ALIA CELEBRATES AUSTRALIA’S BEST LIQUOR RETAILERS

ALIA CELEBRATES AUSTRALIA’S BEST LIQUOR RETAILERS

The 2024 Australian Liquor Industry Awards recognised outstanding achievements in Australia’s liquor retail industry.

The Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) have once again showcased the very best in Australia’s retail liquor industry at an event held at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.

More than 600 people from across the industry gathered to see over 60 awards presented to the people, brands, venues and operators from across the beer, wine and spirits categories, and on- and off-premise sectors.

This year saw the addition of two new retail categories: Best Retail Manager, to recognise the hard work, dedication, and passion of liquor store owners and operators, and Best Online Liquor Retailer, to celebrate the growing impact of digital platforms in the industry and their role in shaping the future of liquor retail.

The inaugural Best Liquor Retail Manager award was won by Imogen Murphy from Thirstville in Marrickville, NSW. Having worked in liquor retail for many years, Murphy took the plunge in opening her own store only a year ago, and so was both overwhelmed and delighted to have been recognised as Australia’s Best Retail Manager in the industry that she loves so much.

“I believe all the finalists obviously gained our recognition because we love what we do, and I would love to say what sets me apart is I’m constantly happy and giving 110 per cent all the time, but that just isn’t true. I think the fact I am comfortable to be transparent and acknowledge that I haven’t finished learning, and never will, allows me to continue to work within the industry with infectious excitement,” she said.

The second new award for the evening, Best Online Liquor Retailer, was won by Dan Murphy’s, and Agi Pfeiffer-Smith –Managing Director, Dan Murphy’s, told National Liquor News that they were thrilled by the accolade.

“We have invested in our digital shopping experiences, creating a very intuitive environment for our customers. Both our website and Dan Murphy’s Marketplace – an extension of danmurphys.com.au – not only offers a vast selection of products but also incorporates features that make browsing and purchasing as seamless as possible. By leveraging data and feedback, we continuously refine our services to meet the expectations of our tech-savvy customers.

“And of course, personalisation is at the heart of our strategy. Whether through customised promotions, tailored product suggestions, or exclusive online content, we’re committed to creating a shopping journey that resonates with each customer’s individual lifestyle and preferences.

“As we head into the festive season, our customers will see our online platforms shine. Offering an unmatched digital experience, customers will have access to everything they need for hosting and toasting in one place, enjoying the ease of browsing and buying from a carefully curated range of products.”

The Best Retail Store category was won by Wilberforce Cellars in NSW. It was a great night for the Wilberforce Cellars team, with Store Manager Georgia Monaghan also being Highly Commended in the Best Retail Store Manager category.

Monaghan said: “It is such a surreal feeling just to be nominated, let alone claim the Highly Commended title. To be recognised by peers, industry leaders, and colleagues is an affirmation that the effort I’ve put in, along with the support of my team, is truly making a difference.

“While the recognition is very personal, I also see it as a reflection of the work we’ve all done together as a team. I’ve always believed in empowering my team members, encouraging them to develop their strengths, and supporting them in reaching their goals. Being recognised means they’ve contributed just as much to the success and growth of the business as I have.”

In a rare occurrence for ALIA, this year the Best Retail Group category was a tie with both Red Bottle and Liquor Barons sharing the accolade.

Scott Towers, Director of Red Bottle, told National Liquor News: “We are extremely happy and proud to be named Best Retail Group. It’s always good when recognition comes from your peers. Obviously, it’s a team effort and we have a great team of managers who put in a lot of hard work, and this award validates what we do and how we do it.”

Meanwhile, it was a great night for the Liquor Barons team, who turned out in force, with the entire 14-member team flying over from Perth to partake in the celebrations.

Liquor Barons General Manager, Chris O’Brien, said it was an honour to accept the Best Retail Liquor Group award on behalf of the Liquor Barons co-operative.

“With this being our fifth win in 11 years, it’s proof that independent liquor retailing, and the way the Liquor Barons Cooperative is operating, is the ticket to success,” he said.

On behalf of National Liquor News, a huge congratulations to all the winners, highly commended and all the finalists and a massive thank you to all the sponsors and attendees for helping to make another awesome ALIA night.

Imogen Murphy scoops inaugural Best Liquor Retail Manager award

This year, a new major off-premise award was introduced at ALIA, recognising Australia’s Best Liquor Retail Manager, and Imogen Murphy became the first ever recipient of the award.

Having worked in retail liquor for a decade, Murphy opened her own store, Thirstville, just last year in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville. Describing her first year in the store as “a dream come true”, Murphy was delighted to add this accolade to her string of achievements.

“I am absolutely obsessed with the career that I have chosen and find that I am constantly satisfied with the work I put into it, but to gain the acknowledgement from my peers in the industry was unexpected but also so rewarding,” she told National Liquor News.

Murphy’s approach to retail liquor is to put customer enjoyment at the heart of the experience, this is seen not only in the infectious excitement that she brings to Thirstville, but the vast array of stock in-store.

While she is extremely passionate about sharing her passion with customers, she is equally as passionate about sharing it with other women. Encouraging other women to pursue careers in liquor retail, she said: “I don’t think there’s a better time than right now. It’s a really fun industry, and there are now so many more women around. It’s been a while getting there, but I think a lot of people want to hear from women, and see other women thrive.”

Wilberforce Cellars wins Best Retail Store of 2024

ALIA was a fantastic night for the team at Wilberforce Cellars, who not only claimed the award for Best Retail Store, but also celebrated a Highly Commended title for Store Manager Georgia Monaghan in the Best Liquor Retail Manager category.

As a family owned and run business, Monaghan says she and her family have a deep personal connection to the business with a unique culture that is rooted in core values and passed down for generations, making this recognition a huge achievement.

“To be recognised by peers, industry leaders, and colleagues is an affirmation that the effort I’ve put in, along with the support of my team, is truly making a difference. While the recognition is very personal, I also see it as a reflection of the work we’ve all done together as a team. I’ve always believed in empowering my team members, encouraging them to develop their strengths, and supporting them in reaching their goals. Being recognised means they’ve contributed just as much to the success and growth of the business as I have.

“[Liquor retail] is more than just selling bottles of alcohol, it’s about creating an engaging, responsible, and personalised experience for customers while maintaining high standards of service and compliance. A great retail manager knows that success doesn’t come from individual effort alone, it’s about building and empowering a team,” said Monaghan.

Dan Murphy’s clinches Best Online Liquor Retailer award

Dan Murphy’s was named Best Online Liquor Retailer at the 2024 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), recognising the company’s commitment to digital innovation and customer satisfaction.

Agi Pfeiffer-Smith, Managing Director of Dan Murphy’s, expressed the team’s excitement, saying: “We are thrilled to be recognised as Best Online Liquor Retailer this year. At Dan Murphy’s, we place a strong emphasis on understanding our customers and adapting to their evolving shopping preferences.”

Pfeiffer-Smith highlighted the company’s focus on personalised customer experiences, particularly through the MyDan’s program, which boasts 5.4 million active users.

“Our MyDan’s program allows us to tailor recommendations and offers, ensuring each customer enjoys a unique and engaging experience.”

The company has heavily invested in refining its digital platforms, including the Dan Murphy’s Marketplace, which extends its reach while offering a vast selection of products.

Red Bottle wins Best Retail Liquor Group

Red Bottle has been named Best Retail Liquor Group at the 2024 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), a prestigious honour in the Australian liquor sector. The award highlights the company’s commitment to excellence in independent liquor retailing and exceptional customer service.

Andrew McKay, Associate Director of Red Bottle, expressed the team’s pride, saying: “As a group, it means a huge amount to our entire team to win this award, as it’s recognition by the industry that we are delivering on our mission to lift the standard of good independent liquor retail and to deliver a great retail experience for our customers and opportunities to our valued suppliers.

“As a family business, built on solid retail experience, we also aim is also to have fun along the way which I feel we manage to achieve.”

This recognition underscores Red Bottle’s dedication to high standards and innovation in the competitive liquor retail market.

Liquor Barons crowned Best Retail Liquor Group in Australia

Liquor Barons has been crowned the Best Retail Liquor Group at the 2024 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), marking its fifth win in 11 years. The prestigious award recognises excellence in Australia’s liquor retail sector, determined through national peer voting.

Chris O’Brien, General Manager of Liquor Barons, told National Liquor News: “It’s a proud moment for the ‘little’ banner group from WA. We were up against all the large national chains, and we’ve comprehensively beaten them again. This is a huge achievement for our cooperative of family-owned Western Australian businesses.”

Liquor Barons also received recognition at the ALIAs with Liquor Barons Duncraig awarded ‘Highly Commended’ for Best Liquor Store, and Basil Giglia from Liquor Barons Carlisle nominated for Best Retail Manager.

O’Brien highlighted the group’s market success, saying: “Our promotional program is the sharpest it’s ever been, our strong consumer brand continues to lead the West Australian market, and most importantly, we are continuing to drive profitability year on year for our store owners.”

With its continued growth and innovation, Liquor Barons is already looking towards securing a sixth win in the near future.

Lark wins Best Luxury Dark Spirit

Lark Distillery has been honoured with the Best Luxury Dark Spirits over $85 category at the 2024 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA). The win highlights Lark’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in the whisky industry.

A Lark Spokesperson expressed their pride, saying: “It is an honour for Lark to be recognised by our industry peers and win this esteemed category at the 2024 ALIAs. Our signature product, Classic Cask, represents Lark’s pioneering spirit and passion for crafting exceptional single malt whisky.”

What sets Lark apart from other finalists is its deep connection to Tasmania’s unique superclimate, ideal for whisky making.

“We are always looking to the future and we are proud to continually focus on innovation and celebrate craftsmanship that makes Lark single malt one of the best in the world,” said the Spokesperson, who also emphasised the importance of the ALIAs.

“The ALIAs honour the passion and innovation that shapes and makes our industry. For Lark, it’s also a chance to celebrate our incredible peers and honour our team’s tireless passion.”

Supporting Australian whisky, like Lark, champions premium, locally crafted spirits and supports local jobs, with Aussie whisky continuing to shine on both the local and international stage.

Asahi Beverages honoured as Best Off-Premise Supplier

Asahi Beverages has been named Best Off-Premise Supplier at this year’s Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), marking a significant achievement for the business.

A spokesperson from Asahi expressed their pride in receiving the accolade: “Winning this award is a big honour for our organisation. It highlights the hard work our team puts into delivering high-quality products and services every single day. We’re very proud to be recognised by our industry for this.”

ALIA is known for celebrating excellence and innovation in the Australian liquor sector, and the spokesperson emphasised their importance.

“The Australian Liquor Industry Awards are a significant event as they celebrate the great work being done across the industry. They provide an opportunity to come together and recognise our collective achievements.”

The award is not just a reflection of Asahi’s efforts but also a tribute to their loyal customers and partners. As the spokesperson concluded, “This award is a testament to our incredible team and their ongoing support. We’re excited to continue delivering the best we can in 2025 and beyond.”

With this win, Asahi reinforces its commitment to excellence and looks forward to building on this success in the future.

Archie Rose triumphs with triple win at ALIA

Archie Rose Distilling Co. has been celebrated at the 2024 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), winning in three categories: Best Light Spirit up to $79.99, Best Australian Distillery, and Best New Product for their Double Malt Whisky. The recognition underscores the distillery’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the Australian spirits industry.

Founder Will Edwards shared his pride in the achievement, saying: “We’ve put a lot of hard work into producing a premium whisky that earns its place in rails and on shelves across the country, so we’re incredibly proud to win Best New Product for our Double Malt Whisky. We’re honoured to be recognised and love to see Australian spirits taking a front seat.”

Archie Rose’s success at ALIA highlights the distillery’s growing reputation for producing top-tier Australian spirits. Winning in three highly competitive categories is a testament to Archie Rose’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.