers and drive them in-store, making Henkell their sparkling choice in the key shopping period and beyond. For more information on how Henkell can help your in-store promotions contact your local McWilliam’s Wines Group representative.

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 19

IRI INSIGHTS

IRI LIQUOR KNOWLEDGE STEPHEN WILSON FROM IRI PROVIDES A QUARTERLY SUMMARY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LIQUOR INDUSTRY FOR THE FULL YEAR TO SEPTEMBER (30/09/18).

TOTAL OFF-PREMISE LIQUOR • In order of value contribution we have seen the following: Wine 35 per cent, Ready to Drink 28.2 per cent, Beer 20.4 per cent and Glass Spirits 16.9 per cent all contributing to growth. Cider is the only category not to achieve growth compared to the previous year. • The range of available liquor items was 27,445 items which has expanded a further 2.5 per cent compared to a year ago driven by beer which increased by an astounding 17.2 per cent, which in turn was driven by an increasingly cramped craft beer range.

TOP GROWTH SEGMENTS

MARKET VALUE

$4.3bn (+3.1%) MARKET VOLUME

47.7m (-1.0%)

CATEGORY BREAKDOWN BEER (35%)

WINE (26%)

SPIRITS (22%)

RTD (15%)

CIDER (2%)

*9 Litre (m)

BEER CATEGORY INSIGHTS • Beer delivered growth of $125m or 1.9 per cent with the growth number retarded by the continued leakage of revenue from Classic Beer. • Craft beer sales are now valued at $664m and delivered growth of $70m or 11.8 per cent however 73 per cent of this growth was delivered by Domestic Exploration Craft with Domestic Gateway Craft brands losing some appeal. • Expect to see the emergence of Sour Beers, continued growth from leading Contemporary brands, Craft Exploration brands and Session Ales.

*DOLLARS GROWTH % YA 1. Beer Contemporary (+9%) 2. Red Bottled (+8%) 3. RTD Dark Spirits (+6%) 4. Glass Gin (+31%) 5. Beer Premium (+3%)

TOP

MARKET VALUE

$1.5bn (+1.2%) MARKET VOLUME

28.6m (-1.2%)

20 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

*9 Litre (m)

GROWTH MANUFACTURERS *DOLLARS GROWTH % YA

1. Other Manufacturers (+55%) 2. Lion (+1%) 3. Carlton & United Breweries (+0%) 4. Gage Roads Brewing (+26%) 5. Private Label (+3%)

TOP GROWTH BRANDS

*DOLLARS GROWTH ACTUAL YA (M) 1. Great Northern Super Crisp (+$25m) 2. Great Northern Original Lager (+$17.4m) 3. Furphy (+$14.6m) 4. Iron Jack Full Strength (+$9.7m) 5. Corona Ligera (+$5m)

IRI INSIGHTS

WINE CATEGORY INSIGHTS • Wine delivered growth of $215m or 4.8 per cent driven by Red Bottled, Pink Bottled and Sparkling Wine. • Canned Wine and Spritz have made an appearance and although both only accounting for 0.2 per cent of total wine sales have generated $10m in sales and $8.6m in growth. • The highest growth brand was Squealing Pig with sales valued at $52m delivering growth of $22.7m, this brand accounted for 1.1 per cent of total wine sales but delivered almost 11 per cent of total revenue growth.

TOP

GROWTH MANUFACTURERS

TOP

GROWTH BRANDS

$1.1bn (+4.6%) MARKET VOLUME

10m (-0.8%)

*9 Litre (m)

MARKET VALUE

*DOLLARS GROWTH % YA

1. Other Manufacturers (+22%) 2. Treasury Wine Estates (+7%) 3. Brown Family Wine Group (+14%) 4. Taylors Wines (+16%) 5. Samuel Smith & Son (+6%)

*DOLLARS GROWTH ACTUAL YA (M) 1. Lindeman’s BIN 95 Sauvignon Blanc 1L (+$3.3m) 2. Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 750ml (+$2.1m) 3. 19 Crimes Shiraz 750ml (+$2.1m) 4. Squealing Pig Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 750ml (+$2m) 5. Brown Brothers Prosecco NV 750ml (+$1.6m)

*DOLLARS GROWTH % YA

1. Other Manufacturers (+36%) 2. Beam Suntory (+6%) 3. Pernod Ricard (+6%) 4. Campari Australia (+3.2%) 5. SouthTrade (+11%)

$911m (+2.8%) MARKET VOLUME

1.7m (+1.5%)

*9 Litre (m)

RTD CATEGORY INSIGHTS • Ready to Drink delivered growth of $174m (second only to wine) or 7.5 per cent led by Canadian Whisky, Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Bourbon, Dark Rum and Vodka which collectively delivered 94 per cent of category growth. • There is a second tier of growth with healthy growth generated for Gin by Tanqueray and Gordon’s Gin, growth for Dark Other generated by Jameson and for Light Other by Pimm’s. • Growth is also being generated by higher ABV or premium RTD offerings like Wild Turkey 101 6.5% and Jim Beam Double Serve.

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GROWTH ITEMS

MARKET VALUE

GLASS SPIRITS CATEGORY INSIGHTS • Glass Spirits delivered growth of $104m or 2.9 per cent driven by Gin, Canadian Whisky and Irish Whiskey. • Gin sales are buoyant and are now valued at $253m, generating growth of $48m or 23 per cent. The number of Gin active items has increased exponentially now numbered at 247 items which is a 48 per cent increase compared to year ago. • Irish Whiskey is all about the Jameson brand which generates 90 per cent of Irish Whiskey revenue and growth, there are a number of emerging brands to watch in this space.

TOP

TOP 5 GROWTH MANUFACTURERS

*DOLLARS GROWTH % YA

1. Tanqueray (+46%) 2. Canadian Club (+20%) 3. Gordon’s Gin (+17%) 4. Jameson (+12%) 5. Wild Turkey Longbranch (NEW)

TOP GROWTH MANUFACTURERS

MARKET VALUE

*DOLLARS GROWTH % YA 1. Beam Suntory (+8%) 2. Campari Australia (+14%) 3. Asahi Premium Beverages (+7%) 4. Diageo (+3%) 5. Brown-Forman (+4%)

$628m (+6.2%) MARKET VOLUME

5.8m (-0.2%)

*9 Litre (m)

TOP GROWTH BRANDS *DOLLARS GROWTH % YA

1. Canadian Club (+26%) 2. Jim Beam Black Double Serve (NEW) 3. Wild Turkey 5% (+23%) 4. Jack Daniel’s Double Jack (+14%) 5. Cruiser (+11%)

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 21

LSA AWARDS

LSA CELEBRATES A RECORD BREAKING AWARDS NIGHT A RECORD CROWD TURNED OUT FOR THE 2018 LSA RETAIL LIQUOR INDUSTRY AWARDS.

he 23rd annual Liquor Stores Association NSW & ACT (LSA) Retail Liquor Industry Awards for Excellence broke records last month, with record nominations and a record turnout. Around 400 liquor retailers, suppliers, representatives and key industry stakeholders attended the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth for what will be the last LSA awards of its kind, as a proposed merger will see the LSA become a part of the newly formed national industry body, Retail Drinks Australia (RDA). During his welcome speech, LSA Executive Director Michael Waters reflected on LSA’s past year and decade calling out a number of achievements in representing and servicing the needs and interests of members and the broader retail liquor industry. “I think back to when I started with the LSA approaching 10 years ago, and am most proud of what we’ve achieved, including more than doubling total membership; increasing Independent Retailer and Associate Membership by more than 250 per cent; doubling LSA’s annual operating budget and increasing our equity by over 400 per cent; introducing a broad and comprehensive range of services and benefits for members that tangibly help them run their businesses more successfully; and achieving a number of regulatory improvements for the retail liquor sector, including several significant wins. “Most of all, I am proud of how the LSA has progressively built its brand, reputation and trust among all industry and government stakeholders.

“We are a consistent, professional and trusted advisor with ‘skin in the game’, not only having earned our right to sit at the table, but are now regularly invited to be involved in policy development and key pan-industry projects – a quantum shift from where the association was a decade ago.”

“THIS PROPOSED AND RECOMMENDED MERGER BETWEEN THE LSA AND RETAIL DRINKS WILL ADD IMMEDIATE AND SIGNIFICANT SCALE, CAPACITY AND RESOURCE TO RETAIL DRINKS AUSTRALIA, AND ON BEHALF OF YOUR BOARD, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL RETAILER MEMBERS TO UTILISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE, AND TO VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE PROPOSAL.” – PAUL HEILMAN During his pre-awards address, LSA President Paul Heilman spoke about the Association’s strategic and structural review, and proposed merger with RDA. “The regulatory environment continues to throw up challenges as Governments react to bureaucrat or community claims with ‘on the

22 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

run’ policy changes and regulatory pressure, adding significant cost and inconvenience for retailers and consumers – all too often without sound evidence, stimulated by the well-funded temperance advocacy movement, and unfortunately without solving the issue in question. “One of the biggest threats to our industry’s future is regulatory creep, where small incremental increases in red tape, policy, licence conditions and their interpretation, progressively build to significantly impact the viability of licenced businesses. “LSA has achieved many successful regulatory and red tape reduction outcomes for our members and the broader industry, and we know there will be many more to come. We must challenge our traditional federated model and approach to ensure the long-term future sustainability of the retail liquor industry, not just in NSW and the ACT, but across all jurisdictions – if you believe that our NSW and ACT borders are somehow protected against poor policy decisions made by other Governments, you are mistaken. “This proposed and recommended merger between the LSA and Retail Drinks will add immediate and significant scale, capacity and resource to Retail Drinks Australia, and on behalf of your Board, I strongly encourage all retailer members to utilise your right to vote, and to vote in favour of the proposal, whether in person at the AGM on 4 December 2018, or by proxy if you’re unable to attend in person.”

LSA AWARDS

2018 LSA RETAIL LIQUOR INDUSTRY AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS Liquor Store of the Year: Red Bottle Pitt Street Runner Up: Regional Liquor Store of the Year: The Bottle-O Lambton Runner Up: Metro Liquor Store of the Year: Dan Murphy’s Double Bay New Liquor Store of the Year: Porter’s Liquor Roseville Online Liquor Store of the Year: Cellarmasters Top 10 Liquor Stores: Camperdown Cellars Kingston Road Cellarbrations at Tamworth Chambers Cellars Lane Cove Corkscrew Cellars Malabar Dan Murphy’s Double Bay Liquor Emporium Alexandria Red Bottle Central Park Red Bottle Pitt Street The Bottle-O Lambton The Bottle-O Wilberforce

The crowd enjoying pre-drinks

Excellence in Innovation: Porter’s Liquor Ryde / Midway Cellars Excellence in Customer Service: Chambers Cellars Lane Cove Excellence in Training: Red Bottle Group Excellence in Social Media: Dan Murphy’s ‘International Beer Day’ Campaign

Paul Heilman, President

Michael Waters, Executive Director

Liquor Store Manager of the Year: Nerissa Budynek, Dan Murphy’s Newcastle West Liquor Store Owner of the Year: Paul Cains, Prohibition the Bottleshop Kingston Young Liquor Retailer of the Year: Joshua Towers, Red Bottle Pitt Street Beer Supplier of the Year: Lion Beer Australia Wine Supplier of the Year: Treasury Wine Estates Spirits Supplier of the Year: Brown Forman Australia Services Supplier of the Year: Human Tribe Liquor Wholesaler of the Year: Australian Liquor Marketers

The Lion team

Banner Group of the Year: Cellarbrations Beer Representative of the Year: Harry Waddington, Asahi Premium Beverages Wine Representative of the Year: Rebecca Larfield, Treasury Wine Estates Spirits Representative of the Year: Matthew McCann, Pernod Ricard Australia New Beer Product of the Year: Coopers Session Ale New Wine Product of the Year: Two Truths New Spirits Product of the Year: Wild Turkey Longbranch Best Retail Activation Campaign: Coopers Session Ale

Paul Heilman and Steve Dinnell

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 23

RETAIL DRINKS FIGHTS FOR NT LIQUOR RETAILERS’ RIGHT TO TRADE

CONTRIBUTOR’S

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t is not an easy decision for an industry association to commence a negative campaign against a sitting government. Basic principles of good industry associations include a collaborative relationship with government, in which doors are always left open for further discussion. However, as hard as it can be, sometimes the tough decisions need to be made to challenge that relationship, and the decision is not taken lightly. Industry associations must be prepared to show that they are both collaborative – and, when necessary, strong – in order to achieve the respect necessary to show that there are impacts of a government’s own failure to consult.

RETAIL DRINKS’ CAMPAIGN IN NT The decision by Retail Drinks Australia to commence a human interest campaign in the Northern Territory, in relation to the proposed changes to store licences, has been met with an overwhelming response by industry and the public at large. A high intensity campaign across multiple media releases, half page ads in the primary tabloid newspaper, social media asset deployment and the initiation of a petition on Change.org yielded incredible results: • Within five days of the petition almost 700 signatures were obtained • ABC and Mix1049 radio stations featured the issues and were so inundated with calls they had to close phone lines • Significant coverage in both Darwin and Alice Springs print and radio media. The benefit of this campaign was not only to highlight the significant inequality of the proposed changes which affect only convenience stores, but also to call to arms the public in terms of demanding an accountability by government who has failed to adequately disclose the impacts of a range of measures they have sought to introduce. Without prompting, the public itself connected the undisclosed targeting of small stores with other undisclosed impacts of the alcohol reforms – including the way that the floor price (Minimum Unit Price, or MUP) has impacted a huge number of responsible low to moderate income drinkers.

This has had a positive flow on effect to other states, which may be considering some of the measures applied in the NT. The public and community backlash that can be met with the introduction of an all-of-population measure that lacks an evidence base of its effectiveness is an important message that can and should be sent to all state governments.

UNDERSTANDING THE NUANCE OF EACH STATE AND TERRITORY A positive relationship with government is critical to the effectiveness of an industry association, but all states and territories call for a nuanced approach based on the political, social and commercial environments. It is worthwhile remembering that the Northern Territory is a unique environment both commercially and politically. The rules that apply in a state with more genuine bipartisan environments do not necessarily fit to the NT. These unique elements included that: a) The NT Government itself made no attempt to facilitate meaningful consultation. Over 12 months of meetings were exhausted for no concession or outcome, and industry associations (both liquor stores and other associations) were being managed with information sharing in only a one way direction. b) The NT Government has such an overwhelming majority, that it is relatively

unchallenged both in parliament, and in the public forum. c) Significant and repeated violation of due process in relation to adherence to promises made to industry. Obviously, to balance the negative campaign, significant steps have been taken through several other associations and relationships to ensure that a dialogue will continue to mitigate the effects of the proposed changes to store licences in the Northern Territory. Retail Drinks has promised to its members that it will enhance their right to retail responsibly, and this includes being willing to weather the storm in the short to medium term of any tough decisions it needs to be make. Independent retailers deserve the full weight and resources of Retail Drinks to stand behind them, and we will. Just as we will deploy the full weight and resources to fight for the rights of every single one of our members: chains, banners, independents, corporates, and online retailers. Equality of representation on the board, equality of representation in government, media and the community. Liquor retailers are responsible, hard working and often at the coal face of negative public sentiment in relation to regulatory change. We will fight for their right to trade, and stand with all of industry in representing the positive role of the alcohol as part of a responsible and balanced lifestyle.

JULIE RYAN, CEO, ALSA Julie Ryan is the CEO of the Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA). Before joining ALSA Julie was a director of the Winemakers Federation of Australia (WFA) and on the executive management team of a global wine company with a broad responsibility covering global legal services, government affairs, company secretarial and risk.

24 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

TAKING A RESPONSIBLE APPROACH TO PUBLIC POLICY

s 2018 draws to a close, we have once again been reminded of the importance of having all the facts on the table when making policy decisions about alcohol regulation and for individuals to make decisions about what and how much they drink. Australia’s drinking behaviours continue to track positively. In August, the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed apparent consumption per capita was at its lowest rate since the 1960s. This evidence further supports the ongoing generational shift we’re seeing in drinking behaviours as people drink less but choose more premium products. But we also saw two major studies published in the Lancet Journal this year where the facts and presentation were not quite as credible; one released in April which focused on all cause mortality associated with alcohol consumption and another in August which found there is ‘no safe level of consumption’. Both studies have attracted significant criticism. The April study was found to have excluded non-drinkers, and therefore overlooked the widely accepted higher mortality of teetotallers which has been shown by the J-Curve. In an analysis of the August report, renowned statistician Sir David Spiegelhalter found ‘the paper did not report any absolute risks, meaning that readers couldn’t tell how dangerous drinking alcohol really was for them’. He also found that among non-drinkers 914 in 100,000 will encounter one of 23 conditions outlined in the study, while among those who have one drink per day, the number who will encounter a condition rises by four to 918 in 100,000. When questionable information makes its way into the public and

CONTRIBUTOR’S

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regulatory debates around alcohol consumption the consequences can be significant. In Scotland and locally in the Northern Territory, well-meaning governments have relied on impact modelling from the Sheffield University in deciding to introduce Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) to tackle harmful consumption. This modelling has been heavily criticised internationally for its reliance on inaccurate assumptions about the level to which problem drinkers will or can reduce their drinking as prices rise. In Scotland, consumption has actually increased since the introduction of MUP with consumers reporting they’re changing what they’re drinking, but not reducing the amount. In the Northern Territory there was a public outcry when the policy began because prices rose on a lot more products that had been expected or explained, and moderate drinkers on lower and fixed incomes were rightly angry they were being impacted. With the right facts on the table these Governments could have avoided the failure and difficulty of population wide measures that don’t work, in favour of targeted measures that do. Like the recent program run by the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in the UK, which focused holistically on the lives and support needs of 10 patients, who accounted for 499 alcohol-related hospital submissions in six months. This targeted program saw a dramatic reduction in admissions and bed days and is a successful local area template that could be rolled out internationally with the right support. The vast majority of Australians are drinking responsibly and our approach to public policy should reflect this.

FERGUS TAYLOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ABA Fergus Taylor is the Executive Director of national alcohol beverages pan-industry body, Alcohol Beverage Australia. Before joining the industry he worked in senior roles for state government ministerial offices, national and international media organisations and as a communications and stakeholder engagement consultant.

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 25

DRINKWISE TAKES ITS MODERATION MESSAGE TO THE RACES

he ‘You won’t miss a moment if you DrinkWise’ initiative continues to play a high-profile role in promoting the DrinkWise moderation message at sporting matches and events across Australia, encouraging event goers and viewers to drink responsibly to ensure they don’t miss the memorable moments of the event. Working with our contributors, as well as media and sporting code partners, the initiative continues to expand. This year, DrinkWise has significantly increased our presence at Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival by partnering with all three Victorian racing clubs - Moonee Valley Racing Club, the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) and the Victorian Racing Club (VRC). Friday night racing at Moonee Valley sees the DrinkWise messaging featured before every race, while at Caulfield our involvement extended across General Admission and Young Members signage, menus, pointof-sale and race book advertising. Opportunities through CUB and Treasury Wine Estates enabled the DrinkWise message to be amplified throughout the course. In partnership with the MRC, we produced in-situ moderation content videos highlighting the ‘moments’ not to be missed - captured on the day and played on the big screen before main races. The DrinkWise Plate on Blue Sapphire Stakes Day provided additional amplification and partnership opportunities through Racing.com. DrinkWise had an extensive presence at Flemington as part of our partnership with the VRC and our contributors Lion, Pernod Ricard and Treasury Wine Estates. You won’t miss a moment if you DrinkWise messaging featured at the world-famous Birdcage in the Furphy, Mumm and Seppelt tents on signage, screens, bar mats andcoasters, as well as in the racebook and at general admission point-of-sale. The DrinkWise Plate on Oaks Day, as well as integration with Racing. com and Channel 7 across all five major race days, consistently reminded event goers about the benefits of moderating their drinking. Our continued partnership with Uber saw DrinkWise hydrate racegoers with free water on entry and again before taking their safe rides home from the track. The DrinkWise partnership approach and the generous opportunities facilitated by our contributors means the ‘You won’t miss a moment if you DrinkWise’ messaging has reached over 450,000 racegoers on course over the 10-week Spring Racing Carnival campaign, in addition to the millions reached via telecasts and through social channels.

SIMON STRAHAN, CEO, DRINKWISE Simon Strahan is the CEO of DrinkWise, an independent, not-for-profit organisation established by the alcohol industry to bring about a healthier and safer drinking culture. He was appointed as CEO in December 2017 following several years with the organisation as Marketing Director. Strahan has more than 20 years’ experience working with leading Australian and international brands, including Cotton On, Australia Post, TAC and AWB.

26 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

CONTRIBUTOR’S

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CONTRIBUTOR’S

INDIE BREWERS MERGE WITH GOOD BEER WEEK

n 9 November 2018, the Independent Brewers Association and Melbourne’s premier beer event merged, in a move that will bolster the industry and herald a new era for the sector. The IBA’s mission statement of ‘quality independent beer everywhere’ perfectly complements GBW’s chartered purposes of educating the public about good beer and, through this education, increasing consumer demand. This shared philosophy will fortify existing relationships within the industry and propel both organisations to new heights.

REACH INTO TRADE AND CONSUMER MARKETS The launch of the IBA’s Independence Seal in May 2018 marked the expansion of the IBA’s strategic focus into consumer markets. The merger with GBW opens up further opportunities in this space. GBW offers 300 diverse events in venues across Melbourne and Victoria, attracting 75,000

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attendees from Australia and internationally. It has evolved into a global festival in just eight years, with an unparalleled reputation with venues and beer lovers. GBW’s reach creates new opportunities for the IBA to partner with venues and bottle shops, as well as forging new channels in the tourism sectors to increase the reach of good beer to locals and visitors alike.

her time at Federation Square’s Beer DeLuxe, boosting the IBA’s on-premise trade relations. Both Paterson and Kerrin have extensive experience with the Australian International Beer Awards, in addition to other major wine and food awards. This expansion of the IBA’s member support team will be key to developing BrewCon, the IBA’s annual Conference and Trade Expo, and the IBA’s annual beer competition, the Indies, into events of regional significance.

A RENEWED IBA TEAM To enhance the IBA team, GBW Chair Kate Paterson will become the IBA’s Head of Industry Relations and GBW General Manager Siobhan Kerin will take on the role of Head of Events for the IBA, both based at the GBW offices in Melbourne. Paterson will work closely with IBA members and associate members to develop the industry as it undergoes a period of profound growth. In addition to events expertise, Kerin brings a deep understanding of venue management from

A SHARED PHILOSOPHY Ultimately, the merger of GBW with the IBA is a recognition of the shared philosophy of these two organisations. Together, we will support the growth, creativity and passion of our members, who work so hard to bring great beer to market in Australia. We look forward to working with all our members and the national liquor sector to develop new ways of showcasing innovation and excellence in Australian beer culture.

ALEXIS ROITMAN, CEO, INDEPENDENT BREWERS ASSOCIATION Alexis Roitman is the CEO of the Independent Brewers Association, based in Sydney. She is an experienced industry advocate, having worked previously in leadership roles both within and as a consultant to numerous national peak industry bodies over the past decade. She began her career as a corporate lawyer, before gaining experience in corporate communications and public affairs research. Alexis is also a BJCP-accredited beer judge and an avid home brewer since 2012.

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 27

LIGHTER NO LONGER SECOND-BEST

CONTRIBUTOR’S

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‘L

ight’ alcohol products are often – in both colour and flavour – pale imitations of the real thing. People looking for lower alcohol or non-alcoholic alternatives have often been left disappointed. That’s all changing thanks to a group of New Zealand winemakers who are producing naturally lower alcohol wine as part of the NZ Lighter Wines initiative – a seven-year research and development programme that aims to create naturally lighter* in alcohol and lower in calorie wines without resorting to the alcohol extraction techniques often used by other low alcohol wine producers. The $17 million programme is the largest research and development initiative ever undertaken by the New Zealand wine industry.

AN INDUSTRY INITIATIVE With the support of New Zealand Winegrowers and co-funding from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand winemakers from the 18 participating wine companies** have studied and trialled a range of techniques, including slowing down the ripening process so that grapes can be picked at full ripeness with less sugar. These grapes are then turned into full-flavoured, varietally expressive wines with around 25 per cent less alcohol than their conventional counterparts. Such is their growing appeal, wines from the programme such as The Doctors’ from Forrest Wines have now secured landmark listings in leading UK retailers such Waitrose, Marks and Spencer and Tesco.

NATURALLY GREAT TASTING The naturally lighter in alcohol wines produced through the programme boast the same varietal character as their full strength counterparts and offer a like-for-like experience that satisfies flavour and quality expectations of premium wine drinkers. The experts agree. In tasting The Doctors New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

(9.5 per cent alc/vol), Australia-based Master of Wine Philip Reedman commented, “It would have been hard to tell it was lighter in alcohol… it had the same flavour intensity and varietal characteristics you would expect from wines with standard alcohol levels”.

DEMAND LED INNOVATION Is there a market? Absolutely. In New Zealand, the lighter wine category has enjoyed a spectacular compound annual growth rate of 17 per cent over the last four years with seven per cent of Sauvignon Blanc now consumed as lighter in alcohol. Here in Australia, the results of a 2017 study conducted by Wine Intelligence showed lighter in alcohol wine appealed to a growing proportion of premium wine drinkers, with 50 per cent likely to purchase lower alcohol wine as long as the flavour and quality were comparable to their preferred wine. The study also showed that more than 25 per cent of premium wine drinkers had either moderated or reduced their alcohol consumption on specific occasions in the last three months.

In response to this market opportunity, Australian retailers including Dan Murphy’s now stock a number of lighter wines from companies participating in the New Zealand Lighter Wines programme. With demand for the category growing as more premium drinkers choose to drink more responsibly, moderately and as part of a healthier lifestyle, the programme is well placed to achieve its goal of positioning New Zealand as the number one in the world for premium quality, naturally lighter in alcohol wines. Lighter can now stop meaning second-best in the world of wine. * defined as wines containing less than 10 per cent alc/vol ** Participating wine companies: Accolade Wines, Allan Scott Wines, Constellation Brands, Forrest Estate, Giesen Wine Estate, Indevin, Kono, Lawson’s Dry Hills, Marisco Vineyards, Mount Riley Wines, Mt Difficulty Wines, Pernod Ricard, Runner Duck Estate, Spy Valley Estate, Villa Maria, Whitehaven Wine Company, Wither Hills, and Yealands.

NATALIE GRACE, MARKETING MANAGER – AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND WINEGROWERS New Zealand Winegrowers is the national organisation for the country’s grape and wine sector. As the local representative for the organisation in Australia, Natalie Grace is responsible for all Australia market activity including the education and events program, visiting media and trade, and market insights. Prior to her appointment in 2013, Natalie was the Communications Manager for New Zealand winery Craggy Range based in Hawke’s Bay.

28 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

EMERGING VARIETIES FINDING FAVOUR

he Australian grape and wine community is well known for its experimental and innovative attitudes towards growing and producing wine. While most of the wine produced in Australia comes from a handful of varieties (two-thirds of the 2018 winegrape crush was made up of Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), there are more than 130 wine grape varieties grown across Australia, with 120 varieties making up just 11 per cent of the crush. While accounting for a small proportion of the crush, there are a growing number of Australian grapegrowers and winemakers who are expanding beyond the traditional varieties and including a wide range of alternative varieties in their portfolios. While some emerging varieties are planted to respond to changing consumer preferences, others are experimental to counter some of the predicted

future impacts of climate change, and for some winemakers it is an ancestral connection to other winegrowing regions around the world. Italian varieties are arguably the most prominent among the alternative varieties being grown in Australia. These include Prosecco, Sangiovese, Fiano, Vermentino, Montepulciano, Nero D’Avola, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Lagrein. Prosecco is showing the fastest growth of the Italian varieties, with the crush growing from 2,500 tonnes in 2015 to just over 7,000 tonnes in 2018. This reflects the growth in popularity of Australian Prosecco among Australian wine drinkers. According to IRI Worldwide, the value of Australian Prosecco sales in the domestic off-trade market almost trebled over the past three years. In comparison, sales of Australian Sangiovese over the same period increased by two per cent per annum. Grapes originating from other European

CONTRIBUTOR’S

PANEL

countries are also being grown and vinified. For example, some emerging Spanish varieties include Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional and Graciano. Exports of Tempranillo have grown almost three-fold over the past five years, albeit off a low base. Originating from the Alsace region in Germany, Gewürztraminer is now the ninth most common white variety in Australia, with almost 14,000 tonnes crushed in 2018. From Austria, Grüner Veltliner is another variety that is gaining attention and winning awards. For example, Artwine’s In The Groove from the Adelaide Hills won the Best Wine of Show at the recent Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. Assyrtiko from Greece and Saperavi from Russia are among many other emerging varieties in Australia that, while small in volume, are finding favour.

PETER BAILEY, MANAGER – MARKET INSIGHTS, WINE AUSTRALIA As Manager, Market Insights, Peter leads a team that keeps the Australian wine sector informed through the collection, presentation and dissemination of global wine sector insights. Peter joined Wine Australia as Senior Analyst in 2006 and was promoted to the senior management team in 2010. Prior to joining the wine sector he spent a decade in the Australian energy industry, his last role being Manager, Commercial Analysis at Origin Energy.

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 29

WINE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN VINTAGE SIGNS GROUND-BREAKING RENEWABLE ENERGY DEAL Australian Vintage Limited (AVL) has signed a large-scale hybrid Renewable Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which will ensure that 90 per cent of consumption at its largest site is met by solar and wind power. The deal is one of the first of its kind in Australia and highlights AVL’s commitment to buying energy from renewable sources for its Buronga Hill facility, which is the third largest winery in Australia. Australian Vintage Chief Executive Officer, Neil McGuigan, said: “We are extremely committed to the green agenda and take our responsibility to create a cleaner planet incredibly seriously. We are making significant progress on the ambitious sustainability targets we have set and are proud to be at the forefront of the renewable energy movement and leading the field in the wine industry. “We are proud to be one of the first businesses to sign a hybrid Renewable Corporate PPA in Australia. This is a considerable milestone for the business which, as one of the biggest producers in Australia, operates at a scale that can deliver significant environmental benefits as a result of its green policies.” AVL has installed a solar system at the winery, which produces 30 per cent of the total power requirement. In order to supplement the bulk of the remaining power needed at the winery, AVL has signed a hybrid deal with energy provider Flow Power. The provider will deliver 60 per cent of the additional power needed at the winery through renewable, off-site sources. McGuigan added: “The new partnership with Flow Power is a significant step towards our Buronga Hill winery being predominantly powered by renewable energy. By lowering our carbon emissions and putting renewables at the centre of our approach, we are playing our part in creating a more sustainable future.” Flow Power Managing Director, Matthew van der Linden, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Australian Vintage on this landmark deal. The team has aligned the profiles of the wind farm, solar plant and on-site solar at the Buronga Hill winery to create a solution that will meet its power needs for the next 10 years.”

30 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

CASELLA LAUNCHES NEW RANGE TO ENGAGE MILLENNIALS Casella Family Brands has launched a new wine collection called The Magic Box which aims to appeal to the highly sought-after millennial market. While millennial shoppers may still be building their wine experience and knowledge, they account for almost one third of total wine spend, and that is growing in Australia. The Magic Box Collection includes four wines featuring vibrant and colourful labels and names; PepperBox Shiraz, CedarBox Cabernet Sauvignon, ButterBox Chardonnay and BerriBox Rosé. The collection sits in the $10-$15 price segment, which is the number one segment by value according to IRI (MAT to 1/7/18) and that is growing at three per cent, as shoppers are looking to trade up from more affordable wines. Caroline Wood, Senior Brand Manager, Premium Wines at Casella Family Brands, said that The Magic Box Collection has been designed to appeal to millennials through the nostalgia of magical pop culture. “Millennials are less influenced by the wine world of romantic vineyards and rolling hills and instead, are seeking out a more personality-driven experience. They are drawn to brands that simplify complicated wine terminology and give confidence to their purchases with bold designs and flavour-led labels that describe taste.” The range is available now through Dan Murphy’s and BWS nationally, as well as selected independent retailers at RRP $14.99 each.

DE BORTOLI WINS AT THE INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION De Bortoli Wines has won the inaugural Winery Innovator of the Year trophy at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), being recognised for the unique packaging on its recently released Rosé Rosé. The only Australian winery to be shortlisted for the award, De Bortoli Wines won the trophy for the unique packaging of Rosé Rosé, which features a colour side-embossed screw cap that is the first closure decoration of its kind in the world. The technology combines several elements, resulting in just the rose being embossed. The label and the rose on the cap are aligned during the bottling process, perfectly presenting the brand personality across the entire bottle. In presenting the award, the judges said: “De Bortoli has produced an integrated innovation, a visual, tactile way of bringing the essence of what’s in the bottle to the outside.”

A FEW DEGREES CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE Taylors Wines is challenging wine conventions in a revitalised campaign to inspire wine drinkers to chill their red wines, giving retailers a new avenue for maximising wine profits this summer. While it’s widely believed that red wine should be served at room temperature, this is actually derived from the medieval drawing rooms of French châteaux, which maintained a chilly temperature of 14°C. But with Australia’s tropical climate averaging from 26° to 30°C in summer – this is much warmer than what is traditionally considered ‘room temperature’ by wine standards. So according to Taylors, popping a red in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving can make all the difference to experiencing at its best. In a blind tasting at the Sydney Wine Academy, conducted by Taylors Wines, 100 consumers tasted the exact same wine side by side. One was served at room temperature and the other slightly chilled to 17°C. The results showed that not a single person on the panel could recognise the two wines shown side by side were the same. In fact, when asked how much they would pay for each wine, 71 per cent responded they would pay substantially more for the Shiraz served slightly chilled. The opportunity for trade in this space is significant. On average, a bottle of red wine sells for $2.20 more than white wine, and red wine’s contribution to value growth in the table wine category is far greater at $54.8 million versus $7.1 million for whites (IRI AU Liquor Scan MAT 02/09/18). So to help retailers to seize on this consumer insight Taylors is again using innovation to bring temperature to the forefront in a new campaign called ‘Taylor the Temperature’ which aims to reinforce the message that the key to a refreshing red is only a few degrees’ difference. The campaign focuses on Taylors’ optimum drinking temperature sensors featured on its Estate and Promised Land wines, first launched in 2015. For the fourth year running, Taylors will bring its award-winning temperature campaign to retailers across Australia with a series of consumer touchpoints across digital, social, in-store displays, video content and catalogue communications, along with a world-first consumer experiential launching in Sydney at the start of summer. Temperature will be front and centre for Taylors’ trade promotions with its ‘Chill to Win’ National Trade Activation. The innovative entry mechanism incentivises consumers to understand the importance of temperature as a pathway to entry. The Taylors Estate range of wines are available for RRP $20. The Taylors Promised Land range are available for RRP $15. Both ranges feature the Optimum Drinking Temperature sensors and are available nationally.

WINE AUSTRALIA MOVES TO PROTECT EXPORTS Wine Australia has revealed that it has cancelled the export licence held by Mayfield Family Wines Pty Ltd, following an investigation into the company. The Wine Australia investigation found that Mayfield Family Wines did not keep proper records and sold wine to another party, incorrectly claiming it to be from the Barossa Valley region. That wine was subsequently exported to Europe by another party. In statement about the cancellation, Wine Australia said: “The licence cancellation reflects Wine Australia’s commitment to ensuring that consumers worldwide can be confident that wine label claims in relation to vintage, variety and region are correct. “There are no concerns about health or safety, but regional claims strongly influence purchasing decisions and it is important that consumers can be confident that label claims reflect what’s in the bottle.” Mayfield Family Wines has 28 days to make an application to to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of this decision in accordance with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1995. Wine cannot be exported from Australia without an export licence issued by Wine Australia, which has the power to suspend or cancel licences when necessary. With a strong culture of compliance in the Australian grape and wine sector, this is a rare move by the authority. Wine Australia has only suspended or cancelled four licences in the past three years. To put that in context, there are more than 3,000 active licence holders.

TROPHY BE

ST R O SÉ

IRVINE SPRING HILL RIESLING VIN: 2018 RRP: $24 Intense lime and grapefruit zest with hints of honeysuckle on the nose. A soft palate with great mineral texture and citrus length.

Great Wines crafted from

Great Vineyards www.leconfieldwines.com info@leconfieldwines.com

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 31

WINE NEWS

AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST ONLINE WINE RETAILER WITH OVER 70 YEARS OF HISTORY Three of Australia’s preeminent direct wine businesses – The Wine Society, Cracka Wines and Wine Growers Direct – have announced the launch of a combined new online presence, The Wine Collective. The Wine Collective is set to launch in February 2019 and will service the business’ 400,000 plus strong customer database, as well as inspire new customers to join its wine community. The new brand combines 70 years of retail experience with cuttingedge digital technology to ensure customers receive a highly personalised, seamless buying experience. The Wine Collective stems from last year’s merger between Australia’s first wine club The Wine Society and the Online Liquor Group, owners of Cracka Wines. “We are particularly proud of the evolution of The Wine Society, facilitated by the technology bought across by the Online Liquor Group,” said The Wine Society CEO Lloyd Heinrich. “The bedding down of this merger has unlocked immediate scale and synergies, offering both customer bases access to a diverse range of high quality wines and an ever-improving level of value and service. “With online being the fastest growing sales channel in Australia, and representing only four per cent of liquor sales, we are well placed to really step up our offer and service this rapidly growing market better. We plan on innovating and providing a new model that we believe will

resonate with a collective of existing customers, new wine buyers and winegrowers alike. “Our new digital platform will launch with a bespoke wine recommendation engine which will identify our customers’ tastes and preferences before presenting a curated range. Every customer will have a unique online experience, making purchasing simple and seamless. “We have taken the digital capabilities of the Online Liquor Group and added the passion and community element from The Wine Society. Quality, value and experience are the hallmarks of our new platform,” continued Heinrich. “We will serve as an extension of these wine brands through rich video and written content that will bring products, people and experiences to life. “The Wine Collective will also be offering its community of wine buyers a multi-tiered loyalty program, with customers rewarded for purchases, reviewing wines and referrals. The most loyal customers will earn significant benefits including exclusive access to hard-to-find products, dedicated concierge service, free shipping and other ‘money can’t buy’ experiences. “We are building on this traditional service with new technology, experiences and communications.” The new platform, www.thewinecollective.com.au, will be launched in February 2019 with the merged business’ 400,000 customers being the inaugural members.

NEW RELEASES ANGULLONG FOSSIL HILL RIESLING VIN: 2017 LUC: $13.98 Region: Orange

ANGULLONG FOSSIL HILL SANGIOVESE VIN: 2017 LUC: $15.05 Region: Orange

CASTLE ROCK ESTATE PORONGURUP RIESLING VIN: 2018 LUC: $15.59 Region: Great Southern

This cool climate Riesling displays varietal aromas of lemons, limes and honeysuckle which follow through to a vibrant and zesty palate of citrus and mineral with a long fresh finish.

This Sangiovese shows fragrant, varietal aromas of dark cherry and spice. A medium-bodied wine, its cherry and raspberry flavours are complemented by an attractive savouriness and lingering tannins.

Grown, made and bottled high on the eastern end of the Porongurup Range in Western Australia’s Great Southern. A lively yet delicate young wine that will reward patience for at least 10 years.

Distributed by: Angullong Distributed by: Angullong

32 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

Distributed by: Inglewood Wine Merchants (NSW), Prime Wines (VIC), Fine Wine Wholesalers (WA)

WINE NEWS

PERNOD RICARD WINEMAKERS TARGETS 100 PER CENT RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY Pernod Ricard Winemakers has switched on the first Paul Button and Stephen Cook stage of its massive solar installation project, which Pernod Ricard Winemakers is part of the company’s commitment to sourcing 100 per cent renewable electricity in Australia by mid-2019. The installation utilises much of the roof space at the Jacob’s Creek winery in the Barossa Valley, which will become the largest combined winery solar installation in Australia and will supply 20 per cent of the business’ annual electricity usage. Speaking at the launch on 27 November Helen Strachan, PRW’s Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, said that this move towards 100 per cent renewable electricity highlights the company’s commitment to responsibility and sustainability. “At Pernod Ricard Winemakers we meet every moment with passion, creativity and commitment. It’s no longer enough for us to think about incorporating responsibility and sustainability into our business strategy, it has to be at the centre of our business and it is. “Today we are flicking the switch on the first stage of what will be the largest private solar installation usage in South Australia.” such history taking a lead in sustainability, not just in a local region but Strachan also announced that to reach the 100 per cent renewable across Australia.” electricity target, PRW has signed a landmark 10-year Virtual Generation The deal with Flow Power means the remaining 80 per cent of the Agreement with wholesale electricity retailer Flow Power. business’ annual electricity requirement will be met by solar and wind for the Stephen Cook, Sustainable Development Manager, added: “This project next 10 years though Flow Power. has been a long time coming and it’s great to see how many people from David Evans, Flow Power’s Director Commercial and Engineering, said: across the company have been involved. “Flow Power is excited that Pernod Ricard Winemakers will be the first “The project incorporates 10,000 panels across the site, which if you put South Australian business to come on board our Hybrid Power Purchase side-by-side it would be the equivalent of the Adelaide Oval playing surface. Agreement. By matching both solar and wind Power Purchase Agreements, It’s also a registered power station and when it’s completed it will generate Pernod Ricard Winemakers receives a cost-effective means to get to 100 per around 4000 megawatt hours of renewable electricity in the first year.” cent renewables.” Brendan Weinert, AGL’s Manager Business Solutions, said: “AGL is excited The commitment to its own solar project combined with the VGA will allow to partner with Pernod Ricard Winemakers in delivering a sustainable energy Pernod Ricard Winemakers Australia to achieve its ambition to source 100 solution to its iconic Australian brand, based in the Barossa Valley. per cent renewable electricity for the whole company, including corporate “What’s really impressive about this is seeing an organisation with offices, well ahead of its original plans.

THE EARL CABERNET FRANC VIN: 2017 LUC: $18.81 Region: Eden Valley This is a playful, plush wine. Bursting with red plum and violets, the nose shows black cherry and the palate has gorgeous soft tannins. It will pair well with mostly anything.

Distributed by: Domaine Wine Shippers

VOYAGER ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON VIN: 2014 LUC: $54.83 Region: Margaret River A core of vibrant sweet black and red berry fruit with earthy gravelly nuances contributing a nice savoury element to the wine. Hints of cedar and chocolate add further complexity and texture with great length and balance, supported by finegrained tannins and seamlessly integrated French oak.

Distributed by: Déjà Vu Wines (NSW/ACT/QLD), Bibendum Wine Company (VIC/TAS), Liquid Library (WA)

VOYAGER ESTATE CHARDONNAY VIN: 2016 LUC: $32.25 Region: Margaret River The textural palate displays vibrant citrus fruits with flavours of lime, lemon meringue, sweet grapefruit and hints of dried pears. The wine displays exceptional purity with an attractive savoury element, which contributes complexity to the palate, finishing with a clean saline mineral edge.

Distributed by: Déjà Vu Wines (NSW/ACT/QLD), Bibendum Wine Company (VIC/TAS), Liquid Library (WA)

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 33

SPIRITS

SOUTHERN COMFORT LAUNCHES BLACK LABEL SPIRIT AND RTD Southern Comfort has unveiled Southern Comfort Black, a robust, whiskey-forward profile with subtle spice and fruity accents. The drink is intended to take the original Southern Comfort experience up a notch, providing a bolder version of the New Orleans extra smooth whiskey. Tasting notes include a spicy and sweet nose with hints of cinnamon, whiskey, spice and cereal, while the palate is sweet, mellow, with spicy notes at the forefront and cues of brown sugar, toffee, sweet oak, vanilla, spices and whiskey. Southern Comfort Black was blended by Drew Mayville, Master Blender at Buffalo Trace in Kentucky – the world’s most awarded distillery – and developed from a proprietary blend of whiskey sourced from Sazerac’s North American whiskey reserves. “As one of the first markets to launch Southern Comfort Black, we are incredibly excited about our plans to strengthen Southern Comfort’s position as an iconic whiskey brand with this new addition,” said James Johnstone, Southern Comfort Senior Brand Manager. “The Bourbon category has changed, Australians are looking for brands with provenance, authenticity and premium blend options – Southern Comfort Black answers these requirements and puts whiskey right back at the heart of the brand. “With the growth of whisky consumption in Australia, we see Southern Comfort Black as staying true to its origins by producing a whiskey that is both authentic and approachable for discerning Australian whiskey drinkers especially for those who like their extrasmooth whiskey bold, with a hint of spice.” In addition to the new whiskey, SouthTrade is also launching a Southern Comfort Black RTD, which has a six per cent ABV. “With the arrival of Southern Comfort Black into market and paired with the global rebranding of the Southern Comfort trademark packaging, this latest product launch is another example of the kind of exciting innovation that we believe is needed to reframe the whiskey category in Australia and drive further growth in today’s growing high ABV RTD market,” concluded Johnstone. Southern Comfort Black is available nationally, with a 700ml bottle offering an RRP of $54 and a four-pack of 375ml RTDs having an RRP of $22.

BUNDABERG CELEBRATES ITS 130-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

GREY GOOSE LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE

Bundaberg Rum is celebrating its 130-year anniversary with a special Small Batch Spiced rum release. The Bundaberg Rum Small Batch Spiced features a blend of the distillery’s finest aged reserves which have mellowed in heavily charred American oak barrels. This blend has then been infused with notes of 13 different spices, fruit nectars and citrus zest to produce a perfectly balanced and intricately complex spiced rum. “Small Batch Spiced is one of our best rums yet. It celebrates 13 decades of craftsmanship by combining 13 specially selected spices with locally made, world class premium rum,” said Karl Roche, Marketing Manager for Bundaberg Rum. “Bundaberg Rum is an Australian-born craft distiller, and we’re so excited to release new Small Batch Spiced as a thank you to our fans in Australia for their support over the years.” This is the fourth release in the Bundaberg Rum Small Batch series, and is available now at the Bundaberg Distillery Store as well as retailers nationally and selected duty-free outlets. The 700ml, 40 per cent ABV limited release has a $69.95 RRP.

Grey Goose has launched a limited edition Riviera bottle, which celebrates the brand’s French heritage and features work by famed illustrator, Quentin Monge. Depicting blue and white parasols, the design encapsulates Monge’s “stylishly whimsical flair” and aims to be a simple reflection of the unique charm of the French Riviera. Speaking to National Liquor News about the bottle, Grey Goose Global Brand Ambassador, Joe McCanta, said: “Quentin Monge is an illustrator who grew up in the South of France, and he was inspired by the evocative image of the blue and white parasols in France. “When you see these by the seaside, it means you are on holiday. His idea was to take an iconic brand like Grey Goose and work to create another icon with it, and I think he has nailed it with the parasol. It just says summer and it says Riviera. For us it is about accentuating our main colour, which is the blue and using that icon nature to create something special. “There’s probably not a lot of people who know we are a French vodka, so to re-iterate our French heritage is always good to link back to Grey Goose being distilled in France, made with French wheat, everything is made in France and being able to evoke that is a key thing in packaging.” Speaking about the bottle, Monge said: “For me the parasols represent one of the essentials when it comes to a beach holiday [and] immediately made me think of summertime and the crowded beaches.” Containing the usual high-quality Grey Goose vodka, the limited edition bottle has been available to retailers nationwide from 1 November, until sold out.

34 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

PROMOTION

NEED SOME

GIN-SPIRATION? OUR PICKS OF GIN TO LINE YOUR SHELVES WITH THIS SUMMER.

ELEPHANT GIN

AVIATION GIN

Drink delicious gin. Help save African elephants. Name a better combination. Elephant Gin is distilled in Germany with 14 botanicals, five of which are rare African botanicals. Bottled at 45 per cent it’s a bold, citrusy, earthy gin. Fifteen per cent of profits go towards African elephant conservation by way of supporting three conservation and anti-poaching charities.

Aviation Gin, owned by actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, is the world’s highest rated gin (97 points, Wine Enthusiast) and helped establish a new style of American gin – softer and smoother, with juniper in the background and citrus and floral notes in the front – resulting in more balanced cocktails. Created by a unique bartender and distiller partnership, Aviation is crafted in small batches in Portland, Oregon.

RRP: $64.90 Distributed by: LUXE Wine + Spirits Luxewinespirits.com.au

Shot at Greenwood Hotel

RRP: $79.95 Distributed by: Vanguard Luxury Brands Vanguardluxurybrands.com.au

MANLY SPIRITS AUSTRALIAN DRY GIN Double Gold winning Manly Spirits Australian Dry Gin captures the essence of coastal living in its stunning distinctive bottle with locally foraged marine and native botanicals. The perfect socialising summer gin to make that moreish G&T or a captivating Martini for discerning drinker. Incredibly well balanced, showcasing a bright fresh citrus nose, balanced with gentle peppery notes on the palate to a deliver a rounded complex lingering finish. RRP: $80.00 Distributed by: Iconic Beverages Iconicbeverages.com.au

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 35

The Brooklyn Brewery and Lion teams reach agreement for Brooklyn in Australia

(l-r) Head Brewer Caolan Vaughn and Co-founder Brad Rogers tasting SWX

BROOKLYN AND LION AGREE NEW AUSTRALIAN DEAL

STONE & WOOD CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF BREWING

Lion will take over the marketing, sales and distribution of Brooklyn Brewery beers in Australia in a new agreement signed with the US brewer. In addition, the new deal will also see Little Creatures Geelong brew Brooklyn Brewery Lager under licence, with the broader range of Brooklyn Brewery beers continuing to be imported for distribution. Speaking about the agreement Lion’s General Manager Craft, Gordon Treanor, said: “Brooklyn Brewery is one of the world’s most iconic craft breweries and has played a fundamental role in the growth of craft beer in the United States and across the globe. “We are excited to welcome Brooklyn Brewery into Lion’s craft portfolio. We see strong potential to grow Brooklyn Brewery Lager and their full range of fantastic, flavoursome beers.” The venture will build on the success of Brooklyn Brewery’s partnership with Premium Beverages in Australia and Robin Ottaway, President of Brooklyn Brewery, said: “We are thrilled to begin working with Lion and take the next step in Brooklyn Brewery’s evolution in Australia. “They’ve got an outstanding track record over the last two decades of building successful craft brands. We are also very appreciative of the work that Coopers has done in successfully establishing the Brooklyn brand in Australia.” The new agreement will commence on 17 December 2018, and Brooklyn Brewery stock will be available for trade to order through Lion from that date. Brooklyn Brewery beers will be distributed through Malt Shovel, Lion’s dedicated team that looks after a growing collection of emerging craft brands.

Stone & Wood Brewing Co. is celebrating its 10th birthday with a range of new releases. “We’ve released some memorable beers but until now, our focus has also been on getting enough of it to our thirsty drinkers,” commented Head Brewer Caolan Vaughn. “We’re proud of the journey so far and having an incredible, passionate team that’s been along for the ride, but all of us at Stone & Wood are even more excited for what’s to come.” One of the major changes is that the brewery’s flagship beer, Pacific Ale, is now available in cans. “From when we first released the original Pacific Ale, our customers and our drinkers have begged us to put it in a can,” added Vaughn. “Up until now our focus has been on making enough of the stuff, so we’re pumped to be able to release a commemorative ‘10 Years of Summer’ Pacific Ale can now.” The cans are currently on limited release, but the brewery will release it permanently in mid-January. Last month, Stone & Wood unveiled SWX, a 10 per cent ABV imperial stout to celebrate its 10 years. Hand packed in 750ml bottles, SWX has spent time in barrels and is available in bottle shops and on tap. The brewery’s tasting notes for the beer say: “SWX pours jet black with a chocolate head and features incredible depth of malt flavours and aromas of espresso, cocoa and dark fruits. The time in the barrel has enhanced the smooth, rich flavours and oak aroma, while providing hints of cherries and chocolate.” Stone & Wood has also made changes to the packaging of its lager – Green Coast. The packaging is intended to reflect the natural setting of the Northern Rivers brewery’s backyard region. The recipe for Green Coast, which is Stone & Wood’s second biggest selling beer, has not been changed.

COOPERS PROFITS UP FOUR PER CENT DESPITE SALES DROP Coopers Brewery has posted a four per cent increase in profit for the 2017-18 financial year, with Managing Director Dr Tim Cooper saying the brewery’s new malting plant has made a positive impact. Dr Cooper said profit before tax had reached $34.3m, compared with $33.4m for the previous financial year. This improved profit came despite the first fall in total beer sales since 1993, with Coopers beer volumes declining by 9.1 per cent. After allowing for products which were discontinued after FY17, the decline was 7.5 per cent. “The opening of the new malting plant has delivered substantial savings on malt costs, along with improved malt quality,” Dr Cooper said. Speaking about the fall in sales, he added: “This ended 24 consecutive years of volume growth at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9 per cent. “Coopers last recorded 24 consecutive years of growth between 1905 and 1928. “Factors behind the lower volumes included an increasingly active craft beer market, more aggressive

36 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

retail space management and pricing by international brewers, and the introduction of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in NSW. “The impact of the deletion of some Coopers brands in decline, and forward buying by retailers in June 2017 which was not repeated in 2018, were other factors.” Sales volumes in South Australia grew by 0.5 per cent but fell in Western Australia (17.7 per cent), Victoria (15.9 per cent), Queensland (11.6 per cent) and NSW (11.1 per cent), where the impact of the new CDS increased the costs of bottles and cans. Volumes of non-alcoholic beer increased by 10.4 per cent in the financial year while malt extract sales were steady and home-brew extracts fell by 5.6 per cent. Looking at the current year Dr Cooper said sales in the first few months of the new financial year had been positive with strong growth in Session Ale and a good initial response to the release of Coopers Dry and Coopers Original Pale Ale in cans. Sales of malt to other brewers and distillers is expected to further boost profit in coming years.

BREWING

PRODUCT RECALL FOR NEWSTEAD’S JOHNNO APPLE CIDER Newstead Brewing Co has withdrawn and recalled all current 375ml cans of its Johnno Apple Cider, effective immediately, due to fears of refermentation. The affected products have a Best Before Date of 09/07/19, 03/08/19 and 24/9/19, and Newstead has said that it has made all its wholesale customers aware of the recall, adding that any consumers who have the affected product should return it to their place of purchase for a full refund. In a statement about the recall, CEO Dr Mark Howes said: “Newstead Brewing Co has long been proud of its dedication to freshness and quality. Our 100 per cent apple cider is sweetened with fresh apple juice following fermentation. This important sugar source provides a prime environment for refermentation. “Newstead Brewing Co re-affirms its commitment to non-sterile filtration, which removes flavour. The risk, of course, is that the brewing yeast will ferment the new sugars. To combat this, we use Potassium Metabisulphite, a common yeast growth inhibitor. This has provided stability for the last six months of cider production without refermentation. This time, we got the load wrong. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety and satisfaction of our customers. Newstead Brewing Co unreservedly apologises for this oversight. We are a young company, learning as we go, and we look forward to fixing this problem swiftly and getting Johnno back into cans for home consumption. “We already have a solution in place, which has been implemented. We have effectively doubleddown on our search for stability. To our knowledge, Johnno Apple Cider is the first Queensland canned cider. It is a great product, using 100 per cent Queensland apples and we cannot wait to have it back on shelves.” Any customers or consumers with any concerns or questions about the recall can contact Newstead Brewing at cheers@newsteadbrewing.com.au.

PEOPLE

HUMAN RESOURCES

Shifting Rank PETER WHITE

JO O’REILLY Senior Partner Reilly Scott

IS TAKING VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCY WORTH IT? Business downsizing and headcount cuts are not just confined to times of economic downturn. Even in a healthy market, businesses will restructure and reduce in staff size. This year and last, saw companies like Accolade Wines and Lion announce redundancies. Compulsory redundancies can heavily impact morale within an organisation; voluntary redundancies on the other hand tend to be more palatable. The option of taking a voluntary redundancy payout, particularly when you may have wanted to change jobs anyway and especially if you have a decent sum coming to you, can be quite appealing. Before you take the money and run, there are some factors to consider: how long will it take you to secure another job with equal or better pay? How much will you receive? And how long will you be able to get by on that money? A 2016 report noted that Australia had a relatively healthy rate of re-hire for displaced workers when compared to other countries, with 70 per cent finding a new job within one year. Another positive is that the unemployment rate is just 5.4 per cent (as of June 2018), which is the lowest it has been in five years. Despite these factors, it’s still advisable to research your area of employment and the likelihood of finding an equivalent paying job. The amount an employee is entitled to is linked to the time served continuously at that company and their base rate of pay. For example, employees with nine years at a company are entitled to 16 weeks of pay. The ATO also offers a tax-free limit on redundancy payouts. Think about big expenses that might fall due in the next month or so; school fees, car costs etc. According to job site, Indeed, it takes an average of 82 days for a job seeker to secure a new position. It’s tempting after taking a voluntary redundancy, to take a holiday or some down time. Add this time on to the almost 12 weeks of job search time and even the payout from nine years of employment will be stretched. The pressure of trying to secure a regular income, may also lead some people into taking jobs that they don’t really want. Bottom line is don’t be dazzled by a lump sum. Do your calculations and see if it is the right move for you. For information on this or other recruitment related matters please contact Jo O’Reilly on joreilly@reillyscott.com.au.

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR AUSTRALIA & PACIFIC ISLANDS Campari Australia Campari Australia has announced the appointment of Peter White as Commercial Director Australia & Pacific Islands. White brings a wealth of experience to Campari and the industry, having enjoyed significant cross channel experience through a variety of Sales, Category and Marketing roles with market leading FMCG businesses in Australia and the UK. He joins Campari from Frucor Suntory where he is currently the Sales Director, with responsibility for sales and category functions. Prior to this he enjoyed a 12 year career, with Wrigley holding a variety of commercial roles in the UK, as well as Australia. Campari’s Managing Director ANZ, Simon Durrant, said: “Peter brings continued diversity to our organisation with a knowledge of sales, markets and channels which will significantly benefit Campari. He is a strategic thinker and an authentic leader who has a proven ability to unlock team potential while delivering positive business outcomes. We look forward to him joining Campari Australia’s executive team.” White will join Campari Australia on 7 January 2019 and will be located in its Sydney office.

PHILIP LEHMANN CHIEF WINEMAKER Eden Hall & Stage Door Wine Co Boutique Eden Valley wine brands Eden Hall and Stage Door Wine Co have announced the appointment of Philip Lehmann as Chief Winemaker as of November. Owners David and Mardi Hall say Lehmann is a “natural fit” for them as Eden Hall and Stage Door Wine Co move to the next level. He is an outstanding winemaker, lives with his family in the Eden Valley, and importantly shares the Hall family values and philosophies. Fruit for Eden Hall and Stage Door Wine Co is grown in the family’s 33ha Boehms Springs Rd Eden Valley vineyard, where a portion from prime sites within the property have been retained for their boutique brands, and until now have been made by contract winemakers Christa Deans and Kym Teusner to create the wines

which underpinned the quality of Eden Hall and Stage Door Co. “Both did wonderful service and for this we thank them,” said David Hall. “But now we are coming of age and Lehmann’s appointment constitutes an important transition for us.” Lehmann brings an impeccable family wine pedigree backed by wide experience in the industry, having worked vintages in the Napa, South Africa and Burgundy, and periods working for Yalumba, Peter Lehmann, Teusner and WD Wines where he was responsible for Vickery Rieslings, Parker Coonawarra, St John’s Road and Hesketh.”

CAROLINE DESAULLE AUSTRALIA & PACIFIC BRAND AMBASSADOR Laurent-Perrier Champagne Laurent-Perrier has appointed its first ever Australia and Pacific Brand Ambassador. Caroline Desaulle has relocated to Sydney from the Laurent-Perrier Headquarters in Tours-sur-Marne, France to represent the renowned Champagne House. In 2017 Desualle began her role at Laurent-Perrier as the Brand and Product Manager. Based out of the Headquarters she has had the opportunity to work closely alongside the Nonancourt Family, developing the product and packaging and managing global media plans. Desualle’s mission while in Australia is to spread her passion about the brand and the champagne category and to share the values of the house to the growing Australia and Pacific market. Desaulle said: “It is a great honour for me to represent the Laurent-Perrier house on the far side of the world. Australia and New Zealand are two dynamic markets where we see many opportunities and want to invest in by developing strong partnerships. I am excited for Australia to learn more about Laurent-Perrier’s unique range of Champagnes.” Paul Stenmark of Laurent-Perrier Australia said: “We welcome Caroline into the Laurent-Perrier team in Australia with thanks to Laurent-Perrier in France for the investment and support given to the Australian market. Caroline will assist our sales teams in trade relations, marketing support and promotional development with particular focus on our Cuvée Rosé, the number one selling rosé Champagne by value, worldwide.”

ANNOUNCE YOUR NEWEST STAFF

38 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

Simply send the details of your newest staff member to djackson@intermedia.com.au along with a high-res headshot and share the news of your latest appointment.

RETAILER PROFILE

RED BOTTLE CLEANS UP AT LSA NSW & ACT AWARDS IT WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR RED BOTTLE PITT STREET WITH THE STORE BEING NAMED LIQUOR STORE OF THE YEAR AND ITS MANAGER ALSO WINNING THE LSA NSW & ACT YOUNG LIQUOR RETAILER OF THE YEAR.

osh Towers, the Manager of Red Bottle Pitt Street, has been named the 2018 LSA NSW & ACT (LSA) Young Liquor Retailer of the Year. On top of that, the store that he manages, Red Bottle Pitt Street, was also named the Liquor Store of the Year. Towers, who was understandably ecstatic following his wins, told National Liquor News that he has “never felt better”. “The other finalists that I was up against are truly fantastic retailers in their own right, and to be acknowledged as one of them is amazing. “I am very proud to be a part of the Red Bottle team, the training and other opportunities they have offered me have helped me to better myself.” He will now be entered into the national Young Liquor Retailer competition and will go up against other winners from each state, including Corey Terry from the Vantage Group in Tasmania, who was named the South Eastern Australian Young Liquor Retailer in October. The national winner will be announced in mid-2019. Among other things, the national winner will receive an ‘observer’ seat on the board of Retail Drinks Australia alongside representatives from Coles Liquor, Endeavour Drinks Group, Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM), among others. Towers continued: “I feel that everyone in the liquor industry are a very close team ultimately working towards the same goal. Now that I’m a part of such, I see endless opportunities to do better each day.” To enter the Young Liquor Retailer competition entrants must first submit a written application and then finalists are

asked to participate in a phone interview. “The nomination involves firstly a written submission consisting of a series of questions whereby you discuss your experiences in the industry so far, your ambitions for the future, and your whole reason for being here – what makes you passionate. “If you are successful in becoming a finalist, you conduct a phone interview with a panel of select and highly esteemed individuals from the industry who ask you another series of questions to a similar effect.” And so what was it that set Towers apart? He says it was the support and opportunities that Red Bottle has given to him throughout his career. “I have had the opportunity and time in the business to really focus on what our local customer wants from a liquor store. Then I’ve been able to really utilise that experience and knowledge to focus on delivering those things. I have been able to source specific products to meet the local demographic, cater tasting functions for select customers in their offices, and employ staff who have the same drive to learn and do better each day. “Red Bottle has given me the flexibility and trust to cater the store’s offering to the local demographic, from which I have been able to train my team up on specific product knowledge, and really offer a terrific shopping experience. “The team here really cares about ensuring each customer is truly taken care of, and feels the value they deserve.” National Liquor News would like to congratulate both Josh Towers and Corey Terry and wish them all the best in the national competition next year.

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“I feel that everyone in the liquor industry are a very close team ultimately working towards the same goal. Now that I’m a part of such, I see endless opportunities to do better each day.” – Josh Towers

RETAILER PROFILE

THE 2018 ALIA LIQUOR STORE OF THE YEAR WE CATCH UP WITH WAYNE BAYFIELD, THE CEO (L) AND ANDY GERRY, THE GROUP OFF-PREMISE GM (R) OF BAYFIELD HOTELS FOLLOWING BAYFIELD LIQUOR SUPERSTORE IN DEE WHY’S BIG WIN AT ALIA. Q WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OF THE BAYFIELD LIQUOR SUPERSTORES? WAYNE: In the late 1970s liquor stores were starting to take business away from hotels so we made a business decision to make it an important part of our business. We developed our drive-through bottle shop to a big box concept and we opened Liquor City on the Dee Why Hotel site. In 2010, after the development of the Dee Why Hotel site, we built a brand new bottle shop site in the car park of the Dee Why Grand and named it Bayfield’s. The concept is providing a wide range of products at competitive prices to our local community with friendly service.

recognition in a forum of your peers from your industry also tells us that we must be doing something right.

Q WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS THAT SETS BAYFIELD’S LIQUOR SUPERSTORE IN DEE WHY APART? WAYNE: It’s a local, family-owned, independent, large format bottle shop. We have a huge range at competitive prices and provide knowledgeable, friendly service. Being locals in the area we are also a part of the community.

Q HOW CHALLENGING IS IT TO BE AN INDEPENDENT RETAILER IN Q HOW HAVE THE STORES EVOLVED SINCE THEIR INCEPTION? WAYNE: In the beginning a large proportion of the business was beer. These days it is very much dominated by wine and a more premium product. Online shopping has also become a part of our business and this is continuing to grow.

TODAY’S MARKET? WAYNE: It is extremely challenging to stay competitive. Over the years we have built very good relationships with our suppliers. We have gained respect and loyalty from these suppliers through these relationships by providing the same loyalty and respect in return.

Q ARE THERE ADVANTAGES IN BEING A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS?

Q ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC DEALS OR PROMOTIONS THAT WORK

WAYNE: Yes. Trust and loyalty is extremely important as is having a similar work ethic and goals. Staff also buy into this family-run concept and key staff have become a part of our extended family. We have staff that have been with us for over 24 years who also have the same work ethic, loyalty, trust and goals.

PARTICULARLY WELL FOR YOU? ANDY: Being a ‘big box’ style store we do offer ‘mix any six bottles across the store’ for our low case prices and also do a lot of ‘Gift with purchase’ deals. We are always up-to-date on the latest craft beer offerings and newest wine releases and of course we will always go out and put the purchases in the car for our customers.

Q WHAT DID IT MEAN FOR YOU GUYS TO BE NAMED THE 2018 ALIA LIQUOR STORE OF THE YEAR? WAYNE: We were honoured to receive Liquor Store of the Year for Bayfield’s Liquor Superstore at the ALIA awards. To be recognised as an independent, family-owned operator is extremely rewarding knowing that all the hard work you put into the business is recognised and appreciated. To have that

Q HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE A STRONG LOCAL OFFERING AVAILABLE IN-STORE? ANDY: It’s very important. One of our key messages is to support us as a local business. We, in turn, try to do the same by supporting other local businesses in the area.

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 41

ROSÃ&#x2030; REPORT

42 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

ROSÉ REPORT

WELCOME TO THE

Rosénado FIRST CAME THE SAUVALANCHE. NOW, WE’RE DEEP IN THE GRIPS OF THE ROSÉNADO, AS ANDREW GRAHAM DISCOVERS.

osé is the fastest growing category in the Australian wine industry, with value rising by 60 per cent YOY to the beginning of this year (according to IRI figures). What’s more, the dollar growth was more than double that of 2016 too, a nod to how quickly the popularity of rosé has exploded. And for some retailers, this is just the start.

THE LOVE OF PINK What sets rosé apart is that it is on as much a wine as a lifestyle choice. Rosé is a segment where, unlike the rest of the wine world, variety and production methods are less important, with branding and packaging instead the key focus. As Simon Green of online wine store My Wine Guy notes, “rosé is as much an accessory as a drink”. “It’s incredibly marketable; the ultimate drink for the Instagram generation. Colourful, and generally drunk outdoors, rosé as a style has its own PR department built right in,” he said. The importance of colour can’t be overestimated with the appeal of rosé. It’s pink so it must be fun. There is even a rosé cider category now, just to emphasise the pull of pink. And the particular shade of pink is vitally important too. Once upon a time (or at least up until the early part of this decade), most Australian rosé was red in colour, typically more medium bodied (and often ripe), and off-dry. They were wines inspired by robust Rosato or sweet Portugese Rosado, where juicy, ripe fruit was the key. But, increasingly, the modern mode is towards lighter, pale pink or even orange coloured, savoury and bone-dry wines that instead take their cues from Provence. It’s now at the point where consumers will make rosé purchasing decisions based solely on colour – with those pale coloured, delicate wines being the flavour of the year.

PIONEERS Still, the rosé market remains a broad church, and you need only see the ongoing success of Mateus for evidence. Here’s a wine that, for generations, has defined rosé. With a history dating back to 1942 (Jimmy Hendrix was photographed swigging from a bottle), Mateus is a wine defined by its cantil bottle and sweet red fruit. But even Mateus is changing. Australia is one of the test markets for a brand new bottle, and backed by a new push to rosé drinkers, tapping into the brand’s rich history. Sarah Nichols, from McWilliam’s Wines explains: “While Mateus was a wine many of us growing up in the 70s and 80s remembers with fondness, its fresh, fruity and elegant taste profile is as relevant now as it ever was. “Mateus has consistently been one of the top performing rosé (by volume) in the Australian market for over 20 years. Consumers are showing with their shopping dollars that the fruit-driven style of rosé is not off their agenda.”

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 43

ROSÉ REPORT

Andrew Calabria launches the Pierre D’Amour Rosé Other prominent winemakers have proven that it isn’t just about pale wines either, like Brown Family Wine Group, which produces rosé across the flavour kaleidoscope. As Marketing Manager Emma Brown describes, that’s a deliberate move. “The category is experiencing this growth across colour spectrum and taste profile from dry to off-dry traditional brands to contemporary brands – there’s no one recipe for success,” she said. Of note, however, is the inclusion of ‘dry’ on the label of the Brown Brothers 1889 Rosé, an acknowledgement that while the colour is a little darker, the style is not sweet and savoury. By contrast, if we’re looking for a champion of the Australian pale rosé style then it is unquestionably De Bortoli. While they weren’t the first to produce this style locally, the De Bortoli team are unquestionably key drivers. Long successful with juicier styles, it was the success of the La Bohéme Rosé in 2010 that kickstarted the interest. De Bortoli then helped fund a marketing campaign coined the ‘Rosé Revolution’ that aimed to highlight the joy of savoury, dry, Provence-inspired pale rosé. De Bortoli clearly found a niche, with La Bohéme enjoying 40 per cent growth last year and among the market leaders, with De Bortoli rosé volumes from the expanded portfolio now up by 71.2 per cent compared to last year (IRI Market Edge figures). Like Mateus, De Bortoli has recognised the role that packaging plays in the rosé purchasing decision too, with the trophy-winning design on the De Bortoli

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“It’s incredibly marketable; the ultimate drink for the Instagram generation. Colourful, and generally drunk outdoors, rosé as a style has its own PR department built right in.” – Simon Green, My Wine Guy Rosé Rosé a perfect example of what it takes, as Leanne De Bortoli explains. “Part of La Bohéme’s popularity in the early days was due to the interesting label on the bottle and the gorgeous pale pink colour inside,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how good the wine is, you need to attract customers’ attention with eye-catching packaging… and at the right price point too.”

PRETTY IN PINK ‘Eye-catching’ rosé doesn’t stop with the label either. At Handpicked Wines they have released a collaborative rosé with fashion designer Romance Was Born in a prime example of how lifestyle and rosé can be intertwined. It was hugely popular too, as Imogen Hayes describes: “(The rosé) was our first fashion collaboration and it was such a success we decided to run it again for 2018. “Fashion is a fun alignment for a category like rosé. Having designers like Romance Was Born, who are pretty quirky and out-there and have an influential following in Australia, helped it work. Their demographic aligns perfectly with a rosé crowd.”

ORfDorEr summer

Distributed Nationally by Red + White: 1300 780 074

ROSÉ REPORT

MATEUS CHANGES SHAPE Mateus has changed its bottle design for Australia’s summer as it bids to take advantage of the growth of rosé, keeping its existing fans but also attracting a younger, millennial marketplace. Miguel Oliveira Pinto, Sales and Market Management Director at Mateus, explains why rosé has enjoyed such growth. • The market is much more sophisticated. People see it [Mateus and rosé] as a product to share and enjoy, but it’s still affordable. • It’s less seasonable now. In the past, you saw sales in summer and then zero. Nowadays, summer is a peak, but the consumption is kept all year. • Rosé was a female product 30 years ago. Nowadays, Mateus consumption is more 60/40 not 80/20. •T he perception of quality. We suffered that for years. But when people started to explain that Mateus is made with red grapes, that they’re selected grapes and we put a lot of care into producing it, then that disappears. Nowadays, most people don’t challenge the perception of quality in rosé.

In that same vein, Calabria Family Wines has just released a wine called Pierre D’Amour Rosé – French for ‘the stone of love’. Here, the wine comes with a rose quartz stone attached to the bottle for an extra dimension. As third generation Calabria family member Elizabeth Calabria-Staltare explains, this detail is aimed at a very specific demographic. “We have designed this gorgeous packaging with millennial drinkers in mind... we wanted to add a layer of personality to our packaging.” The push towards millennial drinkers is not new in the world of wine. Perpetually, the wine industry has attempted to woo younger drinkers with distinctive bottles, quirky labels and weird blends. It’s a constant cycle. But many winemakers and marketers believe that a wellmade and presented rosé offering might serve to bridge the gap – something that even non-wine drinking millennials might choose to drink. An anti-wine wine, if you will. That approach was the motivation for the new La La Land wines from the Wingara Wine Group, as Annelie Mitchell describes: “Millennials are not as interested in the traditional, somewhat conservative aspect of wine drinking but want fun and approachable wine for social occasions. “The aim of La La Land was to build on that attitude and have fun with both making and packaging the wines – to be a little creative and challenge the sometimes-stuffy world of wine.” More than just a frivolous drink, some, such as My Wine Guy’s Green, believe that rosé could be the vinous gateway drug. “I truly believe that rosé will remain one of the greatest stepping stones for future generations to understand and enjoy

46 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

wine. It’s easy to appreciate. It doesn’t take great thought, it’s naturally tied to the weather, celebration, frivolity, and even those with just a passing interest in wine can see and appreciate a good quality rosé.”

GOING UPMARKET While Australian rosé is growing at an exponential rate, internationally the style is also booming. IWSR-Vinexpo forecasts predict that the global rosé wine market will grow by an extra 135 million litres between 2016 and 2021, which is already on the back of sustained growth. In Provence, the rosé export market has increased sixfold over the past few decades, and shipments to Australia increased 127 per cent in 2017 alone. What’s more, the prices of most Provence rosé lean toward the premium end of the price spectrum, with the top wines – like the Whispering Angel – weighing in at $40/bottle. Locally, however, the lingering question remains about whether rosé, as a category, can graduate from simple fun into serious wine – and whether consumers will pay for it. Of the top six fastest-growing varietals and categories, rosé still has the lowest price per litre (IRI data). Further, there remains a perception that rosé has a natural price ceiling, as Green describes: “The current thinking is sadly still quantity over quality. “Rosé is a commodity to the average wine drinker, they treat it like it’s another weekly necessity like milk or bread, and oddly enough it is the one wine we see where full case/volume sales still lead the way. In fact, I would even say that rosé has more in common with the beer, spirits and RTD category than it does with wine, especially as the supermarkets still dominate the space. “At $20 and above, it is like there is an invisible barrier that prevents anyone from spending beyond this price for a bottle. People just can’t

justify paying above and beyond this price for something that has always sold for well below $15 (or less), and our sales results show it.” Still, some producers have demonstrated that serious rosé is not only a possibility but has a market too, such as Longview in the Adelaide Hills. Here, an uncompromised approach to rosé has delivered one of the most awarded rosé in the country, with the 2017 Longview Nebbiolo Rosé the winner of Best Rosé at the 2017 National Wine Show, and the new 2018 winning the trophy (also for Best Rosé) at the Sydney Wine Show. According to vigneron Mark Saturno, there is just one secret to success. “In a word: Nebbiolo,” he said. “The beauty of Nebbiolo for rosé is its ability to display fruit sweetness while staying dry. This is appealing to people that are transitioning from the sweeter styles – it’s a good tool to educate them on the difference between sugar-sweet and fruit-sweet. It also shows great acid and tannin for those who want something more complex. And the colour is really sophisticated. Ticks a lot of boxes.” Indeed Nebbiolo may well prove to be the grape of choice for more premium rosé. For De Bortoli, the 2018 Vinoque Nebbiolo Rosé recently won the Best Rosé trophy at the 2018 Alternative Variety Wine Show. Or the Domenica Nebbiolo Rosé from Beechworth, which has turned heads as a high-quality style. It remains to be seen whether Nebbiolo is the future grape for super premium rosé. And on the back of such explosive growth it’s little wonder that rosé as a segment is still in flux. Many believe that this market is going to take time to mature (again) and whether juicy, off-dry styles can coexist with the current wave of pale and savoury wines. But Wingara Wine Group’s Mitchell puts it well: “As Rosé is enjoyed by a wider demographic in Australia, consumers will realise it doesn’t have to be to be pale or Pinot Noir to be dry or refreshing.”

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 47

VODKA

Seeking clarity V

odka has long stood as the most popular clear spirit in Australia, particularly among younger drinkers of legal drinking age. Vodka’s popularity can be seen to lie in the enormous variety of drinking occasions that it presents and the ability it has to accommodate a vast range of accompanying flavours and mixers. And so, while the growth of sipping vodkas remains small compared to darker spirits, and while the craft phenomenon remains dominated by gins, vodka has retained its position as the obvious spirit choice for almost any event. The range of cocktails and long mixed drinks with which it has such strong and classic associations make it an essential purchase for a party regardless of the size, style or time, while it also remains a template for further experimentation. This, in

turn, makes it a key part of any retailer’s spirit portfolio. “We see vodka as a versatile player in our consumers’ eyes, with purchasing trends tending to sit more towards party and gathering occasions due to its resourcefulness as a mixer as well as its ease of drinking,” says John Carmody, Managing Director of Liquor Legends.

BUILDING A RANGE The versatility that vodka possesses often doesn’t do justice to a spirit with plenty of diversity in and of itself. Vodka is made in a variety of countries, using a variety of base ingredients and with varying levels of distillation, filtration and flavouring. In truth, retailers could differentiate their vodkas in similar ways to single malt whiskies or rums.

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VODKA IS A CRITICAL SPIRIT FOR RETAILERS, AND NEW INNOVATIONS ARE PAVING THE WAY FOR MORE EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS, AS CHARLIE WHITTING REPORTS.

There are no rules for what grain needs to be distilled to make vodka, making it different from whiskies, Bourbon and tequila, and no required ingredients like juniper with gin. Vodka has been made with wheat, rye, corn or potato, while some producers are getting even more adventurous (a dairy farmer in the UK is making vodka out of milk). Retailers could instead arrange their vodka according to the country of origin. Or they can focus on the production itself – how many times it’s distilled or filtered, what flavours are added. All these processes can have an effect not only on the taste of the vodka, but its perception in the wider community. However, for many consumers, price points, premium edges and the brand itself play a more important role in their vodka purchasing.

VODKA “Cost is a primary driver of how consumers shop,” says Greg Philipp, Executive General Manager of domestic sales at Kollaras & Co. “Eight out 10 brands are sold between the $35 and $50 price segments. Price, marketing and innovation will always help retailers achieve maximum results.” When it comes to price, it is therefore important to understand the different price points and make sure that you have vodka that can appeal at every level. Well sign-posted, adjacent gradients of price will allow customers to identify what they are looking for, while simultaneously encouraging them to trade up and treat themselves to a slightly more premium product, particularly among younger consumers (of legal drinking age). “We’re still seeing growth in vodka driven by premiumisation in the high end and innovation in premix,” says Annaleise Graham, Brand Manager at Diageo Australia. “The trend towards holistic lifestyles and accessible luxury trends will continue to influence the category. Many younger vodka drinkers are entering the category at higher price points, while price sensitive shoppers are gravitating towards value-for-money offerings.”

“IT’S ALL ABOUT PRODUCT RANGE, VALUE PERCEPTION, HOT-SPOT STORE POSITIONING AND EDUCATION.” – GREG PHILIPP, KOLLARAS & CO. A Bloody Mary made with Smirnoff

THE KNOWLEDGEABLE CUSTOMER The ‘craft’ movement has seen customers become more engaged with what they are eating and drinking, which has followed and driven in equal measure the explosive growth of breweries and distilleries across Australia and the rest of the world. Provenance and authenticity remain important for vodka, but not yet to the same degree as other spirits. That doesn’t mean that storytelling can’t influence vodka sales. Tailoring your range and educating your team can bring stronger results. “It’s all about product range, value perception, hot-spot store positioning and education,” advises Philipp. “The more retailers know about brands, the more they can hand sell the unique characteristics. Consumers are becoming more educated by the day, and really like to understand the story beyond the bottle.” The modern consumer isn’t just interested in the history or details of a spirit, they’re also keen to learn what they can do with it. Vodka remains one of the most popular spirits for use in simple long drinks – such as vodka and tonic or vodka and soda – and retailers should not ignore the opportunity to boost incremental sales through the intelligent positioning of appropriate mixers. “Use soda, tonic (Fever Tree have many flavours that would be great like the Mediterranean, Elderflower), or liqueurs like St Germain to elevate,” recommends Georgie Mann, National Brand Ambassador for Bacardi. “Our Global Ambassador, Joe McCanta, recently reminded me that ice is one of the most important cocktail ingredients.” In addition, there are plenty of people who are looking to experiment further with more adventurous cocktails in their own home, and vodka remains one of the core cocktail spirits, a cornerstone of many classics and a great place to start for those looking to experiment further. Offering them ideas for interesting garnishes, eye catching glassware or unusual mixers can provide encouragement for experimentation and excitement for a purchase. “Drinkers are looking for inspiration in their serves, so help them with on-trend serve recommendations at the point of purchase,” recommends Diageo’s Graham. “Cue occasions in catalogue or in-store touch points to help consumers unlock new ways to drink, serve, and entertain with vodka. It’s easy to mix at home but can still make a huge impression and is a great way to bring some cocktail culture in at-home entertaining without the need for a lot of bartender tools or world class talent.”

57% 20% 96% OF VODKA SOLD IS MAINSTREAM

OF VODKA SOLD OF VODKA SOLD IS PREMIUM IS NON-FLAVOURED (Provided by Kollaras & Co.)

NEW INNOVATIONS The drinks community is full of experimental streaks, with makers and suppliers looking for new ways to bring their products to wider audiences or to different occasions. The world of vodka is no different and retailers should be aware of opportunities to make their vodkas stand out that little bit more. New bottle designs or labelling can catch the eye and inspire a purchase, while it is often worth getting involved with other

Ketel One Citroen Tee Time bottle

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 49

VODKA

ABSOLUT RELEASES LIMITED EDITION ‘YES VOTE’ ANNIVERSARY BOTTLE

A demonstration of the cocktails that can be made using Smirnoff

“DRINKERS ARE LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION IN THEIR SERVES, SO HELP THEM WITH ON-TREND SERVE RECOMMENDATIONS AT THE POINT OF PURCHASE.” - ANNALEISE GRAHAM, DIAGEO AUSTRALIA marketing initiatives from your suppliers to take advantage of any upcoming zeitgeists. There is also often something to be learned from the on-premise industry. People who have enjoyed an incredible new cocktail at a bar might want to try to recreate it at home for their friends, so keeping up with bartending trends can keep your offer ahead of the curve and get people talking. “We’re seeing vodka serve trends in the on-premise and bartender space influencing sales at bars and in-store, with ever popular serves like espresso martinis maintaining their cult status, while lighter/spritzed serves are becoming more interesting and letting vodka bring a fresh take to the daytime/afternoon drinks occasion,” says Graham. The country’s growing desire to get fitter and healthier has also been widely documented, with many people looking to reduce their overall calorie intake or to eat and drink

healthier products. Vodka is well placed to take advantage of this trend, with its clearness and clarity comparing well to heavier beers, whiskies and wines. However, retailers can take this a step further, by considering the mixers in vodka-based long drinks. Highlighting lowcalorie mixers alongside your vodka range can demonstrate this further. “Customers are moving towards lower calorie, ‘better-for-you’ options so when we see a mixer in the basket, 25 per cent of the time we see a lemonade and 21 per cent of the time we see a soda water,” says Carmody. Vodka’s popularity remains impressive, but with other spirits reinventing themselves in recent years, retailers should look at extra ways to promote it. It is a diverse and adaptable liquid with limitless opportunities, and while price points remain a critical decision maker, there are other stories to tell and other marketing drives to pursue.

VODKA GROWTH AT LIQUOR LEGENDS OVER THE PAST QUARTER

21%

INCREASE IN VODKA SALES 50 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

20%

UPSURGE IN TRANSACTIONS

Absolut has released a limited-edition bottle to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the same-sex marriage vote. Setting the Absolut ‘Drop of Love’ bottle apart from other limited-edition anniversary releases is the fact that the ink used to print the artwork has been extracted from racist anti-LGBTQ hate signs, collected by Absolut from protests around the world – in their words, ‘turning hate into love’. Ink is not the only element that has been repurposed, as the bottle has also been made using 70 per cent recycled glass from previous limited-edition bottles. The design of the bottle features the word love in multiple languages, “expressing that love has no borders”. “This message is incredibly important to us,” said Eric Thomson, Marketing Director at Pernod Ricard Australia. “We’re passionate about creating a more open world and we are excited to reveal Absolut Drop; the ultimate expression of this purpose. “By bringing people together with a message of love, we can create a sign of solidarity and together drive positive change to create a brighter and more open world.” Absolut Drop is available in two colourways in a 700ml bottle at RRP $49.99.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

ADD A FRESH TWIST TO SUMMER 100% NATURAL TASTE 0% ADDED SUGAR

WINE TASTING

THE PINOT GRIGIO & PINOT GRIS TASTING

THE PANEL

1. Daryl Fisher, General Manager, Fisher Fine Wine

4. Elizabeth Schoen, Sales Manager NSW/ACT,

Samuel Smith & Son 2. Andrew Graham, Online Communications Manager, Cracka Wines 5. Tom Lynar, National Sales Manager, DMG Fine Wine 3. Geoff Bollom, Retailer, Fennell Bay Cellars

6. Nigel Jerram, Account Manager, Fisher Fine Wines 7. Bryn Lucas, Purchasing Manager – Wine & Tobacco, Heinemann Australia

THE PANEL’S PICKS T ahbilk Estate Pinot Gris Region: Nagambie Lakes VIN: 2018 LUC: $13.44

H andpicked Regional Selections Pinot Grigio Region: Venezia Giulia Veneto, Italy VIN: 2017 LUC: $14.19

“Red apple and coriander seed on the nose with spiced pear on the palate. Bright acidity adds to the great length. A complex wine with plenty to keep you interested.” – Tom Lynar

“A bit of botrytis, kiwi fruit, a dry, honeyed and clean, crisp finish. Some great flavours that really stood out.” – Daryl Fisher Distributed by: DMG Fine Wine

Distributed by: The Wine Company

P atritti Merchant Pinot Grigio Region: Adelaide Hills VIN: 2018 LUC: $12.90

“This has some varietal flavour, fruit generosity and depth of flavour. It has a good blend of acidity and juiciness.” – Andrew Graham Distributed by: Vinsight (NSW/ACT), Patritti (Rest of Aus)

THE SYSTEM 95-100 Classic: an exceptional wine

90-94 Outstanding: a wine of remarkable character

52 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

85-89 Very good: a wine with impressive qualities

WINE TASTING UNDER LUC $10 M cPherson Family Pinot Grigio Region: South Eastern Australia VIN: 2018 LUC: $8.06 “The palate is dominated by nutty almond notes. Good texture and grip, and a spicy finish with good length.” – Elizabeth Schoen

Richland Pinot Grigio Region: Riverina VIN: 2018 LUC: $8.16 “Soft, fruity, pear and mango juice. Very pleasant.” – Andrew Graham

“Green apple, good length, and simple but well balanced.” – Bryn Lucas

“Acid/fruit are well balanced. Stone fruits present. Good finish. Would be great with a cheese plate.” – Geoff Bollom

Distributed by: The Wine Company

Distributed by: Calabria Family Wines

empus Two Pinot Grigio T Region: Victoria VIN: 2018 LUC: $9.46 “Crisp finish with lingering pear, apple. A good wine.” – Geoff Bollom “Pear, lychee, nectarines. Good finish although a bit sweet.” – Andrew Graham

Distributed by: Australian Vintage Limited

“The Pinot Gris showed more complexity and were true to style, being generally spicier, textural and food orientated, while the Pinot Grigio was generally easier drinking in style.” – Elizabeth Schoen

Azahara Pinot Grigio Region: Murray Darling VIN: 2017 LUC: $8.39

Berton Vineyard Foundstone Vineyard Select Pinot Grigio Region: Eden Valley VIN: 2018 LUC: $6.33

“Citrus, rose petal, capsicum, green grass. Good weight, tight finish, nutty aftertaste.” – Daryl Fisher

“Very pale. Aromatic. Stone fruit aromas and crisp citrus fruit notes on the palate.” – Elizabeth Schoen

“Savoury with red apples and medium acid.” – Tom Lynar

“A good wine. A floral nose and a lingering back palate.” – Nigel Jerram

Distributed by: Red + White

Distributed by: Berton Vineyards

FAST FACTS • Pinot Grigio is ranked the fourth most popular white wine varietal accounting for 12 per cent of $ sales and delivering growth of 4.8 per cent. • Total Pinot Grigio sales of $85.3m are predominantly bottled wine which generated 94 per cent of sales however cask sales are experiencing double digit growth off a much lower base. • This 4.8 per cent dollar growth is much higher than the 0.9 per cent dollar growth for total white bottled wine.

Trentham Estate Pinot Gris Region: Murray Darling VIN: 2018 LUC: $9.68 “A very good wine. Rich, spicy and flavoursome. A good, rich nose.” – Nigel Jerram “Medium bodied and fruity. Medium acidity. Easy drinking.” – Elizabeth Schoen

Distributed by: Bacchus Wine Merchant (VIC/NSW), TBW Wines (QLD), Empire Liquor (SA), Dave Mullen Wine Agency (WA)

THE SYSTEM 95-100 Classic: an exceptional wine

90-94 Outstanding: a wine of remarkable character

85-89 Very good: a wine with impressive qualities

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 53

WINE TASTING LUC $10 - $13 A ra Single Estate Pinot Gris Region: Marlborough, New Zealand VIN: 2018 LUC: $12.90 “Perfumed, floral notes on the nose with intense rich peach flavours and long length. A great food wine.” – Elizabeth Schoen “Good golden colour. A subtle nose, but elegant. Rich and flavoursome, floral overtones, violets coming through.” – Nigel Jerram Distributed by: Oatley Fine Wine Merchant

“Producers are really becoming adept at the use of skins/phenolics to produce more complex and interesting wines.” – Tom Lynar M WC Pinot Gris Region: Victoria VIN: 2017 LUC: $12.90

C hâteau Tanunda Barossa Tower Pinot Grigio Region: Barossa Valley VIN: 2017 LUC: $12.96 “Bright fruit with pear and apple on the nose. Good palate weight and phenolic grip give length.” – Tom Lynar

“Honeysuckle and red apples on the nose with rich fruit and bright, well balanced acid.” – Tom Lynar

“Citrus, pineapple, tropical fruits, nutty, lovely nose. Rich, firm acids. A bit short of a finish.” – Daryl Fisher

“Sweaty and gunpowder, grapefruit. Great mouthfeel, pepper, green stalky character.” – Daryl Fisher

Distributed by: Crush Fine Wines

Distributed by: The Wine Company

M cW 480 Pinot Grigio Region: Tumbarumba VIN: 2018 LUC: $12.04

O :TU Pinot Gris Region: Awatere, New Zealand VIN: 2017 LUC: $12.90 “Really good. Ripe and textural style with fine leesy edges.” – Andrew Graham

“Lovely, lifted stone fruit with banana esters and kiwifruit skin texture. Good length and balance.” – Elizabeth Schoen

“Stone fruits. Warming alcohol. Balanced. Lingering finish. Would be great with Asian flavours.” – Geoff Bollom

“Rich floral nose, long lasting on the palate. A well balanced wine.” – Nigel Jerram

Distributed by: Single Vineyard Sellers

Distributed by: McWilliam’s Wines Group

L a La Land Pinot Gris Region: Murray Darling VIN: 2017 LUC: $10.54

WHERE IS THE GROWTH? • Leading brand Yalumba Y Series generates 13 per cent of Pinot Grigio bottled wine sales and 12.4 per cent of dollar growth well ahead of the second ranked Devils Corner. • The top 10 growth brands are delivering 149 per cent of Pinot Grigio growth and the top 10 brands in dollars are delivering $1 in every $2 spent on Pinot Grigio bottled wine.

“An aromatic wine with bright fruit and vibrant acid structure.” – Tom Lynar “A bit sweaty, hay, old grass, citrus. Tight and complex with a vegemite finish.” – Daryl Fisher

Distributed by: Red + White

THE SYSTEM 95-100 Classic: an exceptional wine

90-94 Outstanding: a wine of remarkable character

54 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

85-89 Very good: a wine with impressive qualities

WINE TASTING OVER LUC $13 Framingham Nobody’s Hero Pinot Gris Region: Marlborough, New Zealand VIN: 2017 LUC: $16.13 “Slightly toasty, sweetness well balanced on the palate. Excellent length.” – Bryn Lucas “Brioche and dried apricots on the nose with apricots and perfume on the palate. Long length and medium body.” – Elizabeth Schoen

Distributed by: McWilliam’s Wines Group

DID YOU KNOW? • Pinot Gris is the white bottled wine rising star, ranked the sixth most popular white wine varietal accounting for 4.2 per cent of $ sales and delivering a healthy growth of 29 per cent. • Pinot Gris generated $65m in sales and growth of $15m compared to one year ago. • The top 10 growth brands delivered 82 per cent of Pinot Gris $ growth but sales were not as concentrated in Pinot Grigio with the top 10 brands in dollars only accounting for 42 per cent of Pinot Gris sales.

Longview Queenie Pinot Grigio Region: Adelaide Hills VIN: 2018 LUC: $13.98

irrihill Gleeson & Co Pinot Gris K Region: Adelaide Hills VIN: 2018 LUC: $15.66

“Slightly savoury on the nose with pretty fruit and good length.” – Tom Lynar “Honey, bit of botrytis, kiwifruit, dry with a clean, crisp finish.” – Daryl Fisher

“Red apple and spicy pear on the nose with a juicy and mouth-watering acid structure.” – Tom Lynar “Ruby grapefruit, lime, herbal. Great balance but simple.” – Daryl Fisher

Distributed by: Longview Vineyards Distributed by: Crush Fine Wines

“This is an ever-growing style. Most of the wines I tried ranged from good to great. Very positive reviews for all in my opinion.” – Nigel Jerram

Lévrier by Jo Irvine Sorter Pinot Gris Region: Eden Valley/Barossa Valley VIN: 2016 LUC: $19.35 “Peach, stone fruits tending to tropical. I enjoyed this wine, it was a bit of a grown up Pinot Gris. Soft but has substance.” – Geoff Bollom “Toasty, honeyed peach flavour and very forward. Lasting legs.” – Andrew Graham Distributed by: Lévrier by Jo Irvine, Full Palate (VIC)

Bird in Hand Pinot Gris Region: Adelaide Hills VIN: 2018 LUC: $17.85 “Capsicum, herbal, grassy. Sexy, subtle yet complex palate and a long finish.” – Daryl Fisher “Toffee apple and florals on the nose with a luscious mouthfeel and bright acidity.” – Tom Lynar

Tamburlaine On the Grapevine Pinot Gris Region: Orange Wine Region VIN: 2018 LUC: $22 “Medicine aroma, sherbet, slight confectionary, plums. Intense rich palate and a big finish, there is a lot going on.” – Daryl Fisher “Bright fruit which is lacking a bit of acid.” – Tom Lynar

Distributed by: Bird in Hand

Distributed by: Tamburlaine Organic Wines

THE SYSTEM 95-100 Classic: an exceptional wine

90-94 Outstanding: a wine of remarkable character

85-89 Very good: a wine with impressive qualities

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 55

1 EVENTS

1. CRICKET LEGEND SIR IAN BOTHAM LAUNCHES WINE RANGE English cricket legend Sir Ian Botham once again took to the SCG, but this time remained in the Members’ Lounge as he officially launched his new range of wines into the Australian market. Sir Ian has worked closely with winemakers from all over Australia, to create seven wines across three different tiers. The Botham All-Rounder entry-level wines comprise a Shiraz and a Chardonnay from multiple regions across South Eastern Australia, the Botham Series features a Margaret River Chardonnay, Barossa Shiraz and Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. While the premium range which carries a $100 RRP, features a Barossa Valley Single Vineyard Shiraz 2013 and 2017 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.

2 The Sir Ian Botham wine launch

2. CHATEAU TANUNDA INVITES TRADE TO TASTE ITS RANGE

Steve Clark and Cam Clissold of Crush Fine Wines with Michelle Geber

Icon of the Barossa Valley, Chateau Tanunda held a trade tasting day at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, showcasing its full range of wines including the new releases from the Old Vine Expressions range. As well as tasting the globally renowned Grand Barossa range guests sampled the 2015 150 Year Old Vines 1858 Field Blend, 2018 150 Year Old Vines Semillon, 2015 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz, 2016 50 Year Old Vines Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Managing Director Michelle Geber and representatives from new distributor Crush Fine Wines were also on hand to take guests through wines from the Terroirs of the Barossa range, as well as the Chateau’s top of the range wine, The Everest.

3 3

The view from Audrey Wilkinson’s Wine Garden

3. AUDREY WILKINSON HOSTS THE WINE GARDEN This year saw Audrey Wilkinson once again involved with the Emirates Australian Open Golf, as official sponsor and wine partner of the tournament. The winemaker set up The Wine Garden directly overlooking the 18th green at The Lakes, recreating it Cellar Door experience, and “bringing a slice of the Hunter” to the course. The Wine Garden brought a relaxed winery feel to the tournament with a general admission area to enjoy the day in comfort and an exclusive area for VIP guests and Wine Club members; there was also a one-off viewing platform overlooking the 17th hole with uninterrupted views across the whole course.

56 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

Guests join Agnew Wines’ Rohan Beale for a wine overlooking the green

4 EVENTS

4. BIRD IN HAND SPONSORS POLO IN THE CITY

On 17 November, the Land Rover Polo in the City took over Centennial Park in Sydney, with Bird in Hand wines, Sesion tequila and Somersby as its major drinks sponsors. National Liquor News was lucky enough to be invited along to the Bird in Hand VIP marquee, where we sipped on 2018 Bird in Hand Sauvignon Blanc, 2016 Nest Egg Chardonnay and the 2013 Nest Egg Shiraz and a particular highlight for us was the 2015 Nest Egg ‘Joy’ Sparkling Pinot. Guests in the marquee included Julie Collins, the NSW State Sales Manager for Bird in Hand, Steve and Josh Chambers from Chambers Cellars and Matt McEvoy, the Wine Category Manager for the Liquor Marketing Group. The Bird in Hand polo team put in a valiant effort on the day and players were more than happy to mingle with guests after the game. Offfield activities were also enjoyed by all, including a fashion on the field competition, the ladies and men’s dash, which was great fun to watch, and channelling our inner Pretty Woman with the traditional divot stomp.

Carina Czerski, Beth Hill, Deb Jackson and Erin Battle

Julie Collins and Deb Jackson

5. AN EXPLORATION OF HANDPICKED WINES

Across from Handpicked Wines’ urban cellar door on Kensington Street in Sydney sits Automata, which was the location for the winemaker’s exploration of Victorian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. During the five-course lunch Handpicked’s Chief Winemaker Peter Dillon compared Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Handpicked Wombat Creek Vineyard at Yarra Vallery and the Handpicked Capella Vineyard at Mornington Peninsula. As well as comparing the different styles of these wines from Victoria, Dillon also discussed the differences between vintages, talking about how the climate, fruit and yields impacted the 2016 and 2017 vintages.

Alex Conyngham, left, shares a joke with chef Colin Fassnidge

6 6. GROWING UP AT SLANE CASTLE The co-founder of the Slane Irish Whiskey, Alex Conyngham hosted a night at Terminus in Pyrmont, talking through his experience of growing up at Slane Castle and the decision to set up the whiskey distillery. As well as a selection of Slane cocktails the evening also featured a menu from Dublin-born chef and restaurateur, Colin Fassnidge. As well as hearing stories about Bruce Springsteen playing a full practice set in the living room at Slane Castle and Conyngham kids playing secret rock stars with U2’s instruments, attendees from across the industry enjoyed a delightful selection of food including slow roasted lamb, whole pumpkin, whole suckling pig and whiskey ice-cream.

NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS DECEMBER 2018 | 57

SHOP TALK

Shop Talk WE TALK SHOP WITH GEORGE CIANTAR, THE LICENSEE OF C & L LIQUOR, AND HOWEL ALBANO FROM ASAHI PREMIUM BEVERAGES, THE WINNERS OF THE 2018 ALIA OFF-PREMISE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD.

Meet... GEORGE CIANTAR Licensee, C & L Liquor in Lalor Park, NSW

HOWEL ALBANO Area Sales Manager – Western Sydney Area, Asahi Premium Beverages

L-R: George Ciantar and Howel Albano

Q ABOUT US:

Q WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES

Q HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE

GEORGE: My name is George Ciantar and I have been the Licensee of C & L Liquor for 30 years. HOWEL: Having worked in the FMCG field for the last five years, I made the move to the liquor industry in 2016 and haven’t looked back since. I enjoy the dynamic and fast-paced environment, as no two days are ever the same. I look after the independent customers, both on-premise and retail channels, representing our broad and growing portfolio of international and craft beers, cider, RTDs, spirits and soft drinks. My area covers from Seven Hills out to The Blue Mountains.

YOU ARE FACING? GEORGE: The biggest challenge for us as an independent is definitely keeping up with the chains. HOWEL: Education. With so many new emerging categories and different styles of beer, it can be a challenge educating the consumer while in the store. Helping consumers migrate into new categories through education is key to the success of NPD and brand extensions. Price will always be a challenge. CDS continues to have an impact on buying behavior, with more consumers now choosing to buy six-packs or 10-packs as this spend fits their budget.

RETAILER/REP RELATIONSHIP? GEORGE: The way I approach our rep is on a friendly basis, straight to the point with no rubbish. HOWEL: My approach to the retailer is always at a consultative level. It’s their store and their customers that come through the door. My role is to add value where I can. I’m always trying to bring excitement to their store through my merchandising and promotions and well laid out and shoppable activations. I always aim to leave a store having made a positive impact on the consumer’s experience.

Q HOW ARE YOU FINDING THE

Q WHAT DEALS OR PROMOTIONS ARE

CURRENT MARKET? GEORGE: I am finding the current market very competitive, not only through price but through range. I mean you just need to look at beer, I have never seen so many. HOWEL: This year has been challenging with the CDS and consumers in general are drinking less. Over the past number of years, the market has been evolving. We’re seeing a real growth in trends such as ‘better for you’ drinks. In the beer segment, the growth engine of the market is craft. In soft drinks, we see the shift from sugar into alternative beverages. Consumers now have more access to information than ever before, through their phones and all the online social media sites, which means they’re really spoilt for choice. This can create difficulties in finding the space for getting NPDs into the marketplace and into our customers’ fridges as there is so much happening all the time.

WORKING FOR YOU NOW? GEORGE: The deals and promotions that seem to be effective are rebates and promotions where the customers don’t need to do much. HOWEL: Having the right promotion at the right time of the year is critical to the success. I find focusing on key big calendar moments right down to what’s happening locally give our brands the best success.

Q WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE JOB? GEORGE: The thing that I enjoy the most is the change of products, there is always something new. HOWEL: Every day is different and every customer’s needs are different. And working for a fast-growing company like Asahi Premium Beverages – last year, we purchased Peroni globally, this means we have a diverse range of products, so there’s always something to offer customers.

58 | DECEMBER 2018 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS

“I always aim to leave a store having made a positive impact on the consumer’s experience.” – Howel Albano

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National Liquor News December 2018

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