AUSTRALIA’S LEADING LIQUOR INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
vol. 39 no. 2 - March 2020
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Editor’s note
Editor’s note
WE ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE DRINKING Get the facts DrinkWise.org.au
Welcome to the March issue of National Liquor
Day as the second biggest selling period for whiskies).
News! You might have noticed that the magazine is
And on page 50, Brydie Allen investigates the quiet
looking a bit different this year. We decided that it
overachievers in spirits, Cognac and brandy.
was time for a refresh so we’ve launched into 2020
Plus we’ve got our regular contributions from
with a brand new look and feel, but with the same
Retail Drinks Australia, Alcohol Beverages Australia,
high quality content to continue helping you with
Wine Australia, StrikeForce and Norrelle Goldring.
the day-to-day operations of your business. I’d love
And in this issue, our tasting panel has
to hear your feedback, so if you have any thoughts
swished and swirled their way through our blind
or suggestions, then please give me a shout.
Chardonnay tasting. You’ll notice that these pages
In this issue, we’ve got a remarkable story of
look different too.
resilience from Bermagui Cellars, which was
As always, keep your feedback coming through
impacted by bushfires on New Year’s Eve, which
djackson@intermedia.com.au, I am always keen to
should have been their busiest trading day of the
hear from you and make sure that we make this
year. Bermagui Cellars is part of Independent Liquor
mag work for you.
Group, and Owner Michael Trennery praises the efforts of Paul Esposito and his local BDM, Gareth
Cheers,
Southam, for all they have done to aid in getting back
Deb
Publisher: Paul Wootton pwootton@intermedia.com.au Editor: Deborah Jackson djackson@intermedia.com.au Journalist: Brydie Allen ballen@intermedia.com.au General Manager Sales – Liquor & Hospitality Group: Shane T. Williams stwilliams@intermedia.com.au Group Art Director – Liquor and Hospitality: Kea Thorburn kthorburn@intermedia.com.au Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Subscription Rates 1yr (11 issues) for $70.00 (inc GST) 2yrs (22 issues)for $112.00 (inc GST) – Saving 20% 3yrs (33 issues) for $147.00 (inc GST) – Saving 30%
on their feet. You can read this article on page 22. While on the topic of bushfire recovery, Spirits
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Deborah Jackson, Editor
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Courage to produce The Community Spirit, an
djackson@intermedia.com.au
initiative aimed to help Australian distilleries that
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have been impacted by the bushfires, and you can read more about this on page 26.
Top Reads
Also in this issue, on page 30 IRI has taken a look at the success of the contemporary beer category, and on page 32, we’ve compiled a list of the four beer trends to watch out for in 2020.
➤
22 Bermagui Cellars: Inside the fire zone
➤
26 Championing The Community Spirit
➤
42 A day of global whisky celebration
On the spirits front, on page 42 we speak to suppliers about how retailers can best take advantage of World Whisky Day (which has overtaken Father’s
Average Total Distribution: 10,119 AMAA/CAB Yearly Audit Period ending September 2019.
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6 | National Liquor News
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Disclaimer
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There is no better feeling than seeing your hard work become a reality.
With help from our friends:
Contents March 2020
Regulars
Wine
10 Cover Story: Mo-Town has
16 Wine Talks: De Bortoli
shoppers ‘screaming for Mo’
releases the Lusatia
12 The latest liquor industry news for retailers around
wine range 27 Wine Australia:
the country
Australian wine lovers
25 ABA: How can Australians trust the Draft Drinking
see red in 2018–19 36 Western Australia:
Guidelines when they are so confusing?
The Premium Wine State 54 Wine Tasting Panel: Chardonnay
Retail Focused 18 All the latest products to hit retailers’ shelves
Beer 30 IRI: Refreshing
22 Bermagui Cellars: The retailer was affected by
Contemporary Beer 32
Top Five Beer Trends
bushfires that hit the South Coast on New Year’s Eve 24 Retail Drinks Australia: A year of policy challenges ahead 28 Shopper Insights: Does the age of 24/7 retail apply to liquor? 58 StrikeForce: Brand Captivation
Spirits 15 Manly Spirits: The distillery has launched its first RTD 26 Spirits & Cocktails Australia: Championing The Community Spirit 42 World Whisky Day: How retailers can capitalise on the occasion 50 Cognac & Brandy: Powerfully Premium
8 | National Liquor News
MADE by BARTENDERS for BARTENDERS
8 Years Average Age
44 % ABV
Your perfect mix
www.stagnesdistillery.com.au
Mo-Town has shoppers ‘screaming for Mo’
Cover Story
In order to capture the millennial market a brand needs to have a high-quality product and an engaging brand proposition. The multi-award-winning Mo-Town range ticks all these boxes and as such is gearing up for a successful 2020 both domestically and internationally.
Since its launch in January 2019,
an instant success, particularly in
‘Instagrammable’ brand personality
the Mo-Town wine range from
developing countries where wine
that has been particularly engaging
Kollaras & Co has exceeded all sales
education is minimal, because
with the millennial market.
expectations, showing 72 per cent
consumers are finding Mo-Town
growth in the last quarter alone.
to be fresh and fun.”
And with a new addition to
“The hero message is this – in a world of clickbait, hashtags, DM’s, selfies and tagging – we simply must adapt, and find fun ways to speak to our customer, in order to build a relationship with them.”
“If you’re in a metro area, your shoppers are more likely to be millennials, who are frequent users
the range and a keen interest from
More than just great wine
of social media. So, why not have a
export markets, 2020 looks set to
Mo-Town is produced in South
display dedicated to ‘Gram-worthy
be even more successful for the
Australia and crafted from grapes
Wines,’” suggests Coleman.
multi-award-winning brand.
sourced from boutique vineyards
“Maybe you could run your own
in the McLaren Vale, Adelaide
social media campaign featuring
Hills and Padthaway regions.
the popular #WCW hashtag (in
Clive Coleman, Executive General Manager – Marketing and Brands, Kollaras & Co,
It is exclusive to independent
our industry, that would expand
told National Liquor News that
retailers and consists of a Shiraz,
to ‘Wine Crush Wednesday’ to
Mo-Town has been an “instant
Pinot Noir and the newly released
start your own trend. Or, ask your
success” internationally. With its
Chardonnay, which all retail
supplier to help you create an
funky and hip vibe, Coleman says
for $16.99.
interactive photo opportunity in-
that Mo-Town’s engaging brand
Mo-Town’s Pinot Noir is the
store and encourage people to share
personality has been driving
strongest performer in the range,
to their social media… We can help
its growth.
experiencing 128 per cent growth
you with that one, by the way!
“We are currently exporting
over the last quarter and being
“The hero message is this – in a
Clive Coleman
to 18 different countries with our
ranked number 16 in Huon Hooke’s
world of clickbait, hashtags, DM’s,
Executive General Manager – Marketing and Brands Kollaras & Co
distribution partners across the
list of his top 50 Pinot Noir’s in 2019.
selfies and tagging – we simply
globe. We are seeing more interest
“Post the initial launch of Shiraz
must adapt, and find fun ways to
as time goes on, and its distribution
and Pinot Noir varietals, we
speak to our customer, in order
base is growing very quickly.
received overwhelming feedback
to build a relationship with them.
“We were apprehensive at first,
to introduce a Chardonnay, I guess
“We’re always looking at ways
due to traditional European wines
you could say that people were
to fill gaps for our retail partners
dominating these markets – And
‘Screaming for Mo,’” says Coleman.
and are always open to feedback on
Mo-Town is unconventional and
But more than just being great
what we should add to our range to
contemporary. However, it’s been
quality wine, Mo-Town has a strong
10 | National Liquor News
benefit the entire value chain.”
■
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News The latest liquor industry
For retailes around the country
Patritti appoints new General Manager Patritti has enacted its succession plan and vision leadership appointments
Woolworths hit by increased underpayment costs
from outside the family.
Woolworths and Endeavour Drinks has released its results for the
for the future with two key
In a first for the
first half of the financial year, which have revealed sales and EBIT
company in its 94-year
growth, but also that costs related to its underpayment of staff
history Justin Tiller has
have increased.
been appointed to lead
Group sales from continuing operations increased 6.0 per
the organisation as
cent and EBIT from continuing operations before significant items
General Manager, while
increased by 11.4 per cent. For Endeavour Drinks total sales growth
Angelo Piantadosi joins as Independent Chairperson.
was 4.7 per cent, while EBIT grew 6.7 per cent.
“We believe a fresh set of eyes from outside the family
Speaking about the increased underpayment costs, Woolworths
will inject renewed vigour and confidence into the business,
CEO Brad Banducci said: “With further data analysis, and an
ensuring its longevity for the generations to come,” says
expanded scope to include all Group businesses covered by the
Director and retiring Managing Director, Ines Patritti.
GRIA, we have also updated our original estimate to a gross
Tiller said that he will look to develop commercial
before-tax cost of $315m ($265m net of provisions recognised in
opportunities while still being mindful of the family heritage,
F19) relating to salary payment shortfalls and $80m of interest and
when implementing an enhanced strategic plan which looks
other costs. For the purposes of the presentation of our financial
to focus on galvanising the brand domestically as well as
statements, we have restated our historical results to reflect the
building stronger networks in the UK, Europe and US.
impact in the period to which it related.
“It will be important for me to strike a balance between
“We are working hard to finalise the review and repay
the implementation of commercial operations, that will
impacted team members as soon as possible and thank our team
ensure the company’s continued growth, and retaining the
for their patience and support through this process.”
family traditions and ethos that makes the company what it is today,” Tiller said. In a second appointment, Angelo Piantadosi, Principal of
Speaking about the Endeavour Group result, Banducci added: “Endeavour Drinks’ H1 total sales growth was 4.7 per cent with Q2 comparable sales growth of 1.8 per cent following several store
Integr8ed will be joining the family board as Director and
openings over the last 12 months including nine Dan Murphy’s
Independent Chairperson. Piantadosi has been working
in the half. Trading in Q2 was impacted by subdued market
with the family and business in an advisory role for the
conditions and competitor promotional activity, particularly over
last eight years and he will work with Tiller and the board
the Christmas and New Year period. EBIT2 growth of 6.7 per cent
to collaboratively ensure the continued success of the
was supported by penetration growth of Pinnacle Drinks’ brands.”
business and the governance framework. The family will remain actively involved in daily
Looking at the sales breakdown, the company said that growth in the Spirits category, particularly Gin and Vodka, was strong
operations with three third generation Patritti’s employed
for both businesses, with Wine volumes, particularly Champagne,
at the company in varying roles, including James Mungall as
more subdued. Beer sales were solid, supported by the growing
Senior Winemaker
popularity of craft and mid-strength beer.
12 | National Liquor News
News
Banned Drinkers Register to be a game changer in WA The Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) trial in the Pilbara region of Western Australia is one step closer to launching, with the State Government releasing a detailed tender request. The Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia (LSA WA) and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA WA) have led the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) project, which aims to
Minister Paul Papalia and LSA WA CEO Peter Peck address the media
restrict problem drinkers from purchasing takeaway alcohol. The BDR will require takeaway liquor retailers to reject sales to individuals
Victoria to introduce CDS by 2022/23
who are listed on the register as a result of Prohibition Orders or Barring
Victoria’s Government has announced its
and avoid imposing blanket alcohol restrictions on entire communities.
Notices. Importantly, the technology is designed to target problem drinkers
intention to introduce a container deposit scheme (CDS) by 2022/23, which will work
What’s involved with the BDR?
alongside a new household recycling and
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
waste collection system.
(DLGSC) is administering the trial, releasing a detailed tender request to
The aim is for the new system to reduce litter and see more plastic, aluminium and
market, which outlines the system’s requirements. The tender request also includes functionality to support Takeaway
glass containers recycled into new products
Alcohol Management System (TAMS). The TAMS functionality may be used
while also creating new jobs.
to support existing liquor restrictions outside of the Pilbara.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced an investment of
To allow for the evaluation of Pilbara BDR trial, the TAMS functionality will not be used in conjunction with the BDR trial. Racing and Gaming Minister, Paul Papalia, says that the tender release
$96.5m to drive research, expand the local
represents a significant milestone in the McGowan Government’s work to
processing and manufacturing industry, create
address alcohol-related harm in the Pilbara.
more products from recyclable materials and support new local jobs. In a statement about why it is introducing the CDS, and why it is behind other states, the Victoria Government said: “Before deciding whether to introduce a CDS in Victoria we
“The initiative aims to specifically target people with alcohol problems, providing an alternative approach to blanket restrictions which would impact the entire community,” he said. The two-year trial will commence as soon as possible following the tender process and will be evaluated by The University of Western Australia. “I would like to thank Australian Hotels Association (WA) and the Liquor
needed to be sure that the benefits of a
Stores Association of WA for their collaborative work progressing this
CDS would outweigh the costs, and that a
important program,” said Minister Papalia.
scheme could be designed to be a good fit for Victoria. “The government has been monitoring other jurisdictions as they develop and implement their schemes and learning from their
LSA WA CEO, Peter Peck, says that the tangible benefits associated with the BDR would have a significant, and positive impact on many Pilbara communities and would be a “game changer” towards harm minimisation in Western Australia. “With the WA Government managing the trial it will ensure that the
experiences. Waiting to introduce Victoria’s
results produced by UWA can’t be dismissed by accusations of a third party
CDS means that we can utilise these learnings
influencing the outcome,” he said.
and design a scheme that will achieve the most benefit for Victoria.”
“A successful BDR has the potential to be one of the biggest game changers towards harm minimisation in the state.”
March 2020 | 13
News
Private label continues to drive Coles Liquor growth Coles has released its half-year results, with sales revenue for the first half of the financial year, excluding fuel and hotels, up by 3.3 per cent with growth in all segments. The supermarket giant recorded its 49th consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth in its supermarkets division, increasing to 3.6 per cent in the second quarter. The company also recorded a positive result in its liquor business, with liquor sales revenue at $1.7bn for the half, an increase of 3.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period, with comparable sales growth of 1.5 per cent. In its results statement, Coles said of its Liquor Group performance: The
Fleet Street on track for 20 stores in 2020 Independent Liquor Group’s (ILG) new Fleet Street
refreshed First Choice Liquor Market conversions also contributed to sales
banner group is expanding into Queensland with
growth and continue to perform strongly ahead of the rest of the fleet,
the first store set to open in Brisbane in March.
with conversions rolled out to 47 per cent of the First Choice network. In
Fleet Street is ILG’s new premium offering
December 2019, the Vintage Cellars trial store concept was also launched
which launched its flagship store at The
in Ashburton, Victoria.
Commodore Hotel at McMahons Point in July
The company also highlighted the continuing growth of its private label
last year.
business, saying: “Exclusive Liquor Brand (ELB) sales continued to grow,
Since then, five more stores have opened
particularly in the wine category which recorded sales growth of 5.7 per
across New South Wales, and the interest in the
cent. Overall, 55 new ELB lines were launched during the half including
new model has been so great that CEO Paul
the James Busby range, Coles’ Pinnacle wine offering, and Somma, an
Esposito is expecting there will be 20 stores
Australian first alcoholic mineral water.
operating by the end of 2020.
“A total of 248 medals and awards were also received during the half,
“Our Fleet Street banner group is growing in
including Ballewindi Pinot Noir which was awarded best-in-class at the
numbers, with six stores operating in NSW over
Sydney International Wine Competition.”
the festive season, all showing good growth in
While sales revenue increased, the move to the Coles Tailored Range, did
sales and foot traffic,” says Esposito.
impact on EBITs, as Coles explained: “Tailored range change commenced
“We currently have six more in the works for
during the half across the spirits, white and sparkling wine and craft beer
NSW, and we will be launching our first store in
categories. The associated clearance and promotional activity impacted
Brisbane over the next few weeks. We envisage
gross margin which declined by 41bps to 21.9 per cent, and EBIT which
with the current interest in the marketplace, ILG
declined by 9.9 per cent to $67 million.”
will have close to 20 stores operating by the end
Looking at the second half of the year, the company said it expected the Tailored Range move to keep pressure on earnings. “The new leadership team, under Darren Blackhurst who joined in January 2020, is undertaking a review of operations and an update will be provided at the full year results announcement. 14 | National Liquor News
of 2020. The Fleet Street model targets the premiumisation trend with ranging focussed on medium to top-end product
New Releases
Manly Spirits launches gin and tonic RTDs Manly Spirits has entered the RTD space with two new gin and tonics that go beyond the drink, with a design that thinks about the product’s entire lifecycle, including life after use. Manly Spirits Co. Distillery is entering the RTD market, with two new creations that will be available to both on- and off-premise venues. The two low-alcohol, low calorie gin and tonics come in eye-catching bespoke glass bottles, which are miniature versions of the distillery’s 700ml bottles. The drinks are Manly Spirits Gin & Tonic with Australian Dry Gin and Manly Spirits Pink Gin & Tonic with Lilly Pilly Pink Gin. “We were finding that people who enjoyed our premium gins at home were having to compromise when it came to bringing drinks to a barbeque, dinner party or picnics,” said Vanessa Wilton, Co-founder of Manly Spirits. “If you appreciate high quality, craft gin, why should you have to compromise when you are choosing a no-fuss, ready-to-drink option? “The Manly Spirits Pink G&T also has the added benefit of having zero sugar and low calories for the health-conscious consumer. We like to call it a guiltfree G&T.” With the trend toward mindful drinking, Manly Spirits has crafted its drinks to be only one standard
bespoke 700ml spirit bottles, so we didn’t want to
drink per bottle. “We’ve achieved that without
compromise when it came to designing and sourcing
compromising on flavour by increasing the amount
the bottles for our Gin & Tonics. We wanted to make
of botanicals used in our recipes. We have designed
sure they felt just as nice to drink from and to display
and manufactured both the gin and the tonic which
– and that’s what we did.”
means that we have been able to tailor our recipes to deliver what our customers would expect from a craft premium gin mixed with a quality tonic.”
The products and packaging are all Australian made with no plastic involved. Wilton said: “Every piece of this product can be
Speaking about the packaging element, Wilton said:
recycled and reused. Now more than ever we need
“Our new gin and tonics are packaged in beautiful
to think a bit beyond the drink, and design for a
bespoke glass bottles manufactured by O-I Australia
product’s entire lifecycle, including life after use.
with our signature Manly Spirits Fibonacci pattern
“Our goal is for people to move away from single
on the bottles. At 275ml these miniature versions of
use and either reuse or recycle our bottles and
our 700ml bottles have strong visual appeal. Glass is
packaging. The bottles are so attractive that they can
infinitely recyclable, and the O-I bottles are a great fit
be used as dispensers for soap or creams or for a wide
with our commitment to sustainability.
range of other uses. We use them in our distillery
“We know people love our beautifully crafted
tasting bar for our cocktail syrups.”
■
“Every piece of this product can be recycled and reused. Now more than ever we need to think a bit beyond the drink, and design for a product’s entire lifecycle, including life after use.” Vanessa Wilton Co-founder Manly Spirits
March 2020 | 15
Wine Talks
De Bortoli releases new range from the iconic Lusatia Park The Lusatia brand has launched with a 2017 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from one of the best seasons the Yarra Valley has seen in 20 years.
De Bortoli has released a new wine range from its
Forbes and many others, producing some of the most
iconic Lusatia Park Vineyard in the Yarra Valley,
compelling wine the Yarra has produced.
which includes a 2017 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is simply named, Lusatia. Lusatia Park Vineyard was first planted by Graham
De Bortoli purchased the Lusatia Park Vineyard in 2016 and has been committed to developing the quality of the iconic site.
Stevenson in 1985 on 6.7 hectares of close planted
“The De Bortoli family has always wanted to
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This pioneer site was
have some iconic/legacy vineyards for the top end
chosen in one of the most beautiful sections of the
table wines,” says Webber. “Lusatia is one of these,
upper Yarra Valley.
as is the Melba Vineyard, A8 Syrah, A5 Chardonnay
De Bortoli’s Chief Winemaker, Steve Webber, says that this was a bold move climatically, given the history of the Yarra Valley was generally on warmer sites with lower rainfall. “Lusatia was part of the new dawn,” he says.
and the Freemans Bridge ‘Limestone Vineyard’ in Northern Heathcote. “We purchased this iconic vineyard in 2016 and have been committed to developing the quality of the site.” The 2017 season was one of the best the Yarra
“The aspect was north facing, fertile deep
Valley has seen in 20 years and was the first vintage
red basalt soils, 1200-1300mm rainfall, higher altitude,
where De Bortoli could control all operations from
more vigour, genuinely cool climate labour intensive
pruning, to nurturing and picking.
viticulture.”
“The Lusatia brand is based on the two three-
In 1995, Stephen and Kate Shelmerdine purchased
hectare blocks that were planted in 1985. Production
the property and continued to plant the remainder of
from these plots is defined by the area and we will
the best land to the 20 hectares it has today.
do ‘everything’ we can within those plots to produce
The vineyard, including the two original plots, has over the last 30 years, provided fruit to many wineries including De Bortoli, PHI, Oakridge, Giant Steps, Mac 16 | National Liquor News
spellbinding wine.” For more information about Lusatia contact your De Bortoli rep or visit www.debortoli.com.au. ■
“The De Bortoli family has always wanted to have some iconic/legacy vineyards for the top end table wines… Lusatia is one of these.” Steve Webber Chief Winemaker De Bortoli
Lusatia Park at Woori Yallock in the upper Yarra Valley is considered one of Australia’s top single vineyards. With a unique site, soil and climate, this legacy vineyard is ideal for producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of exceptional quality. ‘Lusatia’ has been hand cultivated with a minimalist approach by vigneron Steve Webber.
For more information, please contact your De Bortoli representative.
/DeBortoliWines debortoli.com.au
New
Releases The latest products to hit retailers’ shelves
McGuigan brings wine labels to life with Augmented Reality App McGuigan Wines has released an innovative augmented reality app that enables consumers to create a personalised wine label to share with friends. The app features on McGuigan’s new Founder’s Gift wine, which launched to coincide with Chinese New Year. Developed in both English and Chinese, by downloading the app and scanning the bottle with their phone, users can enjoy two unique augmented reality experiences, bringing an innovative new way for consumers to interact with a wine label. The journey begins with the lion depicted in McGuigan
The Kraken enters the RTD category
Wines’ crest coming to life in augmented reality, inviting wine drinkers into the world of the brand. Users can then create their own unique virtual label, writing a personal message and selecting a gift bow, before taking a picture
The Kraken Black Spiced Rum is joining the RTD
to send to their friends and family on social media platforms including
category, with the launch of two flavours, which
Instagram, Facebook and WeChat.
are available now to order from wholesalers. Australia is the first market in the world to launch the RTDs – The Kraken & Cola and The Kraken & Dry – with the brand saying the launch has come in response to strong
Other features of the Founder’s Gift app, which is available via the Apple Store and Google Play, include tasting notes and a video about the history of McGuigan Wines. The Founder’s Gift Shiraz 2016 was made from fruit sourced in the Barossa Valley before being aged in French oak barrels and has an RRP of $35.
consumer demand. Amanda Scarlett, The Kraken Senior Brand Manager, said: “The Kraken Black Spiced Rum is one of the fastest growing spiced rum brands in the world and the premix will open up more drinking occasions for Kraken drinkers.
Did you know?
For the first time, Australia’s love for a local fine red wine has overtaken white wine. Read more about this on page 27.
for a while now, so we know it will be well
4 Pines collaborates with US-based Golden Road Brewing
received in this convenient format as it hits
Off the back of their launch into the US last year,
shelves around the country from February 2020.”
4 Pines has partnered with Golden Road Brewing
“Our drinkers have been asking for a premix
The drinks are being made in Australia and The Kraken said that they have been specially formulated for the Australian palate. The Kraken’s distinctive bottle design has
for a special release brew that is available now. Brewed on the same day in both Sydney and Los Angeles and using the same recipe, Dingo Pup is a Trans-pacific Pale
influenced the design of the 330ml serves,
Ale hopped with Australian Galaxy and
with both flavours coming in glass bottles
American El Dorado and offers juicy,
designed to make a bold statement.
candy-like watermelon bubblegum
The premix will retail at $27 for a four-pack
characteristics.
and will be stocked nationwide in off-premise
The Australian version is available
outlets including IBA banners and state-based
now in limited quantities and is five per
independents, as well as BWS and Dan Murphy’s.
cent ABV, 33 IBU and retails for $19 per four-pack.
18 | National Liquor News
Turn to page 32 to find out more about the top beer trends for 2020.
New Releases
Cumulus Vineyards releases ALTE Cumulus Vineyards has taken the first step in a
Archie Rose celebrates the diversity of Australian producers
different direction with the release of a new high-
Archie Rose has launched
altitude wine range, ALTE wines from Orange.
its 2019 Harvest Gin –
ALTE, from the Italian ‘Terra Alte’, means High
the first spirit from its
Lands and Orange is one of Australia’s premier
annual Harvest Series
cool climate wine regions and the only one that is
which celebrates the
defined by altitude.
bounty and diversity
CEO Tim Jones explains, “as custodians of a
of Australia’s produce,
508-hectare estate in the Orange Wine Region,
harvests and growers.
our goal was to create a premium wine that
The 2019 Harvest Gin
showcases the potential greatness of our winemaking region and
showcases Poorman’s
the importance of altitude. ALTE offers a point of difference to our
orange, a rare and unassuming citrus grown by Peter
established Rolling and Climbing ranges that we know will introduce
Dryden in the Hunter Valley. It is complemented by
our wines to an entirely new consumer”.
individually distilled bergamot orange peel, emerald
The grapes are grown from 25-year-old vines that sit at a cool 600m above sea-level where the fruit enjoys intense, high-elevation
green finger lime and lemon scented gum. “The quality of the Harvest Gin 2019 produce was
sunshine. They are carefully handpicked before being treated to
fantastic and the uniqueness of flavours equally
maturation in a blend of new and old French Oak barriques.
engaging,” says Archie Rose Master Distiller, Dave
Winemaker Debbie Lauritz notes, “the Orange Wine Region is
Withers. “When we distilled the Poorman’s orange, it
renowned for producing elegant, aromatic Chardonnay and softly
showcased notes of mandarin, sherbet and grapefruit
textured, yet complex Shiraz; these wines are no exception”.
and had the most beautiful citrus character. “The bergamot orange, also from Peter, was amazing
Hope Estate launches Imperial Lemon Lime Sour
quality,” says Withers. “We have distilled bergamot in the
Hope Estate has added to its range
challenges, but Peter’s bergamot was a pleasure to work
of Imperial Sours with the new
with giving a floral and vibrant dimension to the classic
release Imperial Lemon Lime sour, a
earl grey tea citrus.”
crisp and light Berliner Weisse beer. Hope Brewery is an
past and it can be tricky to get right. We expected some
Continuing its focus on ethically sourced Australian ingredients, Harvest Gin 2019 features emerald green
independent brewery in the Hunter
finger lime grown by Vickie Shina from Marvick Native
Valley that is passionate about
Farms in Western Australia, along with wild lemon
producing new and unique beers
scented gum.
that use the purest and simplest
“We view the raw materials we use in our spirits as
ingredients: malted barley, pure
paramount,” says Archie Rose Founder, Will Edwards. “The
water and hops.
heat and drought combined with the recent bushfires has
Matt Hogan, Head Brewer said: “With more zing and booze, it’s an
resulted in 80 per cent of Peter’s farm being burnt which
amped up version of our Lemon and Lime Sour. It fits well into the Imperial
will have a significant impact on the 2020 crop. We
Sour family that we have created and offers a unique flavour experience.”
therefore feel very fortunate and humbled to be featuring
The Imperial Lemon Lime Sour is available nationally and is seven
the 2019 harvest of Poorman’s orange in this spirit and to
per cent ABV, 12 IBU and retails for around $32 per four-pack.
be working with and supporting growers and providores such as Peter and Vickie to showcase their produce the
Did you know?
In Australia, sour craft beer’s growth contribution has been over eight times its sales contribution. In other words, it’s a style with considerable growth momentum.
best way we can through our Harvest Series.” Archie Rose Harvest Gin 2019 is available now and retails for $89 per 700ml bottle.
March 2020 | 19
New Releases
Giesen goes alcohol-free in world first Giesen Estate has produced the first alcohol-free Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, which launches in New Zealand this month and in Australia, the UK and US later this year. Giesen Chief Winemaker Nikolai St George
Did you know? Globally no-alcohol drinks sales are predicted to increase 10 per cent annually over the next five years.
comments: “There is a growing trend towards nonalcoholic drinks and sales around the world are growing rapidly as consumers look to reduce their alcohol intake for a wide variety of reasons. “Boozy long lunches are becoming a thing of a past – from the rise of exercise class, the low and no-alcohol trend is on the cusp of mainstream. We
Hellyers Road 12-Year-Old Single Malt is back
are excited about this innovation and what it means for our export markets. To
Hellyers Road Distillery has relaunched its
be able to bring Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc lovers around the world a 0%
12-year-old single malt, after the first batch of
version of their favourite varietal is huge.
the whisky sold out in just 18 months.
mindful drinking to people looking for a lighter drop in the evening after an
“An added bonus is that Giesen 0% Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is super
The whisky was originally launched in 2014,
low in calories, with a 125ml glass containing 85 per cent fewer calories than a
but Master Distiller Mark Littler said that its
full-strength wine.”
quality and keen pricing saw it gain strong
While there have been growing numbers of alcohol-free wines new to
market favour and all available stocks were
market in recent months, Giesen 0% Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is the first
soon gone. Littler admitted that the distillery
from NZ’s famous wine-producing region.
was surprised at how quickly the release sold
Unlike other no-alcohol varieties on the market, Giesen 0% - Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc goes through the exact same winemaking process as the
out, but a new batch is now available. “We have in excess of 3000 700mL bottles
full-strength variety, beginning with Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in Giesen’s
available in the current batch and will have
vineyards across Marlborough.
more 12 year stock coming online for bottling
Giesen winemakers then use an innovative spinning cone technology – popular in perfume making - to separate the fragrance and alcohol from the
in 2021 which is really exciting. “Our oldest whiskies are now approaching
wine. Once the alcohol is removed, the distinctive distilled aroma unique to
20 years of age and are reserved for ultra-
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is added back into the wine.
premium single cask releases however we are
While varietally expressive, it is much lighter than its full-strength counterpart and boasts citrus flavours with blackcurrant and passionfruit notes.
thrilled to again be able to offer this lovely core range 12 year single malt which was so popular previously,” Littler said. In describing the whisky, the distillery said: “Hellyers Road Original 12 Year carries the typical citrus and vanilla tones of the distillery’s Original flavour profile whiskies, but age has added a new dimension to the character and body. “Its rich brassy colour gives rise to a mouthfeel that exudes an oily sweetness, tinged with shavings of citrus peel poking through. The finish is calming and long, with vanilla evident.” The whisky is available now through the distillery’s cellar door and website and will be coming to chain and independent retailers soon.
20 | National Liquor News
Retailer Profile
Retailer recovery
Michael Trenerry from Bermagui Cellars tells National Liquor News about the impacts the recent bushfire crisis have had on his store. New Year’s Eve is exceptionally important for liquor
incredibly valuable industry support.
retailers. Michael Trenerry, from Bermagui Cellars on
“This is where I have to really take my hat off, we
the NSW South Coast, said it contributes to a six week
wouldn’t have been able to get through this if it wasn’t
period where up to 20 per cent of annual sales are made.
for the support of ILG and Paul Esposito specifically,”
But last year’s New Year’s was a different story, with bushfires creating significant troubles for the store.
Trenerry said. “Paul was sending me constant messages asking
“All hell broke loose, basically. It was really quite crazy
how we were doing right throughout that period, and
how quickly it came through, nobody really knew what
when I finally got to talk to him, he had already pre-
was happening,” Trenerry told National Liquor News.
guessed what we were going to ask and had already
In all this uncertainty, tourists were urged to leave,
organised a lot of things.”
roads closed, power was lost and mobile reception was
ILG helped put things in motion so that Bermagui
down. Trenerry had to close the shop for nine days
Cellars wasn’t overstocked and could reopen and run
while the power was out.
efficiently. Trenerry said it was the proactive initiatives
The store, which is under the Independent Liquor
like this from both Esposito and Gareth Southam, ILG’s
Group (ILG) banner, also lost further trade in the
Business Development Manager in the NSW South
weeks following due to ongoing road closures and
Coast, that were key to the reopening of the shop.
fire outbreaks.
“[ILG] have really backed up a lot of what they
“Since we reopened, it’s been steady without it
say out loud, but haven’t made a fuss about it, which
being busy, like we would normally be experiencing,”
I think is really admirable… it’s just been about
Trenerry explained.
supporting those that need assistance,” Trenerry said.
“The population quadruples over the Christmas,
The main focus now for Bermagui Cellars is
school holiday and New Year period… but for the first
supporting their staff and the community in the
few weeks of reopening it was only locals.”
recovery effort. Trenerry is also optimistic that the
Road closures from several fires burning in NSW
Australian public will continue their great support
and Victoria impacted a lot of tourist routes, severely
of the areas impacted, for example, through the
reducing the expected visitor numbers in the town.
#GoWithEmptyEskys social media campaign, that
This unpresented crisis meant that there was an
was actually co-founded by ILG’s Southam.
increase of stock ordered for what is usually the
“Turning up is the best thing that people can do…
busiest time of year, but without the same demand.
it might be just a coffee here or a dinner there or lunch
Trenerry said this is one area where they’ve received
over here, but that’s what we need,” Trenerry said.
22 | National Liquor News
■
“Paul [Esposito] was sending me constant messages asking how we were doing right throughout that period, and when I finally got to talk to him, he had already pre-guessed what we were going to ask and had already organised a lot of things.” Michael Trennery
S E CUR E YO U R F U TUR E ! BE A PART O F AU ST R A L IA’S LAR G E S T L I Q UO R CO O P E R ATI VE SE RV I CI NG THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1975.
TH E C H O I CE I S YO UR S F lex i bi l i t y w i t h s i x d i s ti n ct b ran d s to suit your b u si ne s s m o de l . Ce r t a i nt y w i t h own ers h i p an d con trol of Australia’s la rge s t l i quo r c o- op erati v e. Lo n ge v i t y w i t h 4 5 years of s er v i ce i n the industr y.
For more information contact Pat Kenny (NSW/VIC) Craig Stephenson (QLD)
0409 308 341 0434 575 589
www.ilg.com.au
Retail Drinks Australia
2020 – a year of policy challenges ahead Retail Drinks Australia CEO Julie Ryan encourages industry advocates across all segments to work collaboratively in order to combat the threat of adverse policy outcomes for the industry. While 2020 may only be a few months old, it’s clear
The reality is that all these positive statistics
the remainder of this year will see a number of
have occurred against a backdrop of increased
critical policy decisions which will have significant
alcohol availability, additional liquor licences, new
ramifications for the industry. It is difficult to
and innovative products and increased marketing
remember a time when there were so many different
channels and advertising of alcohol products.
alcohol-related policies on the agenda at both a
The continual decline in Australia’s alcohol
State and Federal Government level. Whether it be
consumption and the emerging patterns of
mandatory pregnancy warning labels, the NHMRC
responsibility is a powerful narrative to communicate
Drinking Guidelines, reviews of multiple state-based
to government policy-makers across the country
Liquor Acts, amendment of existing Container
and there is an important role for industry to play
Deposit Schemes or introduction of new ones, or the
in ensuring that decision-makers are equipped with
development of regulations around online alcohol
the evidence and data needed to make important
sales and deliveries, the threat of adverse policy
decisions affecting the industry’s future.
“There may never have been a more important time
outcomes for the industry are more present than ever.
There is also a separately equal imperative for
The latest available data from the Australian
industry to demonstrate the role that they play in
Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) National
encouraging responsible consumption. Packaged
Drug Strategy Household Survey shows significant
liquor outlets have the reach and relevance to
declines in alcohol consumption, particularly among
communicate messages of responsibility in a
collaboratively
the young: 82 per cent of teenagers aged between
meaningful way, and this opportunity to demonstrate
together and across all
12 and 17 abstained from alcohol consumption,
the retail environment can contribute to positive
compared to 72 per cent in 2013, while the average
education on alcohol is one that we will be focusing
segments of
age of younger people drinking for the first time also
on in 2020.
increased to 16.1 years in 2016 (up from 14.7 years
Given the uncertain policymaking environment
in 2001). And yet increasingly, conversations around
we are faced with both presently and in the short and
industry policy are reflecting a misguided notion that
long-term future, there may never have been a more
there is an increased propensity for alcohol-related
important time for strong and sustainable industry
harm as a result of more widespread availability, access
advocates who work collaboratively together and
and advertising of alcohol.
across all segments of the industry.
24 | National Liquor News
■
for strong and sustainable industry advocates who work
the industry.” Julie Ryan CEO Retail Drinks Australia
Alcohol Beverages Australia
How can Australians trust the Draft Drinking Guidelines when they are so confusing? Alcohol Beverages Australia CEO Andrew Wilsmore reveals the hidden truth in the NHMRC draft Australian Guidelines for Reducing the Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol and encourages them to be honest with the Australian people.
Late last year, right before the holiday break, the
released), you might be led to believe they are now
National Health and Medical Research Council
recommending a reduction to just 10 drinks a week.
(NHMRC) released their draft Australian Guidelines
The hidden truth is that the modelling (which is
for Reducing the Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol
itself highly questionable) actually shows an increase
after a three-year review process.
in standard drinks per day based on an individual’s
The Alcohol Working Committee (AWC) (https:// www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/leadership-and-
current drinking behaviour, and large differences in advice for men and women.
governance/committees/alcohol-working-committee),
This critical information is buried in page 30 of
appointed to review the guidelines, contain a number
the Guidelines and best explained in the pictured
who are demonstrably not independent. For example –
infographic:
one is a Board member of a Temperance organisation,
• This graphic shows that if you are a man and drink
another has dedicated her research life to disproving
daily, you can drink up to 20.2 drinks a week. For
benefits of moderate consumption, and another is a
women, if they drink daily, they can have 15.3
former Board member of the anti-alcohol Foundation
standard drinks a week. For both men and women
for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE).
this is an increase on the previous advice of no more
Despite raising concerns with the NHMRC
than two a day (14 in a week).
CEO about these conflicts, and highlighting further
• Where does the 10 come from for both men and
undeclared interests, nothing has been done to remove
women? They deliberately selected the guideline
these members (under the NHMRC Act [1992], the
based on a woman drinking three days a week and
CEO is compelled to dismiss members who fail to
rounded down.
declare interests).
What happens next? What has happened?
Submissions to the Draft guidelines were due on 24
In 2001, the Guidelines recommended 28 units per
February. ABA will be encouraging the NHMRC to be
week for men and 14 for women to reduce risk of long-
honest with the Australian people and provide them
term harm. The 2009 revision reduced this to 14 for
information relevant to their own drinking behaviours,
both men and women. And if you believed the spin
rather than a dumbed down one size fits all approach.
from the NHMRC (https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/
This would allow Australians to make fully informed
news-briefing-new-draft-australian-drinking-guidelines-
choices and maximise public health outcomes.
“ABA will be encouraging the NHMRC to be honest with the Australian people and provide them information relevant to their own drinking behaviours, rather than a dumbed down one size fits all approach.” Andrew Wilsmore CEO Alcohol Beverages Australia
■
March 2020 | 25
Spirits & Cocktails Australia
Championing The Community Spirit Spirits & Cocktails Australia has teamed up with Nip of Courage to deliver The Community Spirit, a project aimed to support distilleries that have been affected by the bushfires. CEO Greg Holland tells us about the collaboration and how it is helping those in need. The start of 2020 has been a difficult one for many
Nip of Courage Ambassador Abby Roennfeldt visited bushfire affected distilleries.
in our spirits community. Australia’s worst bushfire season on record devastated communities across the country, destroying homes and habitats, and seriously damaging peoples’ livelihoods. In an effort to support affected distilleries, Spirits & Cocktails Australia partnered with local distributor, Nip of Courage, to deliver The Community Spirit. This innovative collaboration saw Spirits & Cocktails Australia purchase products at full retail value from local distillers who faced extended closures and hardship as a result of recent bushfires, and Nip
activities. One such fundraiser included an on-
of Courage redistribute the purchased products as
premise promotion showcasing The Community
donations to a range of industry bushfire fundraisers.
Spirit products in cocktails sold at the Archie Rose
The local distilleries that received support
Bar and Sydney’s top 20 bars, with proceeds donated
through this initiative included Joadja Distillery,
to a range of bushfire relief programs.
Wildbrumby Distillery, Karu Distillery, Stony Creek
A social media campaign will be rolled out over the
Farm Distillery, Craft Works Distillery, Reed & Co
coming weeks to encourage tourists back to impacted
Distillery, Kangaroo Island Spirits, Hurdle Creek Still,
distilleries – you can follow their stories on Facebook
Billson’s Beechworth and Corowa Distilling Co.
and Instagram @thecommunityspirit.
The Community Spirit aims to support these local
While this has been a hugely challenging time
distillers and their employees, assist communities in
for Australia and its communities, the willingness of
rebuilding by supporting their local communities,
everyone to lend a hand and do whatever they can to
and raise much needed funds that will aid numerous
help those who need it most has been inspiring. I am
organisations contributing to fire relief.
proud that Spirits & Cocktails Australia’s members
The initiative also promotes impacted distilleries’ brands by featuring their products in fundraising 26 | National Liquor News
have come together as an industry to support the local industry and the relief effort.
■
“I am proud that Spirits & Cocktails Australia’s members have come together as an industry to support the local industry and the relief effort.” Greg Holland CEO Spirits & Cocktails Australia
Wine Australia
Australian wine lovers see red in 2018–19
Sandy Hathaway
Wine Australia Analyst Sandy Hathaway takes a look at the domestic wine market and finds that Australian wine drinkers are favouring a local red over white wine for the first time ever.
For the first time, Australia’s love for a local fine red wine has
Analyst Wine Australia
tightening supply and putting pressure on wine and grape prices.
overtaken white wine, with Wine Australia’s latest Production, Sales
The total sales volume of Australian wine in 2018-19 was just under
and Inventory Report showing sales of Australian red exceeding
144 million cases, a reduction of four per cent compared with 2017-18,
whites in 2018-19.
but still the second highest amount ever recorded and six per cent above
While exported Australian wine has traditionally been dominated
the average for the past 10 years. This was 11 million cases higher than
by red varieties, consumers of Australian wine on the domestic
demand, leading to a drawdown on stocks, which were down six per
market have previously always favoured whites. However, white
cent to their lowest level since 2011-12.
wine’s share of table wine (i.e. excluding sparkling and fortified) has gradually decreased from 58 per cent in 2005-06 to just under 50 per cent in 2018-19. The majority of Australian sparkling wine (83 per cent by
The Wine Production, Sales and Inventory Report 2018–19 can be found on the Wine Australia website.
■
Table 1: Share of sparkling wine sales by colour and by market
volume) is sold on the domestic market, while only 17 per cent is
Colour share of
Colour share of
exported. The balance between red, rosé and white is very different
domestic sales
export sales 65%
between domestic and export markets (see Table 1). In particular,
White
95%
rosé accounts for a significant share (although a small volume) of
Red
4%
9%
exported sparkling wine.
Rosé
1%
26%
The Australian domestic wine market is the largest single market for Australian wine, accounting for 494 million litres (38 per cent of total sales) in 2018-19.
Table 2: Comparison of off-trade wine sales for year ending June 2019 – volume by state
Domestic sales of Australian wine have been increasing slowly but steadily since 2005-06, but declined by 200,000 cases (less than one
Share of
Imported
Australian
share of total
per cent) in 2018-19. This was consistent with trends in other mature
Share of
off-trade
off-trade
wine markets, where volume declines are driven by reduced overall
population
wine sales
wine sales
alcohol consumption per capita and increased competition within
NSW & ACT
34%
29%
15%
the alcohol sector.
VIC
26%
23%
15%
QLD
20%
25%
16%
index on off-trade consumption of Australian wine, while the other
WA
10%
12%
8%
states over-index. South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania
SA
7%
9%
12%
also have a relatively low share of imported wine retail sales, possibly
TAS
2%
3%
9%
reflecting their large local production base (Table 2).
NT
1%
1%
18%
100%
100%
14%
Compared with their share of population, NSW and Victoria under-
Australian wine lovers might also be seeing red this year, as sales of Australian wine exceeded production for the second year in a row,
TOTAL
(source: IRI MarketEdge)
March 2020 | 27
Shopper Insights
Does the age of 24/7 retail apply to liquor? Consumers increasingly expect 24/7 communications with organisations and parts of the liquor industry are responding, writes Norrelle Goldring A comment from Lachlan McLean at Beer Cartel for my 2020
fulfilled until trading hours the following day. Or to fast-alcohol-
National Liquor News Leader’s Forum article prompted an
delivery service providers such as Jimmy Brings, who don’t operate
investigation into the prevalence of 24/7 retail in liquor.
24/7 but do operate in the hours most bricks and mortar liquor
He said: “We’ve got good on-the-ball staff with social media; they’ll post new product shots received two minutes ago. Previously
retailers don’t, thereby providing customers with available alcohol 24/7 across channels.
we’d get an email about a new beer once a week. Now you have to
Or it may mean what is required to run a retail business beyond
be on the pulse; if an email comes in at 11pm on a Friday night you
store trading hours; the customer and supplier facing tasks that are
have to jump in and order them, you can’t wait until Monday.”
performed outside of trading hours.
Is this the new normal for liquor retailing, in an age of 24/7 retail? Or just in some parts of the industry?
What’s behind it? A confluence of trends Combined with the unstoppable penetration of mobile devices, which
What is 24/7 retail?
are fast becoming the preferred shopper transaction mechanism in
24/7 retail could be construed as round-the-clock customer
Australia and elsewhere, e-commerce is one obvious culprit. It is one
facing operations. This could apply to liquor if you are involved
of the contributors to customer expectations of being able to transact
in e-commerce and taking online orders 24/7, even if they aren’t
anytime, anywhere, from any device. And places pressure on retailers
28 | National Liquor News
Insights
to provide fast, efficient delivery and returns, with
sort of impetus for an accelerated consumer search for
shoppers expecting same day (or even next two-hour)
the new or limited – even in a growing but still niche
delivery. Customers expect a seamless transition and
category such as natural wine, or for premium Bourbons
consistent experience between channels and devices
and craft gins – as has occurred in craft beer. (As a side
as they move through the purchase process. Not just a
note, in 2016 Untappd merged with NextGlass, a wine
reaction to inbound communications and orders, the
and beer recommendations platform).
growth of online channels has also enabled retailers to communicate outbound with customers 24/7 via email, messenger services such as WhatsApp and WeChat, social media, and text message. Another is the increasing corporate focus on customer experience and the concomitant growth of the ‘CX’ industry, with its holistic view of touchpoints. According to a 2019 McKinsey Retail Perspectives report, “The basis of retail competition is shifting from price and product superiority to privileged insights and customer experience”. One expression of this is the rise of live chat and chatbots, driving customer expectation of near-immediate response to interactions, communications and real-time feedback. Social media has also driven consumers’ expectation of near-instantaneous response to customer feedback.
Where is it happening in liquor? Craft beer is the chief protagonist, even if it currently represents only around seven per cent of total beer. There has been a proliferation of range, with some craft breweries ranging up to 20 beers, many of which are seasonal or limited releases which, unlike the wine
“For some, retail doesn’t stop when you close the store doors at the end of the day. For those with undifferentiated ranges and few customers clamouring for new products, they may be able to continue with business as usual trading hours – for now. But at what cost in the long term?” Norrelle Goldring
sector, can be manufactured at any time.
A beer industry sales rep I spoke with often sends out during the weekend an email to on-premise and off-premise accounts a special deal for the week and typically receives some orders back by Sunday night, mostly from on-premise outlets (who are still onsite at night on weekends) and a few on-the-ball off-premise outlets, but receives the bulk of orders from such emails on Mondays. This anecdotally indicates that many are still operating within traditional trading hours.
Who most needs to stay a step ahead? 24/7 retail – whether ordering, fulfillment or customer communications – at this stage appears to mostly apply to liquor retailers specialising in a category and/or operating an e-commerce operation. Beer Cartel, for instance, is expected to range new and limited releases before anyone else because they specialise in craft beer. 24/7 retail is more of a requirement for customer response when there is a large range of limited releases. Select clientele who are interested in the category – whether natural wines, premium Bourbon, craft gin – are more likely to be in frequent contact enquiring after new products, including after trading hours.
This, along with popular ratings app Untappd’s
For liquor retailers specialising in such categories,
mechanisms for driving volume around novelty (badges
responsiveness requires resourcing agility including
for trying new beers) is creating a culture of chasing the
consideration of staff able to work remotely and out
new. Of the 700 craft breweries in Australia, most put
of shop floor trading hours.
out a new beer a month, and some breweries every week.
For some specialists, it’s a bit like being a teacher;
Some suppliers ‘drop’ limited release beers with little
the job doesn’t stop when they leave the classroom.
notice, forcing beer specialist suppliers such as Beer
They’re doing the retail equivalent of marking, letters
Cartel to be constantly on the alert in order to be first in
to parents, building curriculum for the next term. But
with an order or face missing out. And then to promote
the extra graft may give specialists a competitive edge.
it to move it and be seen to be ahead of the pack. As Nick Palmer, the ‘punter’ in my Leaders Forum article lamented, “Now you go to a bottle shop, there’s 20 new things, and notifications on the phone about new things virtually every day, but you can’t buy it all”. While ratings apps exist in wine (Vivino for instance, which is also a marketplace), and spirits (such as Distiller or Drizly), they don’t appear to have created the same
About Norrelle Goldring: Norrelle has 20 years’ experience in the liquor industry and in retail, category, channel and customer strategy, planning and research, working in and with global retailers, manufacturers and research houses. Contact Norrelle on 0411735190 or email norrellegoldring@hotmail.com.
There’s a reason Oak Barrel has been named Liquor Store of the Year at ALIA multiple times. For some, retail doesn’t stop when you close the store doors at the end of the day. For those with undifferentiated ranges and few customers clamouring for new products, they may be able to continue with business as usual trading hours – for now. But at what cost in the long term?
■
March 2020 | 29
IRI
Refreshing contemporary beer Lachlan Cameron, Senior Associate Consultant, IRI, looks at what’s next from the contemporary beer category, which has enjoyed extraordinary growth in recent years. Contemporary beer remains a favourite among
Key contemporary NPD’s: Hahn Ultra Crisp is a
Australian consumers with the segment adding
recent innovation to leverage the health angle via its
$108m to the beer category in the last year.
gluten free proposition. The brew may be succeeding
This phenomenal growth has been fuelled by one
tapping into the consumer perception that gluten may
of the most successful brands to enter the Australian
be a contributing factor to a feeling of being bloated
beer landscape in the last 20 years, Great Northern.
and to feeling hungover.
The ‘Beer from up here’ has added $115m in growth
Pure Blonde Organic is another example of a brand
to the beer category in the last year to now have more
taking a leadership position within the health and
than 13 per cent share of beer in Australia.
wellness space on the back of its credentials as 100 per
At the heart of Great Northern’s success has been its
cent organic. The brand has done a stellar job marketing
ability tap into a number of important macro trends
this position via its disruptive campaign publishing its
and consumer needs including: health and wellness,
recipe to demonstrate its commitment to using only
refreshment and value for money.
Australian certified organic (ACO) ingredients.
A number of competitor brands continue to innovate
Two Suns Premium Dry is another recent addition
in the contemporary space looking to emulate the success
to the contemporary landscape. The beer is created
of Great Northern, and in many instances tapping into
with Australian ingredients and brewed utilising
these same key trends and consumer needs.
precise Japanese techniques to deliver a lower carb, low bitterness easy drinking option.
“The continued success of mid strength options within Contemporary
Key Trends
is clear validation
Bulk value: While expanded distribution has played
What’s next for contemporary?
a role, it’s clear that more and more consumers are
While we expect health and wellness, refreshment
favouring bulk buying to maximise value for money.
and value to remain key to consumers of the segment,
This is evident as a quarter of contemporary beer value
we believe the importance of sustainability will only
practicing responsible
is now coming via 30-packs, which has risen from
grow. This is likely to play out through a shift toward
consumption.”
under 15 per cent three years ago.
more sustainable packaging and via the increase in
Mid strength is king: The continued success of
transparency of production and supply chain, with
mid strength options within contemporary is clear
brewers and consumers looking to mitigate their
validation that more and more consumers are practicing
impact on the environment. Brands that have affinity
responsible consumption. These mid strength variants
to the outdoors such as Great Northern and Iron Jack
are perfectly tailored to daytime drinking occasions and
appear to be prime candidates to play in this space.
are equally suited to older consumers, who may feel the
In addition, Pure Blonde’s recent shift to increased
effects of alcohol more severely. As a result, mid strength
transparency is a strong indicator of its intentions to
options have driven three quarters of the growth of
be a leader in the sustainability space.
contemporary beer in the last year. 30 | National Liquor News
■
Source: IRI Marketedge Beer 12/01/20
that more and more consumers are
Lachlan Cameron Senior Associate Consultant IRI
LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD
NOW IN CANS Brewed with the goodness of ancient grains to deliver uncompromising taste, it’s no wonder O’Brien is Australia’s most awarded range of gluten free craft beers.
rebellionbrewing.com.au
Beer Trends
Four Growing Trends in Beer (and beer alternatives)
With more than 700 breweries in Australia producing new and innovative brews every week, it can be difficult to keep up with trends. So we’ve done the work for you and have come up with four trends that retailers should be aware of right now. While contemporary beer remains the behemoth within the overall
1. Health & Wellbeing
beer category, having added $108m in value in the last year (as
The value of the global non-alcoholic beer market is projected to
Lachlan Cameron from IRI discusses on page 30), there is still plenty
grow at a positive CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of seven
of space for contemporary’s counterpart, craft beer. And with around
per cent according to a report on the non-alcoholic beer market
700 breweries operating in Australia right now, and a new brewery
by Fact.MR.
opening roughly every six days, it can be tough to keep up with new releases and to stay ahead of trends. So, we have done the research and summarised the top four trends to be aware of in beer right now. 32 | National Liquor News
Newer variants and launches of non-alcoholic beer drinks are expected to drive a growth that will see the global market reach a valuation of over US$28 billion (AU$41 billion) by the end of the forecast period (2019-2027).
Beer Trends
Global sales of non-alcoholic beers and alcohol-
realised pretty early on that there are many consumers
free mixed beers beverages in 2018 totaled over four
(not just coeliac) who are looking to reduce the amount
million litres in terms of volume, with 2019 forecast
of gluten they consume.”
to have sold over 4.3 million litres. The non-alcoholic beer market has enjoyed growth
Trends that are shifting consumer behaviour in food are also translating into the drinks category.
in recent years, with significant impetus coming from
As O’Brien described, “recently we’re seeing more
the health conscious and the millennial segment of
and more grocers, cafés and restaurants promoting the
the population. The growth has also been driven by
benefits of food made from ‘ancient grains’ (the same
an increased focus on novel flavour variants, such as
grains we’re using to brew O’Brien beers).”
vegetables, spices, herbs and blossoms. Developing countries are becoming hotbeds for global, non-alcoholic beer markets. At present, it is the USA that is at the forefront of non-alcoholic beer consumption, with the country
“On top of that we’ve seen a shift in consumption across all alcohol categories to drinking less but better, and actively looking for products that are perceived to be ‘better for you’. O’Brien beer very definitely sits in this space.
accounting for a fifth of worldwide sales. Asia Pacific
“We’ve recently seen an increase in the number of
is expected to hold a significant share in the global
hospitality venues contacting us about O’Brien beers,
market in the long-term forecast period.
because they’re seeing the opportunity of serving gluten
“Manufacturers in the non-alcoholic beers market
free beer alongside their (already established, but
are emphasising on customised beverages to target
growing) gluten free food options. Apart from specialist
specific age segment (18-34 years) leading to frequent
restaurants, we’re also engaged in exactly this kind of
product launches over the last five years,” says a
discussion with one of Australia’s largest hospitality
spokesperson for Fact.MR.
groups of over 150 venues. The point is that gluten
“The global market for non-alcoholic beers is highly
free beer is no longer a niche offering, but increasingly
consolidated where the top 10 prominent
relevant to a large section of the population who are
industry pioneers account for over 75
actively looking for contemporary products that fit in
per cent share in the global non-
with their health conscious lifestyle.”
alcoholic beer market. “Beer companies are engaged
2. Hard Seltzer
in promoting previously launched
The United States has often been an indicator of
non-alcoholic beverages and
which trends could start happening in other markets
also engaged in the development
including Australia, and according to IWSR Drinks
of new non-alcohol beers with
Market Analysis, hard seltzer is set for massive growth.
different flavours.” Meanwhile, as gluten free and reduced diets become more mainstream, the market for gluten free beers has flourished.
Now although this article is supposed to be about beer, due to its incredible growth forecast, we thought it appropriate to also include this beer alternative. Hard seltzer volume in the US is already sitting at around 82.5m nine-litre cases, which is already larger
Although only a small
by volume than vodka, the leading spirits category in
percentage of the population
America. According to IWSR forecasts, by 2023 the
is gluten free for allergy or
category will more than triple to reach over 281m cases.
intolerance reasons, some sources
The IWSR Hard Seltzer report says that “hard
say that up to 10 times more are
seltzer and other ‘seltzer-like’ products command a
avoiding gluten for other reasons.
market share of 2.6 per cent of all beverage alcohol in
“Gluten free has definitely
the US, up from only 0.85 per cent a year ago.
moved from being a specialty
“Hard seltzers are far from a fad, they’re growing
category to being mainstream,” says
at a spectacular rate, and increasingly, hard seltzer
John O’Brien, Founder of O’Brien. “I
producers are pulling consumers from other beverage March 2020 | 33
Beer Trends
alcohol categories, not just beer. Combined, hard seltzers and other canned seltzer-like products (vodka soda, as an example) will drive the total ready-todrink category, making it the fastest-growing beverage alcohol category in the US over the next five years,” said Brandy Rand, COO of the Americas at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. With Australia being a market that already embraces the RTD concept, the potential of hard seltzers in this country is huge. Already, Lion has jumped on board the Hard Seltzer train, launching Quincy late last year. The Australian-made, gluten-free drink is pitched as a refreshing summer option from Lion, having less sugar and carbs than the average vodka RTD. Lion’s Innovation Director Jo Simpson said Quincy has been developed to cater to a growing demand for unique beverages that can fit into their modern lifestyles and diet choices. “When you enter a bottle shop looking for an afternoon delight and you don’t necessarily feel like a wine, an RTD or a traditional beer, Quincy has the right characteristics that will appeal to drinkers from all these categories. It just provides something a little bit different.” More recently, Asahi Premium Beverages has also released its own Vodka Seltzer in two flavours, Lemon
product to an everyday purchase in supermarkets
& Lime and Raspberry.
everywhere, it has continued to evolve for different
These have initially launched through BWS and Dan Murphy’s from March but will be made more widely available towards the end of the year. Good Tides Hard Seltzer is inspired by the purity of the Australian coast and the invigorating refreshment
drinking occasions.
“We’ve seen a shift in
To make any kombucha requires a primary
consumption across
fermentation phase, meaning that most kombuchas
all alcohol categories
have a very small amount of alcohol in it. However, through secondary fermentation, an alcoholic
of the waves, and Asahi’s Group Marketing Manager,
to drinking less but
Virginia Woodger, is expecting big things from it in
better, and actively
confined to the United States, specifically California,
the Australian market.
looking for products
but it is making waves here in Australia, albeit it at a
that are perceived
lower four per cent ABV, compared to the six to eight
“While the light premix category is seeing great growth, we see a potential in the market to launch a product which caters for those looking for a
to be ‘better for you’.
kombucha is possible. This trend has been largely
per cent that the American market demands. “I think I found about 12 companies doing
refreshing, flavourful drink but without the guilt of
O’Brien beer very
(secondary fermented) kombucha (in California),”
consuming high amounts of sugar and calories. We
definitely sits in
says Nick Cogger, founder of K.Booch, an alcoholic
have seen Hard Seltzers boom in the US and believe
this space.”
kombucha based in Torquay, Victoria. “Every bottle
this trend will be just as successful in the Australian market,” she said.
John O’Brien O’Brien Beer
shop in California will have one or two alcoholic kombuchas. All the craft beer places in California have a kombucha on tap. They’re leading the charge.
3. Alcoholic Kombucha
The market is being led by JuneShine and Boochcraft,
Kombucha has been one of the great success stories
both out of San Diego.
of recent years. Growing from an obscure, health 34 | National Liquor News
So what is the process of secondary fermentation
Beer Trends
and is it something that craft brewers and homebrewers
“Generally, fine dining people do tend to reach for
alike could get into? Cogger explains what happens
wine over beer, but we like challenging [people] –
at K.Booch.
that’s what we love about what we do,” says Naismith.
“The first brew cycle is 28-30 days. They vary
The chance to capitalise on pairing opportunities
depending on how the sugar drops. And then it’s 14-20
has come to the fore as the ‘democratisation’ of dining
days for that secondary fermentation. It’s really acidic
has resulted in casual eating experiences that revolve
because different things are fighting for different yeast
around forward-thinking food.
strains, so we have to pitch a different type of yeast to increase the ABV.” At present, alcoholic kombucha is classified (and taxed) as an RTD, which hits the price point and
“There’s a perception beer is quite heavy, but in actual fact there are light, fruity beers that can be paired with something like kingfish sashimi,” says Emma McCaskill, head chef at Sparkke at The Whitmore.
perception, but Cogger believes that as a brewed
BrewDog, on the other hand, does provide pairing
product, it has its place with the craft beer world. He
suggestions on their menus and also trains staff to offer
hopes that eventually the laws will be altered to reflect
other options if customers are interested. “You have
this given the potential popularity of the drink.
to evaluate where the customer is in their journey,”
“We spent a lot of time researching the non-
explains McDonald.
alcoholic kombucha category in supermarket aisles,”
Essentially, guests who aren’t particularly
he says. “Three years ago it was a demographic of yoga
familiar with beer will likely respond better to a
instructors and that sort of ilk, but these days pretty
complementary pairing, while an enthusiast might
much anyone that walks into a supermarket is buying
be ready to have their palate shocked with something
some. It’s a category that’s still booming in Australia.
they haven’t tried before.
With the non-alcoholic category booming in general,
“Take something like our sausage plate, for
we feel that the alcoholic category is going to get a lot
example,” says McDonald. “We recommend it’s paired
of attention very quickly. We’ve already seen that with
with our India pale ale, but if it’s a more advanced
AB InBev purchasing Kombrewcha.”
customer, we can ramp it up to our Imperial IPA.” Pairing beer and food isn’t new; it’s just yet to
4. Food and Beer Pairing
enter the mainstream foodie consciousness. However
Fruity, floral, phenolic, acetic, acidic, and astringent:
consumers go about pairing, there’s an opportunity to
What do these words have in common? They’re used to
change the process and have a little fun along the way.
appraise both wine and beer, but many of us are more
■
likely to associate them with the former. While most can list at least a handful of sommeliers, the majority would struggle to name one cicerone, despite the fact they undergo training that’s equally as strenuous. In hopes of rectifying the imbalance, we spoke to Sparkke Brewing’s Carla Naismith and Emma McCaskill and BrewDog’s Calvin McDonald about the process of pairing beer and food in the hopes that retailers could be inspired to steer their customers towards the beer fridge rather than the wine shelf with their food pairing recommendations. “I think beer is seen as more of a working-class drink,” says Carla Naismith, Assistant Head Brewer at Sparkke Brewing in Adelaide. Founded and led by women, the social enterprise is known for pushing boundaries with their beers — all of which come in cans that raise awareness for a range of social issues. March 2020 | 35
Western Australian Wine
Western Australia the premium wine state
While vintage is still underway in Western Australia, there is considerable promise for this harvest, which is very welcome given the challenges faced in some eastern states’ regions. Andrew Graham reports.
36 | National Liquor News
Western Australian Wine
In production terms, Western Australia is a minnow.
success is that the state’s wineries have embraced
According to the latest Wine Australia statistics, WA
constant evolution – reinvesting in both vineyards
accounts for less than five per cent of the national
and winery without just relying on history to drive
crush (2019 figures).
sales growth.
Yet while the volume is small, WA has an outsized
Look at a producer like Ferngrove, for example,
reputation for quality, with Margaret River alone
which has evolved significantly in recent years. As
producing 20 per cent of the country’s premium wine.
Penny Offenburg from Fenrgrove notes, the business
It’s not just production either, with 10 of the 50 Young
is “charging a new path built on the back of vineyard
Guns of Wine coming from our biggest state. And WA
investment, new winery facilities and the addition of
enjoyed the largest increase in export prices of any
a new management team”.
state or territory (MAT 2019 figures). The reasons for this quality bias are complex but fascinating, with WA enjoying a privileged reputation
That has translated into a wholesale change to winemaking personnel, plus a renewed focus on sustainability in both vineyard and winery.
for premium wine that is unusual for Australia. In
In fact, the winery now has one of the largest
fact, the only state to consistently enjoy higher average
solar power plants of any winery in Australia, with
export prices per litre is Tasmania.
696 panels now providing sustainable electricity for
You can see the exclusive focus on premium wine
the business.
most evidently in Margaret River and Great Southern,
For this Frankland River stalwart producer, success
where prices continue to grow at a pace not seen in
has come thanks to some less conventional stand-
the larger winemaking states. Put simply, Western
alone styles too. with the RRP $22 Black Label 2018
Australia equals premium wine.
Malbec alone awarded trophies at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show, The Royal Perth Wine Show and the
New wines, new winemakers
National Cool Climate Wine Show, along with eight
One theory about WA’s long-term premium wine
gold medals.
“[Ferngrove is] charging a new path built on the back of vineyard investment, new winery facilities and the addition of a new management team.” Penny Offenburg Ferngrove Wines
Main and above left image left page: Ferngrove summer sunset RHS image: Craig Grafton and Adriaan Foot from Ferngrove
March 2020 | 37
Western Australian Wine Images below L-R: Riesling grapes, Hand picking whole bunch Shiraz grapes, Winery dog, Vino. CEO & Winemaker Kim Tyrer below. Photography by Warren Bellette from Galafrey Wines.
Kim Tyrer from Galafrey Wines gives the early scoop “2020 will be one of the earliest vintages on record,” she said. “Our earliest was 2007 which started on 16 February and this year we started on the same date. Everything is ripening up together so a short fast vintage.” It’s always a pleasure to hear vintage enthusiasm from a wine producer, and Tyrer is one of many who is quietly optimistic, albeit
You don’t have to go far in Great Southern to see
“This northern Italian grape is still very much
the love for uncommon varieties either. At Mount
in obscurity here in Australia, but those who know
Barker’s Galafrey, CEO and Winemaker Kim Tyrer
the secret are onto it.”
has been pleased to see the success of Müller-
Also, in Margaret River, another obscure grape
Thurgau, a variety once seen as a boring, volume
to find some appeal is Aligoté. Ben Gould, Owner
commodity. Tyrer explains: “I am very excited about
of Blind Corner, has had a handful of crops from
our Müller-Thurgau. It’s very aromatic especially
this French oddity and is a real fan.
with beautiful perfume white flowers which are so on-trend now.” While the 2019 Müller crop was smaller than
Aligote. It works well in warm Burgundy years, is a great acid hit for Chardonnay.”
usual, it pushed Tyrer to blend the grape with
Gould also has ‘Brunello clone’ Sangiovese,
Riesling, creating a blend that she thinks “looks
Pinot Grigio and some ‘decent Merlot clones’
amazing – lovely and textural”. There’s no hiding
producing now too, alongside beehives and a
her enthusiasm for this rare (in Australia) white
skateboard half pipe.
grape though. “We are one of a handful of people growing
Not reinventing the wheel
the grape in WA. Due to its uniqueness and light
But it’s not just about reviving old grapes, or
aromatic style people love it. Can you believe my
indeed forging into new ones. Tyrer thinks WA’s
dad pulled nine rows out back in early 2000 as it
success is really about marketing and presenting
wasn’t very popular?”
a unified face.
Further north in Margaret River, Brad Wehr
with a caveat.
Owner of Amato Vino has been surprised by the
“Yields are down but
success of several Italian grapes – and especially
flavours, however, look
Nero d’Avola.
really good. Much better
“(If I was planting winegrapes) I’d choose more
“It’s amazing how only eight years ago when
“I think regional branding is very strong considering our size,” she said. “Margaret River, Great Southern and Swan Valley are well-known regions nationally (which is remarkable).”
than the 2007 vintage
we made our first Nero d’Avola it was a bit of a
Meanwhile, Jesse Lewis from Perth retailer
which in turn had some
struggle to sell due to its relative obscurity. But
Grand Cru Wineshop has spotted what could be
average wines.
now we sell out each year and can’t keep up.”
driving the evolution of WA wine – a reinvention
“This year expect
Another hit for Wehr is much more obscure:
excellent wines.”
“Teroldego is another of our fast-movers, despite the higher price tag,” he said.
38 | National Liquor News
of tried and true styles. “I think the main trend I’ve noticed is that a few of the bigger producers are experimenting with
Cooler days are a precious commodity when making great wines. CELEBRATE WORLD MALBEC DAY WITH FERNGROVE WINES. The cool climate of Western Australia’s Great Southern region has proven the perfect growing conditions for this vibrant emerging varietal.
3 Trophies 8 Gold Medals 1 Silver Medal 1 Bronze Medal Ferngrove Black Label 2018 Malbec “Beautifully presented and spotlessly clean, it finishes with a balance and true malbec expression. Remarkable, indeed, for the price!” Jeremy Oliver, Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine, November 2019
2 Gold Medals 5 Bronze Medals Ferngrove King 2017 Malbec “This is bright, fresh and delicious. A very smart young red.” Huon Hooke, The Real Review, April 2019
Western Australian Wine
different techniques on their ‘classic’ wines,” he said.
pet nats. Tonon produces the region’s only Prosecco
“(Margaret River’s) Vasse Felix are a good example
and has a smart Sangiovese. La Fattoria do Brachetto,
– with their SSB, they are blending heaps of differently treated parcels – skin contact, barrel ferment etc.”
Barbera, Sagrantino and a sparkling Pignoletto. “I think the region is grossly overlooked.”
Tyrer has also witnessed the style evolution, with the newish Galafrey Whole Bunch Shiraz enjoying considerable success. “It works on the concept of making Shiraz in the Beaujolais style,” she said.
other key element driving the popularity of Western Australian wine is the shift in national drinking habits.
blocky, oaked, aged, and overworked to a more savoury,
According to Wine Intelligence figures, the Australian wine drinking population is shrinking. This trend is
“I feel like this is the future of red wine styles in
most obvious in younger drinkers, with millennials
Australia as we get away from a ‘bigger is better’ mentality.”
and generation Z drinking less often and drinking less
Although a little bigger might be better in the case
wine. The under 42 age category had a two per cent drop
of Chardonnay, as Lewis explains.
in regular wine drinkers between 2017 and 2019 alone.
“I think Chardonnay styles might have a shift back
The bright star among the figures is that these
towards slightly richer styles. I’m surprised this isn’t
younger consumers are drinking more in the off-
happening already since that’s what customers are
trade per occasion, than previously mirroring the
asking for.
trend of all age groups to drink less often but better.
“I think only one out of 10 Chardonnay drinkers
Those willing to spend $25+ per bottle each drinking
ask for a low-oak or lighter style. The rest all say
occasion, for example, has risen five per cent between
‘buttery, big’.”
2016 and 2019 as well (Wine Intelligence figures).
Further, Lewis sees some serious intrigue if you venture beyond the usual suspects too. “Some cool stuff is happening in the Perth Hills,” he notes.
40 | National Liquor News
While it’s easy to focus on varieties and style, the
“This moves away from the style of red, which is textural, complex, light but ‘lots going on’ style.
Above image LHS: Ben Gould, Owner of Blind Corner, other images from Blind Corner Winery. Photography by Derek McDonald Lee.
Sustainable and low intervention for the youth
“Myattsfield and Fairbrossen are playing around with leftfield varieties and techniques. Side Project is one to watch - Saperavi, skin contact Vermentino,
A further consideration is that younger consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious, with an Australian Organic report by the Modium Group in 2018 concluding that millennials are much more likely to choose organic products. Lewis has noticed the full manifestations of these trends at retail too.
Western Australian Wine
Ferngrove champions up and coming styles As well as producing renowned cool climate varieties such as Chardonnay and Riesling, Ferngrove is also committed to championing up and coming varieties such as Malbec and Tempranillo. World Malbec Day is on 17 April providing the perfect opportunity to highlight this variety. “Our Malbec varietal provides Ferngrove with a point of difference, offering Malbec as a single variety rather than a blended wine. We have had plantings here since our establishment in 1998, further planting an additional five hectares in 2005. We believe in Malbec as a single varietal due to its perfume floral notes and its ability to age,” says Ferngrove’s Penny Offenburg. “Our belief in Malbec is validated with the recognition our Malbec wines have received. Our Black Label 2018 Malbec was a standout, awarded trophies at the prestigious Royal Adelaide Wine Show, The Royal Perth Wine Show and the National Cool Climate Wine Show, along with eight gold medals. This wine not only showcased the best of the Great Southern region, but also highlights how well this variety can perform with the right growing conditions and climate.
“Younger people are drinking lots of natural and minimal intervention stuff – I think they’d drink even more if the economy was better/the wines were less costly,” he said. “But they’re usually happy to pay $30-40 on a nice bottle which was fairly uncommon 10 years ago.” The connection for Western Australian wine comes from the proliferation of sustainably produced and natural wines now crafted in WA. Great Southern, in particular, has become a hotbed for natural wines
“The Great Southern produces reds with intense colour and flavour, such as our Independence 2018 Tempranillo. This Tempranillo has delicious ripe fruit characters and varietal expression, an excellent example of a modern Australian nouveau style wine. “The Great Southern produces Chardonnay that is uniquely regional and distinctive. The 2018 vintage near perfect weather conditions produced Chardonnay with great freshness, natural acidity and elegance. These qualities are highlighted in the Diamond 2018 Chardonnay. “Great Southern Rieslings continue to standout, our Independence 2019 Riesling proudly shows the best of this region, with a luscious citrus and intense floral palate, well balanced by racy acidity.”
headlined by makers like Brave New Wine and Express Winemakers, with Margaret River increasingly known
Craig Grafton
for organic wine production too. It’s not just small, niche producers going organic either, as Gould explains. “We’re now the second biggest certified organic and biodynamic vineyard in WA, but the interesting trend is that people are going organic including Voyager, Vasse Felix and Woodlands too apparently.” This combination of premium wine and forwardlooking viticulture just feeds into the perpetuating popularity of Western Australian wine – a futureproofing of WA wine production.
The 2020 vintage Finally, while vintage is still underway in Western Australia, there is considerable promise for this harvest, which is very welcome given the challenges faced in some eastern states’ regions.
■
March 2020 | 41
World Whisky Day
A day of global whisky celebration World Whisky Day is now the second biggest selling period of whisky behind only Christmas, and therefore is an occasion that retailers should not ignore.
42 | National Liquor News
Eddie Russell
The Glen Grant barrel room
World Whisky Day
World Whisky Day (WWD) is just around the corner and with it presents liquor retailers the opportunity to entice more shoppers into this high margin, premium category. Held on the third Saturday in May each year, WWD is now the second largest selling period of whisky, behind Christmas. As such, it presents retailers with the opportunity to leverage the hype and boost sales by creating some excitement in-store and enticing new drinkers into the category. WWD is a time where the whisky consumer is receiving lots of fresh information through traditional media and social media. Bars and pubs also usually get into the spirit, hosting whisky nights and other events, but there is no reason why liquor retailers can’t also tap into that thirst by hosting instore tastings or if space allows, host a whisky night of your own, in order to entice new drinkers into the category. Sinea Weintz, Spirits Ambassador, Halewood Australia, which distributes Yardhead Whisky, says that WWD is her favourite celebration of spirits every year as it is a true global celebration backed by an organisation of whisky lovers in Scotland. “World Whisky Day is my favourite of all of the character days for different types of alcohol. And the reason I think World Whisky Day is really good is because it’s a grassroots thing on the calendar, and it’s an organisation. When you go to the website (Worldwhiskyday.com), you can look at whisky events near you and it’s run by a couple of people in Scotland who are doing an amazing job of spreading the word of whiskey. The Glen Grant Distillery
Getting liquid on lips If you’re a bar, or a bottle shop and you’ve got a tasting happening you can register your event on that website and encourage people to come and taste whisky, and Weintz encourages retailers to do just that. “Consumers are always interested in either tasting products before they buy, or they’re more interested in asking lots of questions about products. And so from a retailer’s perspective, I don’t think it does any harm to either offer samplings or get brand ambassadors in for sampling sessions – or to read up themselves on the whisky that they’ve got and learn the story. “Because from a consumer perspective, that’s March 2020 | 43
World Whisky Day
About Wild Turkey
The Glen Grant barrels
The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is located in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have nearly 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery. The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthy took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for “some of that Wild Turkey whiskey” and the brand was born. Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most Bourbons. This results in a much richer flavour, as less is cooked out during the production
encourage trial of latest innovations.
World Whisky Day is Saturday 16 May
Stanners says that the key call to action for retailers is to leverage the opportunity to drive sales and she points out a few trends that are worth noting.
what’s really selling it, it’s the story and
“We’ve noticed a few trends that could
knowing that it’s a good quality liquid.
help retailers prepare for WWD and create
heaviest char available (the Number
And then price-point comes in a little bit
some in-store theatre around the occasion.
Four ‘alligator’ char), imparts a smooth
further down the line than it maybe would
flavour and deep amber colour to the
have before.”
process. Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the
“Whisky is becoming more gender neutral and increasingly consumed by a younger
whiskey. The barrels are filled at the
Retailers should get in touch with
demographic. This younger demographic
distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
suppliers now (if you haven’t already) and
also like to immerse themselves in sensory
ask about potential giveaways or to arrange
experiences, so sampling and getting liquid
a tasting or education event in-store. Failing
on lips is very important,” she says.
44 | National Liquor News
that, ask your local reps for some tasting
Bars will be hosting an array of events
stock to host your own event and make sure
for a full month around WWD, in a lot
that your staff is well informed about the
of venues they will be serving up flights
whisky they are selling.
of whisky to consumers who are eager to
“WWD has become a bigger selling period
experiment and explore drams outside of
now than Father’s Day,” says Nicole Stanners,
their comfort zone. So an idea could be to
Marketing Director – Campari Australia. “[It
check out what the bars in your local area are
presents a] key opportunity for retailers to
doing and offer complementary tastings in
leverage noise around WWD to recruit new
your store – sharing ideas isn’t a bad thing.
shoppers and consumers into the category.”
Weintz says that WWD could be a great
Scotch whisky is a traffic driver and should
opportunity to educate consumers not to be
be used to boost the category but WWD can
afraid of mixing with a single malt whisky,
entice trade up to premium offerings and
such as Yardhead.
FIFTH EDITION
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THE NEWEST EDITION TO THE AWARD-WINNING, WILD TURKEY’S MASTER’S KEEP LIMITED-EDITION WHISKEYS.
Aroma: Warm vanilla, black pepper, and toasted rye.
Palate: Cascading flavours of honey, and baked apple.
Finish: Remarkably crisp and clean, with long and lingering flavours of spice and oak.
For all enquiries please contact your Campari representative or call (02) 9478 2727.
World Whisky Day
“Consumers are always interested in either tasting products before they buy, or they’re more interested in asking lots of questions about products. And so from a retailer’s perspective, I don’t think it does any harm to either offer samplings or get brand ambassadors in for sampling sessions – or to read up themselves on the whisky that they’ve got and learn the story.”
Yardhead Whisky
Yardhead single malt Whisky is the first non-age declared spirit of its kind from John Crabbie & Co in Scotland. Founded in the 1800s, the company has a rich connection to its heritage. The name Yardhead comes from Crabbie’s original premises, and each bottle is matured in ex-Bourbon casks sourced from the original sites
Sinea Weintz Halewood Australia Sinea Weintz
that founder John Crabbie himself frequented as a blender and bottler.
“I sometimes get a little bit of resistance
malt, and where whiskies come from and
from people who are a bit scared to mix with
they’re more interested in having a good
Australia, Kelly Coughlan, said the
a single malt whisky because they think it’s
quality liquid.
Yardhead Whisky is set to disrupt the
Marketing Manager at Halewood
too good to mix. I think that’s a bit of a
“Yardhead has a very interesting story.
category thing but actually, people in the top
It comes under the umbrella of Crabbie’s or
“Yardhead is the newest whisky
cocktail bars, globally, they are mixing with
John Crabbie and Co, which is a brand that
brand on the market to be discovered.
single malt whisky and it’s because if you’re
hasn’t done much with Scotch whisky in
A brand steeped in heritage and
making a good cocktail, the key is that you’ve
Australia. But they export from Scotland to
Scottish distilling expertise, with a
got to use really good quality ingredients.
lots of other markets in particular in Asia.”
modern edge,” Coughlan said.
And so I kind of just like to stress that point
The single malt whisky is the first non-
to absolutely don’t be scared of that. You want
age declared spirit of its kind from John
within the category, by providing
to be able to taste your whiskey in the cocktail
Crabbie & Co in Scotland. Founded in the
an accessible price point and an
and you want it to taste good.”
1800s, the company has a rich connection to
approachable way to enjoy the
Overall, consumers are drinking less and
its heritage. The name Yardhead comes from
spirit. We recognise that dark spirits
are looking for high quality liquid. More
Crabbie’s original premises, and each bottle is
and classic cocktails are making
than ever they are interested in learning the
matured in ex-Bourbon casks sourced from
a comeback, which is why we’re
stories behind the liquid, particularly within
the original sites that founder John Crabbie
launching a single malt, made
the millennial demographic.
himself frequented as a blender and bottler.
perfectly for mixing.”
spirits category.
“We’re breaking boundaries
“I’ve seen the trend for people moving
The launch of Yardhead comes with
from cheaper whisky to maybe spending a
Halewood International’s investment in a
market, Yardhead has already secured
little bit more on craft whisky, and how this is
new distillery, bringing single malt whisky
listings through Coles Liquor, with aims
looking to me is people shifting from blended
production back to its roots in Leith,
to expand more in the off-premise.
whiskies to single malts – although it doesn’t
Edinburgh. The Bonnington distillery will
necessarily have to be that,” says Weintz.
be the new home for John Crabbie & Co
at $55, Yardhead is available from
whiskies, producing 3,500 casks of single
Halewood Australia now.
“So people are shopping around a little bit more and are more interested in single 46 | National Liquor News
malt per year.
Since entering the Australian
With 40 per cent ABV and retailing
In 2020, Glen Grant 10 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has won the Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible ‘Best Single Malt Scotch Aged 10 Years and Under (Multiple Casks) medal for the 7th year. Renowned for its clear colour and pure taste, deriving from the purifiers and tall slender stills designed by its inventor James Grant, Glen Grant also distinguishes itself for its quality and authenticity. FOR ALL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CAMPARI REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL (02) 9478 2727.
World Whisky Day
The Glen Grant The Glen Grant’s story began in 1840, in Rothes, Speyside – Scotland’s premier region for Whisky production; by brothers John and James Grant. Still produced in Rothes today, The Glen Grant holds a range of prestigious industry awards and is world renowned for its consistent quality across its aged variants. The elegant and seductively smooth taste for which The Glen Grant is famous is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and revolutionary purifiers that James ‘The Major’ Grant, son of founder James Grant, was one of the first to introduce over a century ago. Today, Dennis Malcolm, the multiaward winning Glen Grant Master
Glen Grant Distillery in 1946, he has
“We have some exciting news within the Glen Grant portfolio launching around WWD, so keep a look out and speak to your Campari Representative for further information.”
worked for The Glen Grant for over
Nicole Stanners
five decades, with an uncommon
Campari Australia
Distiller, directs and presides over the amber liquid. Born in the grounds of
passion and unrivalled knowledge of
Support local distilleries
garner opinions from knowledgeable and
If ever there was a time to be focusing on
passionate customers, as well as adding an
the Glen Grant portfolio launching
special releases, limited editions and the
extra reason for other people to get involved
around WWD, so keep a look out and
like, it would be WWD. Distilleries around
in the celebrations?
speak to your Campari Representative
the world will be getting involved in the day
If you can stretch WWD to encompass
for further information.
and attention will never be more focused on
more days of the week, then it can also provide
the spirit. Therefore, it is worth preparing for
a greater hitting power for any promotional
WWD by talking to your suppliers to see if
activity in the build-up, as you can reveal what
there is anything particularly special that you
you’ve already done to highlight what’s coming
might be able to get in stock, whether it’s a new
next. It is important to showcase what you
launch or an aged whisky, and to then find out
will be doing well in advance – through your
as much as you can about it to make that sale an
websites and in-store promotions. However,
even more special experience for the customer.
regular updates closer to the time on social
Similarly, if you were thinking of
media and from staff recommendations in-
revamping or expanding your whisky range,
store can keep these dates fresh in people’s
WWD is a great time to experiment with new
minds and alert other last minute attendees.
the industry. We have some exciting news within
48 | National Liquor News
options. In light of the recent bushfire crisis
To execute well, retailers should ensure
that affected so many Australian distilleries,
their shelves are well stocked with not
why not look at expanding your Australian
only their core range of whiskey but also
craft whisky offer? Why not bring some in
some limited releases or some interesting
during the WWD build-up so that you can
experimental drams
■
ADD SOMETHING NEW TO THE MIX.
W E D O W H I S K Y D I F F E R E N T. A R E L A X E D S I N G L E M A L T, T H E P E R F E C T D R A M W I T H C L A S S I C M I X E R S O R T O E L E VA T E C O C K T A I L S . FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR HALEWOOD AUSTRALIA REP, CALL 02 9513 8895 OR EMAIL US ON AUSTRALIA.OFFICE@HALEWOOD-INT.COM
St Agnes blending vats.
Cognac and Brandy
Powerfully premium
Cognac and brandy are the powerful yet quiet overachievers of the spirits category right now, as Brydie Allen investigates.
In a retail landscape that continues to be driven by
in blended scotch, and the ongoing popularity of Irish
premiumisation, the Cognac and brandy categories
Whisky,” Bone explains.
are well positioned for success. The grape-based spirits
Despite this, in the last year the combined dollar
celebrate all the elements that the premium customer
growth for both segments came to 11.8 per cent
is swayed by; heritage, craftsmanship, age and prestige.
(bounding ahead of volume growth), which is a
And certainly on a worldwide scale, these customers
significant acceleration from the previous year when
are taking note, as demand has pushed Cognac through export growth for five years according to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC). Like its sparkling wine sister Champagne,
both volume and sales were in decline. Pernod Ricard, which distributes Martell Cognac in Australia, has found this growth to be especially evident in the premium sphere.
Cognac’s exclusive provenance draws interest from
Xenia Charovatova, Brand Manager Luxury at
the Australian consumer. However, as we reported
Pernod Ricard Australia said: “Cognac remains a niche
in 2019, Cognac sales account for just less than one
category still in the Australian market, however we see
per cent of total glass spirit sales. Without the same
it growing year on year and increasing its relevance.
geographical restrictions, brandy sales are slightly
“Especially as all dark spirits in the super premium
higher, but still sit at only two per cent. But that doesn’t mean the category should be discounted, according to Insights Director at IRI, Daniel Bone.
price segment are growing, consumers are willing to pay more for quality products. Martell is performing exceptionally well, growing ahead of the category.” There is still great potential for premium shoppers
“It’s easy to overlook the strong growth contribution
to drive these growth numbers further upwards.
being made to glass spirit sales in retail liquor by both
Interestingly, Australian producers have recognised
Cognac and brandy. After all, total category growth
this, and are creating some serious competition for
is creeping towards 10 per cent YOY due to the
imported Cognacs and brandies.
ongoing surge in gin and vodka sales, the resurgence 50 | National Liquor News
Valerie Blayac, Director of Cerbaco Distribution
“Encourage customers to taste them, especially neat where the delightful, concentrated fruit characters can be explored.” Matt Redin Marketing Manager St Agnes
Cognac and Brandy
Aussie innovations
which imports a range of Cognacs into
to shift mindsets in consumers who don’t
Australia, said they’ve recently seen the first
understand what the spirits are, or how they
ever decrease of Cognac sales, as consumers
can be used. Although they are spirits with
seek out local options.
a great historical heritage, they’re not just a
innovators, with some inspired ideas
drink for grandparents.
coming from the brandy category
“Australian products are in demand and that can be applied to liqueurs and other spirits,” Blayac said.
Vok Beverages understands the importance of this shift, being responsible for brandy
Producers in the blossoming Australian spirit industry are great
of late. One great example is from
Australian brandy producer St Agnes
labels TST Tolleys, Black Bottle and Twenty
Bass & Flinders Distillery on the
Distillery has seen this reflected in the
Third St Distillery, which even has a product
Mornington Peninsula, where late
category through the great performance of
called ‘Not Your Nanna’s Brandy’.
last year they released the world’s
its products in the last year.
Senior Brand Manager at Vok, Amanda
Matt Redin, Marketing Manager for St
Rice, said: “Awareness and shifting consumers’
Agnes, said: “The entire range of St Agnes
perceptions are key to the long term success
brandies have performed particularly well
of the category.
over the past year with our VS range up
“At the moment there’s real momentum
five per cent MAT and our luxury brandies;
behind the dark spirit category driven largely
Bartenders Cut, VSOP and XOs, up 21 per
by consumers embracing whisky and we’re
cent MAT.”
seeing a spin-off effect into brandy.” This trend has influenced part of Pernod
Building momentum
Ricard’s strategy to get more consumers to
One of the enduring barriers between the
explore brandy, with the release of innovation,
Cognac and brandy categories and their
Martell Blue Swift. The VSOP aged in a
untapped growth potential, is the ability
Bourbon cask is going exceptionally well,
first French-Australian brandy blend. The Anniversary Cuvée is a collaboration between Bass & Flinders Managing Director and second-generation Head Distiller Holly Klintworth, and fifth-generation Cellar Master Edouard Normandin from renowned French Cognac house, Normandin-Merceir. Klintworth visited France with barrel samples from her distillery, which was blended with Normandin’s Cognac to find the perfect combination that represented both their styles, and had a full and broad aroma. Another innovative collaboration is with three Australian producers, Archie Rose Distilling Co, Tulloch Wines and First Creek Wines. The project will see Archie Rose experiment with wine made from over 50 tonnes of smoke tainted grapes, written off from production after bushfires near the Hunter Valley. They have the view to create brandy and potentially even other spirits. Christina Tulloch, CEO of Tulloch Wines, added: “This collaboration is not only a wonderful thing for the growers of the Hunter region who have been hit with the triple threat of drought, bushfires and smoke, but also a fantastic example of innovative and talented people pushing the boundaries in their fields.”
March 2020 | 51
Cognac and Brandy
and is described by Charovatova as a star performer for the brand. “With Martell Blue Swift (MBS), we are trying to bridge the gap for dark spirits drinkers to try Martell. We had overwhelmingly positive feedback from the market on the taste profile of MBS, so it’s encouraging to continue growing it in Australia,” Charovatova said. But all Cognac and brandy brands know that this technique isn’t enough to sustain long term growth and interest in the category, and education is always paramount. Blayac said Cerbaco: “Are doing a lot of tastings in-store and offering masterclasses to customers and staff as training. Through all this training, we try to explain the making, the history and how to drink and use [Cognac and brandy].” Similarly, St Agnes maintains sales momentum through education, and Redin said it will be a core focus of the year ahead for them. “We will continue to run masterclasses around the country for both trade and consumers to really drive home the message that brandy really is a drink they
Not Your Nanna’s Brandy from Twenty Third St Distillery
should take more seriously and not relegate to the bottom shelf,” Redin said.
behind any product. All of these products have been
Just like with any new skill, when consumers
made by passion and the famous ‘Savoir Faire’.”
first start experimenting with Cognac and brandy,
Redin agrees, and said retailers should also
they might not have much confidence. Encouraging
encourage sampling of Cognac and brandy products
consumers in this way forms part of Vok’s approach. Rice said in the last year they’ve focused on a small format strategy, which has returned triple digit growth. She said: “As a result, we’re seeing consumers trade up to our 700ml range as they become more confident in their purchase decision.”
Tips for retailing success Although Cognac and brandy require a little more work on the education front, capitalising on the potential of the category in-store can really pay off. As Bone describes: “The segment commands a premium with an average price per litre that is 2.6 times higher than the glass spirits average.” Cerbaco knows that while brands themselves
“Cognac has an amazing potential to be big in dark spirits and shouldn’t be underestimated despite it being relatively small compared to larger categories” Xenia Charovatova Brand Manager Luxury Pernod Ricard Australia
in serves that best showcase them. “Encourage customers to taste them, especially neat where the delightful, concentrated fruit characters can be explored,” Redin said. Charovatova said more thought should be given to the retail experience in the category, to allow Cognac and brandy products to catch the attention of customers, and therefore deliver sales growth. “Cognac has an amazing potential to be big in dark spirits and shouldn’t be underestimated despite it being relatively small compared to larger categories,” Charovatova said. Redin concurred, and added: “Move it up from the bottom shelf. Don’t just stock a cheapie, expand the range to include some more premium spirits.”
work hard on the education front, the best approach
The Cognac and brandy categories have been one
is a coordinated one. Blayac recommends piquing
of the most consistent performers in retail liquor over
customer interest with tales of immense craftsmanship
the past few years. With no concerns of this changing,
and complex aromas.
supporting the growth of the category moving forward
She also said: “Talk about the history of family 52 | National Liquor News
is bound to bring some great results.
■
BOLDLY SMOOTH ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
martell blue swift® made of martell® cognac v.S.O.P thenfinished in kentucky bourbon casks. 40% ALC/vol. (80 PROOF © 2019 IMPORTED BY MARTELL & co, new york, NY
Wine Tasting Review
The Chardonnay Tasting
This month the National Liquor News panel tasted Chardonnay, selecting the highest scoring wines across three price brackets.
Panels Picks
The Panel ➤
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D aryl Fisher, General Manager, Fisher Fine Wine R enée Foster, Communications & Marketing Manager, Moppity Vineyards T om Lynar, National Sales Manager, DMG Fine Wine igel Burton, CEO, N Burton Premium Wines C hristine Ricketts, Wine Educator, The Wine Quarter M ark Bradstreet, Key Account Manager, Joval Wine Group A ndrew Milne, Brand Manager, SouthTrade International E mma Fogarty, Senior Brand Manager, SouthTrade International D avid Wright, Key Account Manager, Treasury Wine Estates
Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay
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
54 | National Liquor News
Rob Dolan White
Giesen Estate
Label Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Hunter Valley
Region: Yarra Valley
Region: Hawkes Bay
VIN: 2017 LUC: $25.29
VIN: 2018 LUC: $16.66
VIN: 2018 LUC: $13.76
Distributed by:
Distributed by:
Distributed by:
Agnew Wines
Nelson Wine Company
Oatley Fine Wine Merchants
“Great mouthfeel, very pleasant and layered.” – Christine Ricketts
“Gold in colour with a big buttery nose. Weighty mouthfeel with well-balanced fruit and a medium finish.” – Emma Fogarty
“Creamy, green apple skin, ruby apples, nashi pears and a subtle hint of oak. Lovely firm but elegant finish.” – Andy Milne
Wine Tasting Review
LUC $19 and over Devil’s Lair Margaret
Brokenwood
River Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Margaret River
Region: Beechworth
VIN: 2018 LUC: $35.00
VIN: 2019 LUC: $21.50
Distributed by:
Distributed by:
Treasury Wine Estates
Samuel Smith & Son
“Mineral and flinty but balanced with weight and texture.” – Andy Milne
“Intense nose, bold tropical fruits, good balancing acid, excellent depth and length.” – Renée Foster
“The wines have some lovely layers. Cool climate is where Chardonnay seems to be finding its home.” Christine Ricketts Wine Educator, The Wine Quarter
Harewood Estate
Chateau Yaldara
Reserve Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Great Southern
Region: Adelaide Hills
VIN: 2016 LUC: $23.65
VIN: 2017 LUC: $26.88
Distributed by:
Distributed by:
Single Vineyard Sellers
Chateau Yaldara
“Stewed citrus fruit and fresh nectarine. Hint of creaminess and rich texture.” – Andy Milne
“Rich and showing some extra aged complexity. Bright acid and fruit competing to be at the fore.” – Tom Lynar
Food Pairing “Pork – the fattiness of the meat offset by the acid but supported by the weight of the Chardonnay.” – Christine Ricketts
➤
“Chicken, hazelnut risotto + Chardonnay.” – Emma Fogarty
➤
Singlefile
Brockenchack Charli
Great Southern
Jaye Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Eden Valley
Region: Great Southern
VIN: 2017 LUC: $22.44
VIN: 2019 LUC: $19.97
Distributed by:
Distributed by:
Brockenchack Wines
Domaine Wine Shippers
“Lovely citrusy fruits with struck match. Balanced oak, creamy mouthfeel, fresh and refined.” – Renée Foster
“Cheesecake on the nose. Very unique flavours, palate is very bright and acidic.” – Emma Fogarty
“Saffron and lobster risotto.” – Nigel Burton
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“Classic creamy dishes and seafood, or unusual dishes like laksa, soybased broths and crispy duck.” – Andy Milne
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March 2020 | 55
Wine Tasting Review
LUC $14 to $18.99
“The Adelaide Hills and Western Australian wines were the strongest.” Mark Bradstreet
Taylors Jaraman
Silkwood Estate The
Chardonnay
Walcott Chardonnay
Region: Clare Valley /
Region: Pemberton
Margaret River
VIN: 2018 LUC: $16.13
VIN: 2018 LUC: $18.81
Distributed by:
Distributed by: Taylors Wines
Single Vineyard Sellers
“Nice acid balance, fruity peach, pear, creamy cashews, balanced and lingering.” – Christine Ricketts
“Good weight and complexity, lovely length.” – Renée Foster
Key Account Manager, Joval Wine Group
Editor’s Picks ➤
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019 Carillion Expressions 2 Chardonnay, Hunter Valley, LUC $13.90 (Free Run Distributors) 018 Bird in Hand 2 Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, LUC $26.87 (Bird in Hand) 017 Robert Stein Reserve 2 Chardonnay, Mudgee, LUC $20.45 (Red + White)
“The commercial wines showed restraint and balance and there were some great value / well-made wines in the under $15 bracket.” Renée Foster Communications & Marketing Manager, Moppity Vineyards
56 | National Liquor News
Calabria Three
Taylors Estate
Bridges Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Tumbarumba
Region: Clare Valley
VIN: 2018 LUC: $16.13
VIN: 2018 LUC: $15.48
Distributed by:
Distributed by: Taylors Wines
Calabria Family Wines
“Big oaky nose, green apples on the palate and long finish. Beautiful example of Chardonnay.” – Emma Fogarty
“White peach and floral notes on the nose, vibrant acidity pulls this wine up.” – Tom Lynar
Ferngrove
Audrey Series
Orchard Diamond
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Hunter Valley
Region: Frankland River /
VIN: 2018 LUC: $14.03
Great Southern
Distributed by: Agnew Wines
VIN: 2018 LUC: $18.28 Distributed by: Ferngrove Wine Co
“This is my style of Chardonnay. Everything is here… and all working together.” – Mark Bradstreet
“Honey and pear in the nose with bright acidity on the palate. A great food wine.” – Emma Fogarty
Wine Tasting Review
LUC up to $13.99 Patritti Merchant
Gulfstream
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Adelaide Hills
Region: Cowra
VIN: 2018 LUC: $12.90
VIN: 2017 LUC: $10.90
Distributed by: Vinsight
Distributed by:
(NSW/ACT); Put a Cork in it
Château Tanunda
(VIC); Wine Solutions Australia (SA); Patritti (Rest of Aus)
“Rich nose, robust yet balanced flavours. This one is for the old school Chardonnay drinker.” – Mark Bradstreet
“Refined style, citrus and green apple flavours with a medium finish.” – Emma Fogarty
Chardonnay facts: ➤
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Ferngrove Black
Ara Single Estate
Label Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Frankland River /
Region: Marlborough
Great Southern
VIN: 2018 LUC: $12.90
VIN: 2018 LUC: $12.90
Distributed by:
Distributed by:
Oatley Fine Wine Merchants
C hardonnay is the most widely planted grape in Australia. C hardonnay usually falls into one of three subcategories; oaked, unoaked, somewhere in between. C hardonnay’s classic flavour descriptors include green apple, fig and citrus with medium-to-full body, complex aroma and moderate acidity. A cool climate, buttery Chardonnay will have more citrus flavours versus a warm climate Chardonnay, which will exhibit more tropical fruit.
Ferngrove Wine Co
“Creamy yet balanced acids, pleasant fruit on the finish. Balanced and flavoursome.” – Christine Ricketts
“Palate is balanced with fruit, oak and acid working well together.” – Tom Lynar
Pepper Tree Orange
Kings of Prohibition
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Region: Orange
Region: South Eastern
VIN: 2019 LUC: $13.44
Australia
Distributed by:
VIN: 2019 LUC: $13.97
Déjà Vu Wine Co
Distributed by:
“Very fruity nose and palate.” – Nigel Burton
Calabria Family Wines
“Peach and nutty oak on nose with plenty of acid supporting the fruit. A racy Chardonnay.” – Tom Lynar
“On the whole, Australian Chardonnay is in a good spot currently – the blousy 90s were overcorrected to lean and mean, austere offerings. But the current trend of more generous fruit held in check by good acidity, when done well can be a real crowd pleaser for all palates.” David Wright Key Account Manager, Treasury Wine Estates
March 2020 | 57
StrikeForce
Brand captivation
The retail brand is the most powerful asset that any business, regardless of size, possesses. Stephen Wilson, Category and Insights Manager, StrikeForce, explains how to build a captivating brand. Brand development and maintenance is critical to
operate thriving and vibrant business by
the ongoing success of any retail business. The brand
understanding their local shopper needs and
reflects all facets of the business and can evoke strong
tailoring their brand message accordingly.
positive or negative emotive responses from shoppers.
Local retailers are in the enviable position of being able
Shoppers are attracted to retail brands that reflect
to engage on a personal level with their brand loyalists to
their own motivations and align with their personal
understand each individual’s shopping experience, spot
beliefs and aspirations.
trends and amplify these across their shopper base, if
The benefits of a strong and healthy brand include,
positive, or take correct action where required.
but are not exclusive to, increasing the value of the
As an example, if a local retailer partners with
business, generating new business through positive
liquor suppliers to allocate precious real estate space
endorsements to family and friends from satisfied
at the front of the store for product promotions, are
shoppers, creating trust through a consistent and
the categories and supplier brands featured resonating
quality offering, and employee pride and satisfaction.
with shoppers?
So how does a business build a trusted brand that resonates with shoppers and gains their loyalty? There are many considerations when embarking on the journey of what the brand will become ‘famous’ for.
Creating, maintaining and enhancing brand equity might seem a ‘nice to have’ for small independent retailers however this should be at the core of any retailer’s strategy.
The key here is to fully understand in the first
We only need reference some of the high-profile
instance what is the key strength of the brand
brands that have fallen by the wayside in recent times
proposition and build the strategy around this strength.
– Harris Scarfe, Bardot, Jeanswest, EB Games etc. to
Leading global brands convey clear, concise
understand the potential ramifications of neglecting
messaging declaring what their brand stands for with absolute clarity.
the value proposition of your brand. In summary, brands while communicating what
From an off-premise liquor perspective, brand
they are ‘famous’ for need to continue to evolve to
differentiation can be difficult with large and small
meet everchanging shopper needs and community
format stores all competing in a crowded market with
expectations while staying true to their proposition.
largely the same supplier brands. Single store or small multiple store operators 58 | National Liquor News
The retail brand is the most powerful asset that any business, regardless of size, possesses.
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“The key here is to fully understand in the first instance what is the key strength of the brand proposition and build the strategy around this strength.” Stephen Wilson Category and Insights Manager StrikeForce
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