National Liquor News October 2025

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Editor’s note

Welcome to the October edition of National Liquor News – an issue that captures the passion, resilience and innovation that continue to define our industry.

At the heart of this edition is our Rosé Buyer’s Guide, a celebration of one of the most dynamic and fast-growing wine categories. With hundreds of entries and an exceptional line-up of gold medal winners, the guide is an invaluable resource for retailers heading into peak rosé season.

We also spotlight three of the biggest industry gatherings of the year. The Independent Liquor Group marked its 50th anniversary with a study tour across Barcelona and Lisbon, blending cultural discovery with record-breaking trading results that underscored the strength of the cooperative model. On the Gold Coast, Independent Brands Australia revealed its bold ‘Family Founded’ campaign at its annual conference, uniting more than 550 members, suppliers and staff behind a powerful

cross-pillar message. And in Perth, Thirsty Camel Victoria hosted its largest forum to date, with more than 260 members and suppliers coming together under the theme of ‘Next Level’, unveiling rebate increases, loyalty program upgrades and new digital tools to sharpen in-store execution.

Rounding out this issue are inspiring stories from retailers like Ben Duval at Carwyn Cellars in our Retail Unfiltered series, and a new direction for Good Pair Days, which has taken its personalised model into bricks-and-mortar.

As always, a big thank you to all our contributors, readers and industry partners.

Cheers, Deb

Deb Jackson, Managing Editor 02 8586 6156 djackson@intermedia.com.au

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Tel: 02 9660 2113 Fax: 02 9660 4419

Publisher: Paul Wootton pwootton@intermedia.com.au

Managing Editor: Deb Jackson djackson@intermedia.com.au

Senior Journalist: Molly Nicholas mnicholas@intermedia.com.au

Journalist: Sienna Martyn smartyn@intermedia.com.au

General Manager Sales –Liquor & Hospitality Group: Shane T. Williams stwilliams@intermedia.com.au

Group Art Director –Liquor and Hospitality: Kea Webb-Smith kea@intermedia.com.au

Prepress: Tony Willson tony@intermedia.com.au

Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au

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Contents

October

2025

Regulars

10 Cover story: Ampersand drives growth with bold innovation

12 Retail unfiltered with: Ben Duval, Carwyn Cellars

14 Store Profile: Good Pair Days opens first retail store

30 News: The latest liquor industry news for retailers around Australia

34 Marketplace: Brand news and promotions

Industry Focused

16 Independent Liquor Group: Celebrating 50 years in Barcelona and Lisbon

22 Independent Brands Australia: IBA to unleash the power of independents

26 Thirsty Camel Victoria: Thirsty Camel Forum takes members to the Next Level

32 Paramount Liquor: Delivers biggest conference yet

44

Retail Drinks: Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards 2025

45 DrinkWise: Campaigns promote safer, respectful drinking

46 Activate Group: Formatting the industry

47 Strikeforce: The difference between being seen and being sold

48 New Zealand Winegrowers: New Zealand Wine forum embraces change

49 Wine Australia: State of the Grapes reveals wine trends

50 Leasing: Major shake-up in Queensland commercial leasing

51 Training: Filling the gaps

52 NielsenIQ: Rules of liquor innovation

54

Changing Rank: BrightSide announces recent placements

Special Features

56 RTD: The category that won’t stand still

72 Summer Beers Marketplace: The season’s freshest pours

75 Trade Buyer’s Guide: Spotlight on Rosé

Ampersand drives growth with bold innovation

Independent retailers gain a premium partner as Ampersand Projects delivers innovation, loyalty and super smooth vodka excellence.

In just seven years, Ampersand Projects has evolved from a single standout release into one of Australia’s top independent spirits brands. The business has built a loyal following and delivered consistent results for retailers through its bold product development, premium positioning, and ability to connect with health-conscious, experience-driven consumers.

Proudly 100 per cent Australian-owned and part of the Casella Family Brands group, Ampersand has carved out a clear identity in the ready-to-drink (RTD) and spirits category. Its commercial success offers independent liquor retailers a significant opportunity, thanks to strong consumer demand and a reputation for innovation that larger competitors often struggle to match.

Super smooth success

At the heart of the brand is its signature vodka, which underpins both RTD and standalone spirits offerings. Available in a premium 500ml glass bottle at 37.5 per cent ABV, the vodka delivers a smooth taste profile that has resonated with consumers seeking approachable yet highquality options at an attractive price point under $40.

Founder Alex Bottomley explains it’s a formula that has resonated strongly with consumers and remained central to the brand’s growth.

“Staying true to our taste profile with

our super smooth vodka has been key. We’ve adapted our flavours to suit trends with drinkers, but the vodka itself is hard to beat – especially our 500ml bottle, which is proving to be a standout with customers.”

This focus on consistency and quality has provided the foundation for extending into a diverse RTD range, with formats spanning four per cent, six per cent and nine per cent ABV alongside cocktail flavours, gin, and whisky.

Leading the innovation curve

Ampersand’s reputation as a market leader comes from a willingness to experiment and deliver excitement to both shoppers and retailers. From higher ABV RTDs that align with consumer demand to creative packaging solutions, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of the category.

One standout innovation is the Vodka & Raspberry Lemonade six per cent RTD, perfectly suited to independent retail shelves where discovery and differentiation drive sales. The launch of an eight-pack format

with a free bonus bucket hat inside reinforces Ampersand’s point of difference, turning each purchase into a ready-made experience.

“We pride ourselves on being bold and doing things a bit different – putting the actual GWP inside the pack is one example of how we set ourselves apart,” says Bottomley.

With every product being low calorie, no sugar and gluten-free, Ampersand also caters directly to the growing better-foryou movement. Consumers trading up to premium options are finding appeal in its portfolio, while retailers benefit from the margins and volumes delivered by a brand aligned with modern drinking occasions.

“As an Australian-owned business, we take pride in staying close to our consumers and independent retailers. Our independence gives us the freedom to innovate quickly and bring exciting products to market quicker than our global competitors,” Bottomley adds.

For independent liquor retailers, Ampersand represents a chance to stand out with a trusted, in-demand brand. By ranging Ampersand, retailers can capitalise on its strong following, commercial performance, and innovation pipeline – while also supporting a proudly local success story.

To explore the full range, visit the Ampersand website or contact your Casella Family Brands sales representative to discuss ranging opportunities. ■

Retail unfiltered with… Ben Duval

Carwyn Cellars’ Ben Duval champions tradition, innovation and community, shaping Melbourne’s independent liquor scene with passion.

Retail unfiltered dives behind the counter to uncover the real people of Australia’s liquor retail industry.

Here we meet Ben Duval of Carwyn Cellars, long-time champion of independent beer and a familiar face in Melbourne’s craft community.

Known for his easy-going nature and deep knowledge of traditional beer styles, Duval has helped steer Carwyn Cellars through some of its toughest years while maintaining its reputation as one of the country’s leading independent retailers.

Carwyn Cellars was opened in 2007, when Ben and Nicole Carwyn purchased a run-of-the-mill bottle shop and set about reshaping it into something unique. Three years later, Duval joined the business and was quickly immersed in its growing focus on craft and independent producers.

“Back then we were 100 metres down the road from the current site – I have fond memories of the vintage green carpet tiles and selling lots of beer without lactose,” he recalls.

From student job to lifelong beer passion Duval’s appetite for drinks began in his student days, when he worked at Booze Brothers in North Adelaide.

“For the time, they had a great selection of beers – mostly Belgian and English – and I would take a different beer home at the end of every shift. By the time I left that job, I had a true passion for traditional beer styles,” he says.

That love for tradition continues to shape his palate and his retail philosophy today, guiding the way he selects products, champions classic styles, and balances innovation with the timeless favourites that customers keep coming back for.

“Traditional beer styles have seen a huge renaissance, which is awesome. I think they offer great value, but also consistency… how undeniably delicious is a well-brewed ESB or a Czech Pilsner!”

Carwyn Cellars has earned a reputation as one of the most dynamic independent retailers in the country, something Duval credits to a philosophy of

buying what excites him and Ben Carwyn.

“It’s just full of interesting and diverse booze. Ben (Carwyn) and I split the buying, and we simply buy what we like. That means tasting a lot of great booze – but somebody has got to do it! I’d say Carwyn doesn’t feel overly curated or staged though either –it has a comfortable feeling to it, which is welcoming to absolutely anybody, no matter their walk of life or their preference of tipple.”

That sense of inclusivity extends beyond the shelves. In 2020, when Covid forced the cancellation of their flagship street festival, Carwyn Cellars turned the setback into one of its most memorable achievements.

“We had organised 11 of the world’s best breweries to fly in for the event and to collaborate with a local brewery. Thanks to Covid arriving first, we had to cancel two weeks out – we had brewers in transit and airfreighted beer already landed. Not wanting to waste our hard work, we changed to a virtual festival and our community massively got behind us. We sold out the 3,600 mixed festival beer packs and it’s safe to say the virtual festival was one of the highlights of lockdown for many people,” says Duval.

Looking ahead, Duval sees flavour experimentation as a defining trend, one that’s reshaping not only beer but also the broader spirits and RTD categories, as producers and consumers alike search for new ways to experience familiar drinks.

“Every brewer in the country right now seems to be playing with terpenes. This has allowed brewers to really dial in and enhance specific flavours. It’s a real game changer and not something that is likely to go away soon,” he explains.

Technology also plays a pivotal role in Carwyn Cellars’ future, shaping everything from how customers discover new products online to the systems that keep the store running smoothly behind the scenes.

Duval says: “Being so online focused, technology and data are king. We recently rebuilt our website and changed over our systems in the interest of staying ahead of the digital curve.”

Tough years, strong culture

The past five years have not been without challenge for Carwyn Cellars, which experienced a change of

ownership, a period of voluntary administration, and eventually a return to its original owners.

“I’ve had to take on new responsibilities and above all I just tried to keep a cool head through it all,” Duval says. “We managed to keep the same team together through it all, which is testament to the culture of what we have built and the awesome people who work here. All in all, the business is back in safe hands, and we are well positioned to get back to what we do best and explore more exciting booze adventures.”

Asked what he would change about liquor retail in Australia, Duval points straight to tax, highlighting how high excise and duties on beer and spirits have driven prices up and shifted many products into a luxury spending category.

“Beer and spirits cop the rough end of the stick, and it’s caused prices to rise to a point that for many, these drinks now fall into the luxury spending category and consumers are choosing alternatives,” he says.

Away from Carwyn Cellars, Duval is a keen golfer with a rather unusual prize story, having twice claimed the closest-to-the-pin title at the Moon Dog trade golf day and walking away with a haul most beer lovers could only dream of.

“I took out the Moon Dog trade golf day closest to the pin competition, twice, and won 100 free kegs of beer!”

And when it’s time to wind down, he doesn’t stray far from the classics, preferring a beer that delivers balance, refreshment and a sense of timeless tradition over anything too experimental.

“I’m going to go with The Albert Czech Pilsner from Tassie – full flavoured, spicy, bitter and as refreshing as any drink in the world.”

For Duval, the heart of Carwyn Cellars has always been about people – the team, the producers, and the community of customers who share a love of great drinks. Through challenges, innovation, and a relentless curiosity for flavour, he has helped build a store that is as welcoming as it is adventurous.

With a renewed sense of stability and a finger on the pulse of emerging trends, Duval and Carwyn Cellars are well placed to continue shaping Melbourne’s independent liquor scene for years to come. ■

“[Carwyn Cellars] is just full of interesting and diverse booze… it has a comfortable feeling to it, which is welcoming to absolutely anybody, no matter their walk of life or their preference of tipple.”

Good Pair Days brings personalisation in-store

Blurring online and offline, Good Pair Days has debuted a hybrid wine bar and retail space in Surry Hills, writes Deb Jackson.

Good Pair Days has taken a significant step forward in its journey to reinvent the way people discover and enjoy wine, officially opening its first bricks-and-mortar wine bar and bottle shop on Sydney’s Crown Street. Since its launch, the business has built its reputation as a digital-first retailer with a unique proposition: using technology and data to deliver personalised wine recommendations based on individual taste profiles. Customers complete a palate quiz, rate wines they receive, and in turn, the platform uses this data to refine future selections. Over time, members not only receive wines they’re more likely to enjoy but are also encouraged to experiment with new varietals through challenges, badges, and rewards. This gamified approach to discovery has been central to Good Pair Days’ appeal and growth.

According to Co-founder and CEO Tom Walenkamp, the move into physical retail is about expanding this philosophy beyond the screen.

“We never saw ourselves as a pure online retailer,” he told National Liquor News. “We saw ourselves as a retailer, full stop. Customers do want that personal interaction. They want to taste before buying, get out of the house, experience something and have fun. We wanted to meet them where they wanted to be.”

The new store, located on Crown Street in Surry Hills, is designed to deliver the same personalised discovery process in real life. Existing members can scan a QR code or ask staff to pull up their profile, instantly accessing the same tailored recommendations they would see online. Wines tasted at the bar can be logged against their account, badges can be awarded for in-store activity, and reward points redeemed on the spot.

“We’ve built the tech so wines you try instore can be added to your account in real time,” Walenkamp explained. “It’s really the best of both worlds – digital personalisation alongside face-to-face interaction with our wine associates.”

Translating the online model into a physical experience

For those encountering Good Pair Days for the first time, the experience begins just as it would online: by taking the palate quiz. Staff can guide newcomers through the process, or customers can do it themselves on their phones. Recommendations are then drawn from the range available in-store, and staff can turn those into a wine flight or tasting.

It’s a seamless extension of the brand’s core promise: helping customers find wines that genuinely suit their tastes, while still encouraging exploration.

According to Walenkamp, the choice of location for Good Pair Days’ first physical store was also data-led.

“Surry Hills and Darlinghurst are our highest concentration of members in Sydney, which means in Australia, really,” he said. “We wanted to be convenient for current members to try new wines and experiences in-store.”

At the same time, Crown Street provides

brand visibility to a wider audience, acting as what Walenkamp calls a “billboard for the brand” while remaining profitable in its own right. He added that rather than increasing spend on traditional top-of-funnel marketing channels like outdoor and radio, the business saw greater long-term value in investing that money into a physical space that directly serves members.

Inside, the venue blends wine bar and retail formats, with seating for around 50 people and capacity for up to 85 including outdoor areas. Members enjoy significant benefits: discounted pricing by the glass, no corkage fees when drinking takeaway bottles onpremise, and access to a program of tastings, meetthe-maker nights, and education sessions.

“For every wine by the glass we have a member and non-member price,” Walenkamp said. “If you buy a bottle from the shop, there’s no corkage, so you’re paying retail prices to drink on-premise – which is pretty unheard of in any wine bar. And if you’re not a member, you can join on the spot and get the benefits straight away.”

Challenges, suppliers and future expansion

The space also represents a new kind of stage for suppliers. Good Pair Days plans to host regular events where winemakers present their wines directly to customers, building connections between producers and the engaged Good Pair Days community.

“We want the winemakers to be in-store, talking about their products and telling their stories. They’re the people behind the wines, and that’s the interesting part,” Walenkamp said.

Transitioning from e-commerce to physical retail has not been without its challenges. Staffing has been one of the steepest learning curves, particularly finding people with both wine knowledge and the right hospitality skills to fit the hybrid wine bar and retail model. Venue Manager Tim Sturt, whose background spans both hospitality and retail, has been key to bridging this gap. At the same time, integrating store staff into the company’s digital-first communication culture has required careful onboarding.

“Most of our team works remotely and uses Slack and Notion daily,” Walenkamp said. “Retail staff are more used to face-to-face communication, so we’ve had to invest more into onboarding and blending both worlds.”

While the store is still in its early days, the long-

term ambition is clear. If successful, the format will be rolled out in other Australian cities and even internationally, with the UK a likely next step given it now accounts for half of the company’s business.

Walenkamp believes the store represents more than just an additional sales channel – it’s a way of deepening relationships with members while introducing the brand to a new audience in an experiential way.

“Some feedback we had early on was, ‘You can’t be both a wine bar and a bottle shop.’ But we looked to adjacent industries, like Mecca in beauty, and saw how they’ve tied experiential retail, education, loyalty and personalisation together,” he said. “We think that makes a lot of sense for wine too.”

With its first physical store, Good Pair Days is betting that the future of retail lies in seamlessly blending the convenience of digital with the engagement of in-person experiences. For a business built on personalisation, it’s a natural extension – and one that may well set a new benchmark for how online-first liquor businesses think about physical retail. ■

“Customers do want that personal interaction. They want to taste before buying, get out of the house, experience something and have fun. We wanted to meet them where they wanted to be.”

Tom Walenkamp

ILG celebrates 50 years with study tour of Barcelona and Lisbon

Delegates embraced connection, collaboration and celebration as ILG’s anniversary trip blended business sessions with cultural discovery.

The Independent Liquor Group (ILG) marked its 50th anniversary year with a study tour that spanned Barcelona and Lisbon, bringing together members, suppliers, and partners in a celebration of both business strength and the enduring bonds of the ILG family.

From the very first morning in Barcelona, it was clear this was no ordinary conference. Delegates were greeted by ILG CEO Paul Esposito at the Majestic Hotel, the base for the first stage of the trip. He described the event as “an annual reunion” – a chance for familiar faces and first-timers to share in the cooperative spirit that has defined ILG across five decades.

“It seems like yesterday we last got together,” he said warmly. “For those of you joining your first ILG trip – it won’t be your last.”

Esposito spoke to the heart of the ILG identity: a group built on community, trust, and collaboration.

“It’s been a good year for ILG, and it’s great to

have everyone together here to mark this milestone,” he said. “The next few days are about connection, collaboration and celebration.”

A record-breaking year

Beyond the camaraderie, there was serious business to share. ILG reported sales of $530.1 million in FY25 – a record-breaking result achieved despite difficult trading conditions and heightened acquisition activity in Queensland.

“We didn’t lose any business because of anything we did wrong – it was largely down to acquisitions, particularly the activity of a large, listed group in Queensland,” Esposito explained. “That represented around $20 million worth of business, but we’ve already started to rebuild.”

The figures reflected resilience and agility. More than 5.4 million cases moved through ILG’s warehouses in the past year, including 1.7 million

cases of beer, 1.3 million of RTDs, and 1.2 million of wine. Service levels held strong at more than 97 per cent despite labour shortages, while banners such as Fleet Street, Super Cellars, and Bottler all delivered growth against the backdrop of the major chains’ downturns.

Esposito pointed to new product development as the key to the future, saying: “Please embrace it, because that’s where the growth is.”

He also highlighted ILG’s investments in e-commerce, loyalty programs, and a new Queensland hub at Swanbank, all aimed at setting members up for long-term success.

Trading Manager Tony Oliverio added detail during his update in Barcelona, noting ILG’s outperformance in wine and spirits.

“Across the board we’ve seen really

“It’s been a good year for ILG, and it’s great to have everyone together here to mark this milestone.”

Paul Esposito

pleasing results, but what’s most important is that ILG has outperformed the market in almost every category,” he said.

Wine stood out with 22.7 per cent growth compared to 5.8 per cent for the wider market. Spirits also surged, with tequila, whisky and vodka driving double-digit growth. RTDs and premium beer maintained strong momentum, while innovation remained central to category strategy.

“The numbers show that we’re not just keeping pace with the market – we’re leading

in key categories like wine and spirits,” Oliverio said.

For members, these figures underscored what they already knew: ILG’s cooperative structure continues to deliver, even in challenging times.

Discovering Barcelona together

If the mornings belonged to business, the afternoons and evenings were devoted to discovery. Day two began with a breakfast briefing before delegates stepped out into

Barcelona. The group ascended Montjuïc for sweeping harbour views, strolled along Paseo de Gracia to marvel at Gaudí’s architecture, and paused at the Mirador de Torre Glòries Observation Deck, where the city stretched in every direction.

The evening brought everyone back to the Majestic Hotel for Happy Hour – a relaxed opportunity to swap stories and deepen connections.

As Esposito promised: “By the end of this trip, everyone will know everyone.”

On day three, delegates enjoyed free time to explore Barcelona at their own pace. Some joined guided tours of the Gothic Quarter and Picasso Museum, while others wandered the city’s bustling streets. That night, the group reconvened at Can Travi Nou, a 17th-century Catalan farmhouse. Surrounded by rustic stone walls and shaded gardens, members shared traditional Spanish dishes, toasts and laughter – the essence of the ILG family spirit.

Day four offered another unforgettable highlight: a pilgrimage to Montserrat. Delegates visited the Santa Maria Monastery and the famed Black Madonna, then climbed aboard the mountain railway to absorb the dramatic Catalan landscape.

In the afternoon, the mood shifted from the spiritual to the celebratory as the group toured Codorníu, Spain’s oldest winery. Wandering through 33 kilometres of underground cellars before enjoying a cava tasting, ILG members were immersed in the history and craft of the Penedès region. Lunch followed outdoors at Torre de Codorníu, where long tables of delegates ate, drank and conversed in the sunshine – a scene that perfectly captured the cooperative’s sense of community.

“Across the board we’ve seen really pleasing results, but what’s most important is that ILG has outperformed the market in almost every category.”

Tony Oliverio

“In 1975, ILG was born out of the vision of a few gentlemen. Today we own more than $100 million in assets and continue to grow stronger together as a cooperative.”

Paul Esposito

Lisbon’s charm and culture

From Barcelona, the group travelled west to Portugal for the second leg of the anniversary journey. Lisbon welcomed them with an authentic Portuguese dinner, setting the stage for more discovery and connection.

The following day brought a lively tuk tuk tour through the city’s winding streets. Delegates paused at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte to admire sweeping views, wound through the historic Alfama district, and ended the morning at Parque Eduardo VII before enjoying a Portuguese lunch.

The excursion continued with a trip to Sintra, where members toured the National Palace – a reminder of Portugal’s rich cultural history – and then on to Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point. The day ended in Cascais, where delegates relaxed by the sea, another reminder that the ILG family knows how to balance business with pleasure.

Free time in Lisbon allowed delegates to explore at their own pace, before the Study Tour drew to a close with a gala dinner. Laughter and stories flowed as members celebrated the friendships forged, the business insights shared, and the history written across ILG’s 50 years.

“The numbers show that we’re not just keeping pace with the market – we’re leading in key categories like wine and spirits.”

Tony Oliverio

Strengthening the ILG family

For many attendees, the Study Tour was about more than travel or even trading updates. It was about the people – the community that continues to define ILG.

Esposito reminded delegates of the group’s humble beginnings, saying: “In 1975, ILG was born out of the vision of a few gentlemen. Today we own more than $100 million in assets and continue to grow stronger together as a cooperative.”

That sense of shared ownership, of collective strength, is what binds ILG members and suppliers. From breakfast briefings to winery lunches, from business panels to tuk tuk rides, every moment of the tour was designed to reinforce connection.

Oliverio captured this sentiment when he credited ILG’s results to collaboration: “That’s a credit to the support of our members, our supplier partners, and the sales team who’ve helped deliver the programs on the ground.”

The study tour closed with a sense of optimism. ILG has weathered challenges, posted record sales, and celebrated 50 years with style and substance. But the cooperative’s gaze is firmly on the future.

Investments in e-commerce, loyalty programs, and new product development signal a group that is adapting to changing consumer behaviours. The Swanbank hub in Queensland will provide new efficiencies, while category strategies continue to focus on affordability, innovation, and premiumisation where it makes sense.

Esposito summed up the trip early on by saying: “The next few days are about connection, collaboration and celebration.” For members and suppliers who journeyed through Barcelona and Lisbon together, those words became a lived experience – and a promise of more to come.

ILG will continue its milestone celebrations with the 50th anniversary Family Reunion, taking place in October in Sydney.

As ILG enters its next chapter, it does so with the confidence of a group that has grown stronger together over 50 years – and the shared commitment to ensure the next 50 are even more remarkable. ■

This year marks a golden milestone—50 years of ILG. From our humble beginnings to becoming Australia’s largest liquor co-operative, our journey has always been about empowering our members and shaping the future of the liquor industry.

Every member, partner, and team member has been a cornerstone of our success, and we reflect with immense gratitude on the trust and loyalty that has fuelled our growth.

IBA to unleash the power of independents

Independent Brands Australia brought members, suppliers and staff together on the Gold Coast recently for its annual conference, unveiling a bold new cross-pillar plan, writes Andy Young.

At the start of September, Independent Brands Australia (IBA) hosted its annual Trade Workshop on the Gold Coast, drawing more than 550 members, suppliers and staff. Over three days, attendees explored IBA’s performance, engaged with suppliers at an impressive trade show, and celebrated excellence at the IBA Five Star Awards and gala dinner.

Metcash Liquor CEO Kylie Wallbridge opened proceedings with a welcome that set the tone for a week focused on resilience, growth and optimism.

“This is an opportunity for us to recognise that Independents are leading the liquor industry, reflect on why and then double down on it – we can celebrate the achievements of the IBA network,” she said

Navigating a challenging year

Wallbridge acknowledged that the past 12 months have not been easy for retailers or consumers. But she highlighted that Metcash’s three core divisions –liquor, food and hardware – all achieved value growth.

“It was a challenging year with difficult conditions at times and the shoppers who are coming into your stores are feeling it too,” she said. “So, we consider it a fantastic result that as a business our independent networks delivered growth.”

Her message was clear: independents have held their ground and are well positioned to keep building market share.

“I think that’s something to take a lot of confidence from,” she told delegates. “Ultimately it’s the work that you and your teams are doing in your stores and your premises every day that is making this possible.”

Despite post-pandemic slowdowns, Wallbridge stressed the independents’ resilience.

“There’s still plenty of opportunities for us to grow in the liquor space, but retail is the heart of what we do. The fantastic thing, and we should absolutely celebrate this in all of our stores, in all of our venues, is that the independents have continued to grow share every year for the last four years.

“For us to grow, it means you’re serving your shoppers and your customers better than anybody else in the market.”

Launching ‘Family Founded’

That confidence forms the foundation of Metcash’s new cross-pillar campaign, ‘Family Founded’, announced at the conference and now live across liquor, food and hardware stores. Backed by a major Metcash investment, it aims to celebrate the family of

“Independents have continued to grow share every year for the last four years.”

Kylie Wallbridge

family founded retailers – whether family-founded, family-owned or family-built, and all the unique benefits they provide local shoppers.

The flagship in-store competition – Big Family, Big Prizes – gives shoppers who spend $25 or more in participating stores the chance to win a share of instant and major prizes. Prizes include travel experiences ranging from a Great Northern Kakadu Adventure to a Heineken Singapore racing experience.

More than just an in-store promo, ‘Family Founded’ seeks to resonate with consumers who are increasingly motivated by authenticity, local and community connection.

Clare Adamiak, IBA’s Head of Shopper, Brand and Digital, explained: “This is about momentum. Like we’ve said before, we are stronger together. This campaign is designed to live well beyond launch, creating recognition and loyalty for our network of independent, family-founded stores year after year.”

Taking the message nationwide

The promotion spans more than 3,000 stores and is supported by a significant advertising investment across TV, radio, digital and social media. At its heart is what IBA calls “a game-changing media partnership with Nine”.

Adamiak told delegates: “Nine Radio and Nine Media partners will broadcast this campaign across their channels. Our retailers will be heard across the country on what it is like to be family founded, what it is like to shop independent and share with their shoppers that they can win big.”

In-store, new digital screens will be rolled out to create theatre for shoppers and target communications in real time.

“This campaign is built on partnerships that extend across brands in liquor, food and hardware,” Adamiak added. “Let’s show the market the true power of independence.”

Celebrating excellence

The conference was also a chance to spotlight outstanding performance through the 2025 Five Star Awards, recognising the best people, suppliers and stores throughout the network

The Supplier of the Year awards were split between small and large, with Sazerac named Small Supplier of the Year, and Craig Payens, IBA National Retail

Merchandise Manager said: “Sazerac exemplifies what it means to be dynamic and a committed partner. Whether it’s through innovative merchandising solutions or agility through NPD, Sazerac has proven that great partnerships are built on trust, responsiveness and shared ambition.

The Large Supplier of the Year Award went to Lion, for delivering “a standout performance with IBA, driven by strategic alignment, category insights, strong execution and impressive in-trained engagement. Their ability to bring compelling activity to life and support IBA’s goals has been a real impact for a matter to most, with our members and in the market”, Payens continued.

Adrian Ricci, General Manager – IBA Retail, announced National Business Development Manager of the Year as Ben Lysaght.

In accepting, Lysaght said: “Massive appreciations

“This campaign is designed to live well beyond launch, creating recognition and loyalty for our network.”

Clare Adamiak

to the Queensland team, from the BDMs to the staff in the support office and the Promotions Coordinators. We constantly believe the mantra that we’re all one team; we all work towards a common goal. This is amazing, thank you.”

The Rising Star Award went to Holly Roberts of Cellarbrations Shoreline, Tasmania, Ricci said: “Holly shows exceptional creativity, dedication and deep commitment to the community engagement. Holly has consistently demonstrated a willingness to go over and above beyond bringing innovative ideas to life. Congratulations Holly, a well-deserved award.”

Store Manager of the Year was awarded to Todd Kelly of Cellarbrations Superstore, Aussie World, Queensland. Kelly reflected: “Most of the words spoken here have been about family and team and you really have transcended more than business partners for me, you really are my family, and I can’t thank you enough.”

The National Retailer Award, recognising both performance and spirit, went to Cellarbrations Somerset in Tasmania.

Goodstone Group Operations Manager Mark Cadle said: “This is the most wonderful award to win. Olivia you’re a star, I always thought you were a star and you’ve proved it. Thank you very much.”

Turning headwinds into tailwinds

Beyond awards and activations, the 2025 IBA Trade Workshop reinforced the strength of the independent retail network. Sessions examined evolving consumer trends, digital engagement, supplier collaboration and the long-term strategy of competing with scale against national chains.

The mood throughout was one of optimism. While the industry faces headwinds – from tightening household budgets to cost-ofliving pressures – independents are framing these challenges as opportunities. Consumer habits are becoming increasingly focused on local, quality and service.

That positions family-founded independents to drive a fundamental shift in Australian shopping habits – one grounded in trust, loyalty and the enduring importance of family.

For IBA and its members, the conference marked more than an annual catch-up. It was a line in the sand – a commitment to harness momentum, invest in new platforms, and continue carving out a growing share of the liquor market.

The message from the Gold Coast was unmistakable: independents are not just surviving – they are thriving, united by a common purpose and ready to take their story national. ■

Congratulations to our winning retailers, suppliers and IBA teams!

Championing Successful Independents

Thirsty Camel Forum takes members to the Next Level

Perth hosts record-breaking Victorian Thirsty Camel Forum as members and suppliers unite to raise the bar in retail execution.

Thirsty Camel’s 2025 Forum, held in Perth from 17–21 August, lived up to its theme of ‘Next Level’, bringing together more than 260 Victorian members and suppliers – the biggest turnout in the event’s history.

The five-day program combined serious business discussions with memorable networking and social occasions, underscoring Thirsty Camel’s ongoing drive to innovate while empowering members to deliver stronger results in-store.

Rebates that reward members

Thirsty Camel Victoria’s General Manager, Adrian Moelands said of the event: “This Forum was about setting the bar higher and now it’s time to deliver. We’re backing our members with increased rebates, investing in digital ticketing to make price changes instant, and sharpening our focus on in-store execution. Clean, consistent, well-run stores are where the wins are made, and we’re committed to giving our network the tools and incentives to make that happen.”

To further strengthen member margins, Thirsty Camel announced the roll out of significant rebate increases across key categories. Wine rebates will rise by 25 per cent, while Spirits, RTD and Cider will see a 15 per cent uplift. These increases ensure that

Thirsty Camel members are better rewarded for their compliance and commitment – putting more money back into their businesses and reinforcing Thirsty Camel’s position as the network that invests in its own.

A Forum of record-breaking scale

The record attendance in Perth spoke volumes about the strength of the Thirsty Camel network and the appetite among members to sharpen their competitive edge. The Forum provided a unique opportunity to step away from day-to-day trading pressures, take stock of the business’s evolution, and explore new ways to engage customers more effectively.

Business sessions were complemented by a supplier expo at Optus Stadium, where the latest products, initiatives, and promotional tools were showcased. Social highlights included a lively Fremantle pub crawl, a special guest appearance from cricket legend Adam Gilchrist at Optus Stadium to introduce his new tequila, El Arquero, and a spectacular gala dinner at Sandalford Winery in the Swan Valley.

Thirsty Camel has spent recent years building a suite of innovative programs – from its flagship Hump Club loyalty initiative, through to Top Drops, e-commerce platforms, and the Camel Academy

“This Forum was about setting the bar higher and now it’s time to deliver.”

Adrian Moelands

training system. The ‘Next Level’ theme reflected the group’s desire for members to now focus on execution: improving a little bit every day, lifting staff engagement, and embedding best practices consistently across stores.

As members were reminded during the sessions, innovation means little unless it is backed by strong execution in-store. Clean, tidy, well-run venues with engaged teams will ultimately be those that extract the full benefit from Thirsty Camel’s evolving tools.

Hump Club V3: Driving loyalty and growth

A key highlight of the Forum was the presentation on Hump Club V3, delivered by Thirsty Camel’s Loyalty & Digital Marketing Manager, Rachel Brown. The program has been a cornerstone of the brand for 15 years, but its latest evolution is setting new benchmarks for customer engagement and profitability.

Brown explained that the move to version three was essential to deepen customer relationships and outpace competitors.

“Loyal customers are more profitable than non-loyal ones,” she told delegates. “They spend 67 per cent more, have a 306 per cent higher lifetime value, and are much less price sensitive. That’s why building loyalty is central to everything we do.”

The numbers spoke for themselves. In the past 12 months alone, Hump Club delivered 85 per cent revenue growth, 70 per cent transaction growth, and 38 per cent membership growth, compared to the prior year. Customers enrolled in Hump Club also spend on average, $19 more per transaction than non-loyalty customers.

The rollout of V3 has already shown strong traction, with average basket sizes rising sharply among those redeeming multiple offers. Brown urged members to make Hump Club a daily habit in-store.

“None of the innovation matters unless your staff buy in,” she said. “If you’re at a 15 per cent tag rate, aim for 30. If you’re already at 30, aim for 50. This is how we take loyalty to the next level.”

At the gala dinner, awards were presented to recognise standout store performance, with the Portland Hotel taking home Best Hump Club Store of the Year, Commercial Hotel Yarram winning Highest Tag Rate, Thirsty Camel Echuca West securing Most Completed In-Store Sign Ups, and Grandview Hotel being named Most Improved Store.

Innovation in action

Alongside Hump Club, Thirsty Camel unveiled two major new initiatives designed to improve retail execution.

The first tackled the longstanding challenge of Hotspot execution. While these high-visibility product displays are powerful sales drivers, some members have hesitated to use them due to theft concerns. To address this, Thirsty Camel introduced a new lockable retail unit that allows high-value stock to be showcased safely and consistently across the network.

2025 Forum Awards

Large Format Store of the Year: Thirsty Camel Portland

Medium Format Store of the Year: Rubicon Hotel

Small Format Store of the Year: Settlers Tavern

Supplier of the Year: LION

Outstanding Achievement Award: Pernod Ricard

Member Recognition Award: John Payne

Best Hump Club Store: Portland Hotel

Highest Tag Rate: Commercial Hotel Yarram

Most Sign Ups: Thirsty Camel Echuca West

Most Improved Store: Grandview Hotel

“Loyal customers are more profitable than nonloyal ones. They spend 67 per cent more, have a 306 per cent higher lifetime value, and are much less price sensitive.

That’s why building loyalty is central to everything we do.”

Rachel Brown

The second innovation was Digital Ticketing, offering members a faster, smarter, and more environmentally friendly way to manage pricing and promotions. Digital ticketing will allow stores to update prices in minutes, run late-week specials or knock-off drink offers, and improve compliance across the board. By co-investing in this system, Thirsty Camel is equipping its members with the tools to respond to shopper trends in real time.

A major highlight of the Perth Forum was the keynote address from Bastien Treptel of Ironclad ID, who spoke about the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of retail and hospitality.

Treptel’s presentation offered members an eyeopening look at how AI is already transforming consumer behaviour, operations, and data-driven decision making, and how independent retailers can harness these tools to remain competitive.

His message reinforced the Forum’s theme: the future belongs to those willing to level up, adopt new technologies, and continuously adapt.

A spirit of collaboration and celebration

Beyond the business agenda, the Forum emphasised the strength of Thirsty Camel’s culture. From supplier showcases to the Fremantle pub crawl and the gala dinner at Sandalford Winery, the program provided ample opportunity for networking, collaboration, and celebration.

The Forum also provided space to celebrate resilience in what has been a challenging trading environment. Members were reminded that Thirsty

Camel remains the third-largest independent retail brand nationally and continues to punch above its weight thanks to its distinctive, upbeat positioning and engaged network.

Looking ahead, the Forum made it clear that the building blocks for success – loyalty programs, digital tools, training, and supplier partnerships – are firmly in place. The task now is to ensure consistent execution, with every store aiming to raise its standards just a little more each day.

As Brown summarised in her Hump Club presentation: “Our job is to make your life easier and your business better by adding value. But we need you to buy in. Leveling up isn’t optional – it’s the only way forward.”

With record attendance, an ambitious agenda, and a clear message of continuous improvement, Thirsty Camel’s 2025 Forum set the tone for a new era of execution excellence. If Perth was about taking things to the “Next Level,” the momentum now rests with members to carry that spirit back into their stores — and turn innovation into results. ■

News

For retailers around the country

Jeanette Fenske appointed new BWS Managing Director

Endeavour Group has announced the appointment of Jeanette Fenske as Managing Director of BWS, bringing more than three decades of retail expertise to the role.

Fenske has 35 years’ experience in retail, including senior leadership roles with South Africa’s Clicks Group and Woolworths Group in Australia. She is currently Director of Stores at Woolworths Supermarkets, overseeing 130,000 team members across 1,100 stores nationwide.

Endeavour Group Interim CEO Kate Beattie welcomed the appointment, saying: “I am delighted Jeanette is joining Endeavour Group to manage our market-leading BWS business. She is a seasoned retail operator who joined Woolworths almost 10 years ago as Assistant State General Manager, before being promoted to lead the eCommerce Online Operations and Last Mile business in Woolies X.”

Fenske takes over from Scott Davidson, who will step down as BWS Managing Director at the end of November after more than five years in the role.

New Zealand’s largest spirits producer Scapegrace expands in Australia

New Zealand’s largest spirits producer, Scapegrace Distilling Co., is turning up the heat on the Australian market, after introducing a dedicated local sales team and taking its distribution in-house.

The move is designed to give the brand more control and flexibility, while deepening relationships with retailers and venue operators across the country.

Best known for its award-winning portfolio of gin, vodka, single malt whisky and RTDs, Scapegrace is crafted in New Zealand’s Central Otago region – a location that has fast become as famous for world-class spirits as it is for Pinot Noir.

The brand recently unveiled its new $27m state-of-the-art distillery on the shores of Lake Dunstan, a striking home that will allow it to scale production across its full range.

Co-founder Daniel McLaughlin said: “Australia is a key market for Scapegrace. There are natural synergies between New Zealand and Australia when it comes to taste, culture, and drinking occasions, and we know there’s the opportunity for us to strengthen our offering there.

“We’ll be putting a greater focus on Australia with increased investment in retail, on-premise, and brand building. Bringing distribution in-house will also give us more control and the ability to scale quickly.”

Scapegrace already holds a strong track record on the awards circuit. In 2025, its Vanguard Single Malt struck gold at the World Whisky Awards, while Anthem Single Malt earned gold at the IWSC. Its London Dry Gin has previously been crowned World’s Best at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

McLaughlin said it’s the New Zealand environment that sets their spirits apart.

“We’re proud to represent the best of New Zealand distilling with our team using glacial water, locally grown ingredients, and a unique climate on the 45th Parallel – conditions that are ideal for ageing whisky with exceptional depth of flavour,” he said.

“We have a strong existing footprint in Australia, and we’re excited to deepen relationships with retailers and customers, and to expand the reach of our award-winning spirits.”

Lion gains B Corp certification

Lion has announced it has become a certified B Corporation, supporting the company’s long-term commitment as a force for good.

While some Lion brands, including Stone & Wood, have previously gained a B Corp certification, this certification is for the entire business and means each Lion brand can say it is produced by a certified B Corporation.

Lion Group CEO, Sam Fischer, says: “We are delighted to be recognised as a Certified B Corporation across Lion as a whole. Being a force for good has always been part of Lion’s DNA, but B Corp Certification has given us a framework to go even further.

“For almost two centuries, we’ve believed in making a strong contribution to our communities and managing Lion for the longterm, and this certification supports that commitment for the years to come.

“B Corp Certification provides independent verification of Lion’s commitment to measuring success not just in profit, but in the positive impact we create together with our partners.”

Lion has achieved B Corp certification after scoring 80.6 on the B Impact Assessment, surpassing the 80-point threshold required and well above the global median score of 50.9 for standard businesses.

As part of the certification process, Lion also amended its constitution to formally embed a commitment for directors to consider the long-term impact of business decisions on employees, suppliers, customers, communities and the environment.

Fischer added: “When our trade partners choose to work with Lion, our B Corp Certification is further evidence that they’re partnering with a business that places people, planet, purpose, and profit on equal footing.”

Thirsty Camel turns orange with Hard Rated launch

To celebrate the launch of Hard Rated Alcoholic Orange 4.5 per cent, Thirsty Camel and Hard Rated offered free spray tans to Melburnians bold enough to match the new RTD’s colour.

For one day only, customers who spent more than $5 at Thirsty Camel Harp of Erin Hotel scored a free spray tan between 12pm and 4pm.

Lisa O’Donovan, Thirsty Camel’s National Marketing Manager, said the stunt was a bold way to grab attention.

“We’re so excited to celebrate the long-awaited launch of Hard Rated Orange. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it’s guaranteed to get people talking.”

Sarah Wilcox, Asahi’s Head of RTDs and Cider, added: “Thirsty Camel has been a perfect partner to launch Hard Rated Orange with. They understand how to have fun, push boundaries, and bring bold new drinks to life.”

Collingwood defender and brand spokesperson Oleg Markov also joined in, celebrating with a spray tan.

Paramount Liquor delivers biggest conference yet

Paramount Liquor’s 2025 Queenstown conference united leaders and partners to focus on agility, innovation, and growth.

Paramount Liquor has successfully delivered its largest conference to date, uniting more than 150 internal leaders and supplier partners in Queenstown, New Zealand, for three days of collaboration, insight and innovation.

This year’s theme, Faster Smarter Together, reflected Paramount’s commitment to agility, data-led intelligence and strong partnerships as the foundations for growth across the hospitality sector.

The program featured a mix of keynote speakers, interactive workshops and direct engagement with Paramount’s leadership. Entrepreneur Naomi Simson opened the conference with an inspiring keynote on building trust, creating value and thriving in times of change. Attendees were also given a forward-looking view of the on-premise landscape, with BDA Marketing sharing insights into current trends and the opportunities emerging on the horizon.

Paramount’s leadership team joined supplier partners for a candid Q&A session, offering transparency around strategy, challenges and opportunities. Workshops were also held to give sales teams and suppliers practical tools to strengthen relationships, build loyalty and accelerate performance.

The conference placed strong emphasis on partnerships in action, with leading brands including Altus Brands, Amber Beverages, Asahi Beverages, Brown-Forman, Fever-Tree, Möet-Hennessy, Pernod Ricard, Lion, Treasury Premium Brands, William Grant & Sons, Vanguard Luxury Brands, Red Bull, Vinarchy, Samuel Smith & Negociants, Robert Oatley Wines, Bacardi-Martini Australia, Diageo, Campari and Sazerac supporting the program through activations and collaborations.

For Paramount Liquor CEO Nathan Rowe, this spirit of collaboration summed up the conference’s intent.

“Faster, smarter, together is how we partner with suppliers and venues to drive the next era of growth. We want to be the disrupter, not the disrupted. This year’s conference proved the power of agility and collaboration, delivering new insights, stronger partnerships, and a clear path forward for the industry.”

As the conference closed, the focus was firmly on what comes next. With agility, intelligence and strong partnerships at the centre of its approach, Paramount Liquor and its partners left Queenstown with fresh ideas, renewed connections and a shared commitment to supporting hospitality venues in a changing market. ■

“We want to be the disrupter, not the disrupted.”

As a certified B Corp, we balance people, planet, purpose and profit. It’s our public commitment to do the right thing for the long-term, with our people, communities, and planet at heart. We’re committed to ongoing accountability, unlocking new ideas, and continuing our journey towards a more positive future. Learn more about our commitments and progress: www.lionco.com/force-for-good

Marketplace

Brand news and promotions

Vinarchy assumes full distribution of former Pernod Ricard brands

Vinarchy has officially taken over full distribution of its wine portfolio acquired from Pernod Ricard, including Jacob’s Creek, Stoneleigh, Church Road and Campo Viejo. The transition, effective 1 September 2025, follows the May merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers that created Vinarchy, now one of the world’s largest dedicated wine companies.

These brands can now be ordered directly through Vinarchy in Australia and New Zealand, supported by new local teams, including a commercial division in New Zealand under General Manager Kiri Hyde.

Andrew Clarke, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand at Vinarchy, said: “This is a major milestone for Vinarchy, enabling us to work more closely with our trade partners. We are excited to deliver a stronger wine focus and offer for our customers and consumers.”

Vinarchy will continue to partner with Hancocks in New Zealand for the legacy Accolade portfolio, including Grant Burge, Mud House and Jam Shed.

Distributor: Vinarchy

A new storm in flavoured whisky

ThunderDonk, the bold new flavoured whisky, is set to turn heads in Australia with breakthrough flavours, global recognition, and a name consumers won’t forget.

Bringing something fresh and exciting to one of the fastestgrowing categories in spirits, ThunderDonk stands apart with its independent spirit and bold personality. Built to inject new energy into the whisky aisle and create fresh opportunities for the trade, it’s a brand designed to excite consumers and cut through the clutter.

Available in two expressions – Spiced Maple and Salted Caramel – ThunderDonk is full-flavoured and versatile, made to be enjoyed neat, as a chilled shot, or in cocktails.

Co-founder Daniel McLaughlin said ThunderDonk is about more than just liquid innovation.

“We wanted to bring a fresh sense of energy into flavoured whisky – a brand with a strong identity and a collective culture.”

Salted Caramel offers indulgence with rich caramel, a hit of sea salt, and soft vanilla – smooth, decadent, bold. Spiced Maple delivers rich maple sweetness, warming spice, and toasted oak – bold, warming, maple-rich. Both have already been globally recognised, including a gold medal at the International Drinks Awards, proving that bold flavour and worldclass quality can go hand in hand.

McLaughlin added: “ThunderDonk is unapologetic. It’s bold, modern, and impossible to ignore – a breakthrough brand in an emerging category that excites consumers, brings new people into the category, and stands out in every bar and bottle-shop.”

Let’s Donk.

Distributor: ALM and Paramount Liquor

London Spritz: The new summer serve

Forget what you thought you knew about spritz season. Hoxton London Spritz is rewriting the rules with a bold, botanical twist on the Italian aperitivo, born from its founder Gerry Calabrese’s heritage and sharpened with the edge of East London.

Crafted with fennel, lemon, cherry, raspberry and more. It’s layered, drier, and cleaner than the syrupy orange spritz consumers sipped five summers ago. Built on real fruit and natural flavours, this is a spritz for a new generation that is stylish, effortless, and low ABV, so consumers can enjoy it round after round.

At home, it’s the new go-to for garden hangs and barbecues; just pour over ice, top with Prosecco and garnish. At the bar, it’s the serve that turns heads, vibrant in the glass, crisp on the palate, and made to spark conversation.

London Spritz is more than a drink. It’s a flavour-first attitude. A statement. A reminder to #ownyourflavour wherever the summer takes you.

Distributor: In a Glass Group

Jim Beam strengthens line-up with new releases

Jim Beam is expanding its Australian portfolio with three new releases, targeting the growing demand for premium Bourbon and flavour-led RTDs.

Leading the charge is the return of Jim Beam Black, relaunched with a bold new look. Aged for seven years in virgin oak barrels, it offers a smoother, richer Bourbon profile, layered with oak, vanilla, and golden caramel notes – cementing its place in the premium Bourbon segment.

Alongside this, the Jim Beam RTD range is broadening with two flavour innovations: Jim Beam & Vanilla Cola and Jim Beam & Ginger Beer. Both blend the smooth taste of Jim Beam White Bourbon with distinctive flavour twists, developed to meet consumer appetite for variety and refreshment in the RTD space.

These launches reflect Jim Beam’s ongoing commitment to diversifying its portfolio in Australia, while ensuring Bourbon enthusiasts have more ways to enjoy the brand – whether in a premium pour or a flavourful, ready-to-drink option.

Available nationally from September 2025, the new releases are set to strengthen Jim Beam’s market-leading presence in both Bourbon and RTDs.

Distributor: Suntory Oceania

Your new favourite spritz has arrived

Australia’s number one Prosecco producer, Brown Brothers, is turning up the sparkle this season with two bold new releases: the Prosecco Yuzu Lemon Spritz, and the Orange Prosecco Spritz.

The Yuzu Lemon Spritz blends crisp Prosecco with the aromatic zing of Japanese yuzu – zesty, refreshing, and just a little bit extra. Meanwhile, the Orange Prosecco Spritz brings a juicy citrus twist to your glass, balancing sweetness and sparkle in all the right ways.

Available in stylish 750ml bottles and convenient 250ml cans, both spritzes are made for summer sipping – whether it’s festive hosting, park picnics, or spontaneous catchups.

With cocktail-inspired flavours, spritz-style ease, and grab-and-go formats, these are your ultimate warm-weather plus-ones. Vibrant, flavour-forward, and effortlessly chic, they’re here to elevate every moment. Because honestly? Life’s better with a little sparkle.

Available now at leading liquor retailers and brownbrothers.com.au.

Distributor: Brown Family Wine Group

Archers Peach Liqueur launches in Australia

De Kuyper Royal Distillers is bringing Archers, its premium peach liqueur, to Australia in October, marking the next stage of its global expansion. Already the number one peach liqueur in the UK, the brand sees Australia as a high-potential market, with cocktails accounting for 20 per cent of alcohol consumption and 3.17 million regular cocktail drinkers.

Leo Evers, CEO of De Kuyper, said: “Given the cultural connections between Britain and Australia, combined with Australians’ strong appreciation for cocktails, makes this an incredibly promising market for us.”

Archers will be distributed locally by William Grant & Sons Australia, long-time partner of De Kuyper in the UK.

Lucien Heusy, Chief Commercial Officer of De Kuyper, added: “Having William Grant & Sons Australia by our side gives us tremendous confidence. Their expertise in both markets makes them the perfect partner.”

With its subtle ripe peach flavour and balanced sweetness, Archers is ideal for refreshing serves like Archers Lemonade, or as a key ingredient in cocktails such as Sex on the Beach, which ranked among Australia’s Top 10 cocktails in 2024.

Archers will roll out through select independents and wholesale channels, supported by PR, social media and onpremise activations.

Distributor: William Grant & Sons

FELLR launches its cult favourite into spirits with Watermelon Vodka

Australia’s largest independent light RTD brand, FELLR, is shaking up the spirits world with the launch of its debut full-strength spirit: FELLR Watermelon Vodka.

Since launching in 2020, FELLR has become a cult favourite for its all-natural flavours, low-calorie but full-flavour taste, and celebration of Aussie culture. In just five years, the brand has expanded from 30 stores to over 5,000 nationwide, selling more than four million drinks annually, and recently won World’s Best Premix at the 2025 World Premix Awards in London.

Now, Co-founders Andy Skora and Will Morgan are taking on the bottled spirits market. While global giants have shifted from spirits to RTDs, FELLR is reversing the trend – bringing its iconic Watermelon flavour into a five-times distilled, twice charcoalfiltered Watermelon Vodka. Light, crisp, and versatile, it’s perfect for vodka sodas, cocktails or simply on ice – proving Aussie innovation can stand up to global spirits giants.

“It’s a hugely exciting next phase for FELLR,” says Morgan. “We’ve always had ambitions to move into spirits, and with our Gen Z and Millennials consumers looking for fresh, great-tasting, simple-serve options, the timing is perfect.”

FELLR Watermelon Vodka is launching 8 October nationwide and is available now in all major wholesalers for those independents looking to support a local Aussie spirits start up.

Distributor: FELLR

Glendronach debuts 21-Year whisky with new look

The Glendronach, one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries, has unveiled the first expression in its ultra-premium core range to debut the refreshed visual identity following the landmark 2024 restaging.

While the packaging reflects the brand’s elevated new look, the whisky itself remains unchanged – a minimum of 21 years in the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks from Andalucía. Bottled at 48 per cent ABV and presented with natural cask-imparted colour, The Glendronach Aged 21 Years is renowned for its depth, richness, and Highland character.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at The Glendronach, described the release as “an elegant and sublime expression, defined by its exceptional balance and depth.” She noted aromas of “ripe autumn fruits, blackberries, and red plums” with a palate revealing “layers of fine sherry and bitter chocolate sauce over nutmeg and ginger-baked Victoria plum pudding.”

The launch follows a creative brand campaign by Scottish photographer and director Rankin, aligning the design evolution with the distillery’s near 200-year heritage. Later this year, new 30 and 40-Year-Old expressions will complete the ultra-premium collection.

The Glendronach Aged 21 Years will be available in Australia from August 2025.

Distributor: Brown-Forman

Is this Australia’s oldest fully matured Sherry Cask?

Cupitt’s Estate unveils bold new Signature Range

Cupitt’s Estate is redefining South Coast winemaking with six new signature varietals: Vermentino, Arneis, Fiano, Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. The release signals a generational shift and positions the region as a hub for distinctive, climate-appropriate wines.

Head Winemaker Wally Cupitt said the varieties were chosen not for trend, but because “they make sense for our coastal way of life. They’re fresh, textural, food-friendly, and perfectly suited to the kind of dishes we serve at the restaurant here at Cupitt’s Estate”.

Strategic Partnerships Manager Libby Cupitt, recently appointed President of the Shoalhaven Coast Wine Association, added: “We believe the future of Australian wine is growing right now in the vineyards of Hilltops, Tumbarumba and Canberra.”

The Signature Range joins the Classic and Festive collections, reflecting a refreshed brand direction for the family-run estate.

Distributor: Direct

Hellyers Road Oloroso de Jerez 10 Year Old may indeed be the oldest fully matured Oloroso cask whisky by any Australian distillery.

This fine Tasmanian single malt was aged for 10 years in very old 250 litre Oloroso casks from Jerez (Spain), delivering the complexity and sustained finish on the palate that can only be achieved with long-term, full-size, cask maturation.

This Oloroso de Jerez 10 Year Old release is a small batch marriage of carefully selected casks from Hellyers Road’s remarkable bond store of more than 6,500 fullsized maturation casks – the finest bond store of aged whisky in Australia.

“Reaping the rewards of 10 years of patience we invite you to savour this sweet and savoury dram, a melange of flavours to delight the senses, you will not be disappointed,” said Fiona Coutts, Head Distiller.

Distributor: Hellyers Road Distillery

DMG Fine Wine adds Krinklewood Estate to portfolio

DMG Fine Wine has secured exclusive distribution for Hunter Valley’s Krinklewood Estate, a leading certified organic and biodynamic producer known for wines such as Francesca Rosé, Wild Shiraz and Estate Chardonnay.

“We’re proud to welcome Krinklewood Estate to our growing portfolio of organic and biodynamic wines and spirits from around the world,” said William Dong, Managing Director of DMG Fine Wine. “Our DMG portfolio is selective by design.”

Krinklewood owner Oscar Martin said: “This partnership is about more than distribution – it’s about shared values and a belief in doing things the right way.”

The addition strengthens DMG’s line-up of certified organic producers alongside Handpicked Wines, House of Arras and Moutai.

Distributor: DMG Fine Wine

D Reserve refresh showcases premium appeal

Dee Vine Estate has unveiled refreshed packaging for its D Reserve range, designed to reinforce its premium positioning.

Michael Farah, National Sales Manager, said: “The refresh was driven by a desire to better align the packaging with the quality and prestige of the wines inside the bottle… The updated look draws on luxury cues and refined detailing to signal to customers – both visually and tactilely – that D Reserve is a wine of exceptional character.”

The redesign features textured, uncoated labels, black and charcoal tones with metallic foiling, embossed lettering, and a matte capsule with metallic accents.

The update spans Barossa Shiraz, Coonawarra Cabernet, and Yarra Valley Chardonnay, with the wines remaining true to their award-winning blends.

The refreshed range launched in July through fine wine retailers and select on-premise venues.

Distributor: Dee Vine Estate

Bird in Hand debuts 2025 Tasmanian Sparkling

Bird in Hand has released its 2025 Tasmanian Sparkling, expanding the winery’s Tasmanian Series following the recent launches of Nouveau Pinot Noir, Reserve Pinot Noir and Riesling. Crafted from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown at the Tamar Valley vineyard near Rowella, the sparkling showcases coolclimate purity and precision.

“Tasmania offers the ideal conditions for sparkling wine –pristine fruit, natural acidity and incredible site expression,” said Bird in Hand Senior Winemaker Sarah Burvill. “The 2025 Sparkling captures all of those characteristics – it’s vibrant and precise, and layered with finesse. We aimed for a style that is bright and fresh, and perfectly celebratory.”

With production limited to 1,600 dozen, the release highlights Bird in Hand’s growing Tasmanian footprint, including its upcoming hospitality venue at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart.

Distributor: Bird in Hand

Hawkesbury Brewing Co launches Coasty rebrand

Hawkesbury Brewing Co has unveiled Coasty, a refreshed brand identity inspired by the pace, people, and places of Australia’s coastline. The new look will unify the brewer’s full range, from lagers and stouts to ready-todrink premixes, under one style.

Leading the rollout is Coasty Stout, the award-winning traditional stout, now with a bold new look. The recipe remains unchanged, delivering smooth, full-bodied flavours with chocolate, coffee, and toasted malt notes.

“Hawkesbury Brewing Co is evolving, and the Coasty range marks the next chapter in our story,” said Marketing Director Joanna Lynsky-Smith. “It’s our way of celebrating the communities that have always supported us.”

National Sales Director Mitchell Elmes added: “The flavours you know and love haven’t changed. What’s changed is how we’re showing up in market – with a stronger foundation to grow awareness, expand distribution, and connect with more drinkers.”

Coasty Stout is now available nationally in 500ml cans and 650ml longnecks.

Distributor: ALM and Direct

Maker’s Mark debuts first wheat whisky in Australia

Maker’s Mark has unveiled Star Hill Farm Whisky, the distillery’s first new mashbill in over 70 years and its first wheat whisky. The limited release celebrates regenerative agriculture, using wheat grown to enhance soil health, flavour and sustainability.

Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and Managing Director, said: “We are proud to share Star Hill Farm Whisky with the world – a 10-year journey to unlock nature’s depth of flavour… it will expand our platform to advance regenerative agriculture beyond our business.”

The 2025 release combines two mashbills – one with 70 per cent soft red winter wheat and 30 per cent malted barley, the other 100 per cent malted soft red winter wheat – blended and bottled uncut at cask strength (57.35 per cent ABV).

Master Distiller Dr. Blake Layfield said: “This release is a complex yet balanced blend… The nose captivates with notes of buttery caramel, golden raisins and gingerbread.”

Distributor: Suntory Oceania

Maxwell Wines acquires Fox Creek Wines

Award-winning South Australian winery Maxwell Wines has acquired McLaren Vale producer Fox Creek Wines, aiming to preserve the brand’s legacy while injecting fresh energy into its future. The Fox Creek Cellar Door site will close and is subject to a separate sale.

Jeremy Maxwell, General Manager of Maxwell Wines, said: “This isn’t just about expanding our portfolio – it’s about preserving the future of McLaren Vale… Fox Creek Wines is a brand with deep roots here, and we’re proud to help ensure it remains in McLaren Vale hands.”

Once a Langton’s Classified winery and named among the Langton’s Top 100, Fox Creek Wines holds a significant place in South Australian winemaking.

“Maxwell is taking a long-term view… we are committed to preserving the essence of what made Fox Creek exceptional while investing in renewed energy,” Maxwell said.

KPMG’s Tim Mableson, who oversaw the sale, said: “Maxwell brings a strong pedigree… their vision, commitment and deep ties to the local community will provide the ideal platform for Fox Creek Wines to flourish.” Fox Creek Wines continues to trade online at www.foxcreekwines.com.au

AU Vodka brings goldstandard spirits to Australia

Premium UK spirit brand AU Vodka has officially launched in Australia, bringing its globally recognised, gold bottled vodkas Down Under.

Founded in Wales in 2015, AU Vodka has rapidly grown into one of the UK’s topselling vodka brands, known for its luxurious branding and high-quality liquid. The gold packaging pays tribute to the periodic symbol for gold – Au (atomic number 79) –symbolising purity and perfection.

The Australian release features AU Vodka’s award-winning 700ml core range, including AU Original (Masters Medal, Spirits Business), Green Watermelon (Gold), and Black Grape, Blue Raspberry, and Fruit Punch (Silver).

With a strong following among Gen Z and millennial consumers, AU Vodka has built its reputation through bold flavour innovation, strong social media presence, and visibility in nightlife venues.

The brand also plans to enter Australia’s booming RTD category, with a peach-flavoured ready-to-drink offering set to launch soon.

AU Vodka is now available nationally via selected retail and on-premise partners, offering Australian venues and retailers access to a high-velocity brand with strong international credentials and proven consumer demand.

Distributor: CoLab Group

Brown Brothers launches limited-edition Moscato

Lush Lychee

Brown Brothers has unveiled its latest limited-edition release – Moscato Lush Lychee. The vibrant new wine signals a shift from dessert-inspired styles towards refreshing, fruit-forward experiences.

Crafted with notes of ripe lychee and tropical spice, Moscato Lush Lychee is clean, fresh, and perfectly balanced. Best served chilled, it’s designed to be enjoyed young and vibrant, whether paired with melon and ice cream or spicy seafood dumplings.

The release follows the success of previous successful launches including Strawberries & Cream, White Chocolate & Raspberry Ripple, and Mango Swirl. In consumer testing, 46 per cent of Brown Brothers’ Meta respondents chose lychee as their preferred next flavour, with the winemakers’ sensory panel ranking it the strongest expression to date.

With the global lychee market expected to reach USD $8.8 billion by 2028, the launch highlights the brand’s strategy to redefine fruity wine as modern, premium, and fun. Moscato Lush Lychee is set to appeal to adventurous drinkers, boosting category relevance and delivering a flavourful new option for spring and summer.

Distributor: Brown Family Wine Group

SIG launches Australia’s first recycle-ready wine cask

Global packaging leader SIG has partnered with leading Australian wineries to debut the country’s first recycle-ready bag-in-box wine pack, manufactured at its Adelaide facility.

Made from SIG Terra RecShield, the monomaterial film replaces conventional aluminiumbased films, meaning every component – bag, tap, and carton – is now recycle-ready. The packaging meets the Australian 2025 National Packaging Targets and APCO’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines, with the Australian Recycling Label advising consumers to “Check Locally” for kerbside or drop-off recycling.

The pack’s performance has been validated through shelf-life tests and transport trials with Hill-Smith Family Estates, Vinarchy, De Bortoli Wines and Calabria Family Wines. It also features Australia’s first locally made wine tap designed for easier detection in recycling facilities.

Carmen Houston, ANZ Head of Marketing & Sustainability at SIG, said: “SIG has been at the forefront of bag-in-box packaging globally… we are bringing a recycle-ready solution to market that fits Australian recycling infrastructure while maintaining wine quality through the supply chain.”

Hill-Smith’s Jason Spiteri said: “We’re pleased to continue that legacy of innovation with this Australian-first, recycle-ready bag-in-box packaging from SIG.”

Zero Hour: New non-alcoholic Prosecco crafted for blue-sky drinking

Zero Hour is a new non-alcoholic Prosecco designed for celebrating without sacrificing tomorrow. Made from Australian grapes, it retains the flavour and sparkle of traditional Prosecco, with alcohol gently removed using advanced de-alcoholisation to preserve texture and character. At no more than 0.5 per cent ABV – similar to fruit juice – it’s a lighter choice for consumers and the planet.

Kate Lawton, Head of Product Development at Joval Wines, said: “We only wanted to release a non-alcoholic Prosecco if it was genuinely good, as there are too many zero-alc wines on the market that fall flat.”

The launch follows non-alcoholic wine volumes rising nearly 60 per cent in two years.

Distributor: Joval Family Wines

El Toro adds coconut twist to Tequila portfolio

El Toro has launched El Toro Coconut Tequila, blending bold agave character with creamy coconut. Built on the El Toro Clásico base, the release is designed to appeal to curious drinkers while maintaining the authenticity bartenders and retailers expect.

“Coconut Tequila is designed to lower the barrier of entry for curious drinkers while still delivering the tequila character bartenders and retailers are looking for,” said Eloise Penny, Brand Manager at Vok Beverages.

The new expression lands as Australia cements itself as the world’s fourth-largest tequila market by revenue, with volumes forecast to rise another 4.36 per cent in 2025.

Versatile and premium in style, it’s equally suited to cocktails, sipping neat or pouring over ice. Tasting notes highlight creamy, tropical, toasted aromas with a smooth, refreshing palate where velvety coconut meets vibrant agave, lifted by citrus and gentle warmth – a release primed for Australia’s ongoing tequila boom.

Distributor: Vok Beverages

Tar & Roses celebrates 20 years of winemaking and defining Australian Pinot Grigio

Two decades ago, Don Lewis and Narelle King established Tar & Roses in Central Victoria. They set out to craft wines from then relatively unknown ‘Mediterranean’ varietals with a firm vision to make wines with European soul but an unmistakable Australian spirit, always keeping true to their mantra: “Inspired by the Mediterranean. Uniquely Australian.”

Today, the winery celebrates 20 years of shaping what has become the consummate Australian Pinot Grigio, a style now recognised and embraced by wine lovers and critics alike.

When wine writer Jeni Port declared “the style is set,” she perfectly captured the influence Tar & Roses has had on this now much-loved varietal. Crisp and textural with its signature pinkish hue, Tar & Roses

Pinot Grigio has become a benchmark Australian expression of the varietal.

That commitment has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Tar & Roses was awarded Best Australian Pinot Grigio by the Halliday Wine Companion, a recognition that underscores both consistency and craftsmanship across 20 vintages. It’s a fitting tribute as the winery marks this important milestone, affirming its reputation as a pioneer and leader in the category.

Over the years, Tar & Roses has expanded its portfolio, yet Pinot Grigio remains at the heart of its story. Each vintage reflects the winery’s guiding philosophy: wines that are approachable but layered, contemporary yet rooted in tradition.

As Tar & Roses raises a glass to the past 20 years, it also looks ahead with the same pioneering spirit that first defined its wines. With its defined & distinctive style, Tar & Roses continues to shape the future of Australian Pinot Grigio - one glass at a time.

Distributor: Joval Family Wines

Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards 2025

Australia’s premier retail liquor event returns, uniting leaders to share insights, celebrate excellence and shape tomorrow.

Retail Drinks Australia is eagerly anticipating this year’s Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards – our annual flagship event, which will be held on Tuesday 11 November at Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney in conjunction with our FY25 Annual General Meeting.

Now in its seventh year, the event provides an opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate the successes of people and companies in our industry. To continue to succeed in business, we need the latest information, trends and ideas to help make better decisions. The Summit sees business experts and industry leaders come together to share their knowledge and expertise to reveal insights and strategies so that together we continue to succeed in liquor retailing responsibly and sustainably.

This year’s Summit program features four thought-provoking keynote presentations and one panel discussion that will give you a greater understanding and appreciation of what challenges and opportunities we as an industry face now and in the future. Presenting live and direct from the UK will be Rob Sherwin, the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking’s (IARD)

Director of Policy, who will provide an overview of the global alcohol policy trends and how they inform and shape policies on alcohol availability, pricing, and promotion here in Australia. He will also discuss what industry has achieved to date and the IARD Roadmap to 2030 to inform and shape alcohol policies globally.

Sherwin will then join a panel discussion facilitated by Retail Drinks’ General Manager Policy and Strategy Kary Petersen, along with senior industry leaders to consider these ‘global issues’ as they emerge to become ‘local challenges’ for the Australian liquor industry.

Circana’s Director of Health and Lifestyle, Jarna McLean, will deliver another engaging retail liquor market, category and shopper insights presentation that uniquely blends Circana’s market measurement and shopper insights with broader industry data to better understand what is driving retail liquor performance in 2025 and beyond.

The in-demand Craig Woolford, Senior Consumer Analyst from MST Marquee will then provide his economic insights update, outlining the retail demand backdrop in Australia over the next year, provide

clarity about the underlying influences on spending, as well as step through the way retail businesses are best managing economic and operational challenges.

The Summit will be followed that evening by the Retail Drinks Industry Awards – the peak awards for Australia’s retail liquor industry, where the national winners from the retailer and supplier awards categories will be revealed following the rigorous nomination, mystery shopping, and judging process across store and individual nominees.

The annual Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards would not be possible without the ongoing support from members and our event partners, who represent some of the most recognised and trusted companies and brands in the industry and I take this opportunity to thank them all for their strong support.

The events are open to all in the industry, and new event partners are always welcome. ■

To find out more, or to register, visit

DrinkWise campaigns promote safer, respectful drinking

Two new DrinkWise campaigns guide Australians on alcohol-free pregnancies, moderation, and respectful drinking at major events.

Creating a safer, healthier drinking culture and helping to reduce alcohol-related harm requires education at every life stage –supporting alcohol free pregnancies, helping parents delay underage drinking, guiding young adults with practical messaging and reminding adults to moderate their drinking (if choosing to drink) and showing respect to everyone around them. This spring, two DrinkWise campaigns are doing exactly that.

The first of these campaigns is critically important because it has lifelong implications. The DrinkWise Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Program aims to create greater understanding among Australians that FASD is 100 per cent preventable by not drinking alcohol during their pregnancy journeys. It reinforces the National Health and Medical Council guideline that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol and that for women who are breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is safest for their baby.

Rates of abstinence in pregnancy have improved over the past decade, with 90 per cent of women aged 18–44 now believing no amount of alcohol is okay at any stage of pregnancy (up from 77 per cent in 2018). Ongoing education is critical however, as only 57 per cent of Australian adults recognise that FASD is entirely preventable, which is why DrinkWise works with experts from the medical industry and well-known parents and parents-to-be to help spread this important health message.

Importantly, the campaign is led by trusted voices. Dr Philippa Costley (Royal Women’s Hospital Director of Training for all obstetrics and gynaecology doctors and mum of four

children) provides clear, clinical advice for parents and parents to be. Dr Sarah Jane Springer (a proud Wiradjuri woman, GPobstetrician and mum of a two-year-old) and 13YARN National Manager Aunty Marjorie Anderson ensure the message is delivered in culturally respectful ways to engage Indigenous audiences. Public figures Libby Trickett (seventime Olympic medallist and mother of five) and actor Deborah Mailman lend relatable voices that normalise alcohol free pregnancies and encourage supportive conversations among partners, families and friends.

At the same time, DrinkWise is helping footy fans keep their focus on the play during September’s finals action. For the first time, NRL and AFL coaches united to support the Always respect, always DrinkWise campaign. Ivan Cleary, four-time NRL premiershipwinning coach of the Penrith Panthers, and Sam Mitchell, Hawthorn head coach and four-time AFL premiership player came on board to remind all footy fans who were choosing to drink while watching AFL or NRL finals games to moderate their drinking

and show respect to those around them, whether at home, a pub or at a stadium.

DrinkWise 2025 research showed 54 per cent of AFL fans and 52 per cent of NRL fans intended to drink at their Grand Finals, 80 per cent believe stadiums and clubs should offer zero and low alcohol options and 85 per cent say they don’t feel pressured to drink at major events – highlighting that cultural change amongst fans continues to improve.

Both the FASD and Always resect, always DrinkWise campaigns continue to receive wide-spread media coverage and use innovative social and digital channels to ensure the important messages are seen and heard across the country. Importantly, industry’s support of the Always respect, always DrinkWise campaign has helped amplify that message, with retailers, bottle shops and pubs placing messages in the environments that provide timely reminders for fans.

These two campaigns show how consistent, credible messages delivered in the right settings can encourage and shape safer and healthier behaviours. ■

Formatting the industry

Activate Group showcases rising retail talent, giving young executives a platform to shape industry’s future.

Activate Group Australia has a consistent interest in exposing young talent across the retail industry. By ‘industry’, we mean all sectors: FMCG, pharmacy, liquor, hardware and the more general merchandise stores. There is an expanse of talent that either does not know how to expose itself or is not sought after by employers. Either way, finding this talent is critical to the future format of the industry.

Last July, Activate conducted a round table event where two young executives were given the platform to show the industry where they can excel. Paired with a noted industry leader, Woolworths’ Paul Harker, the two presenters were chosen from the many entries to the 2025 Joe Berry Award. Their topic, retail format changes and advantages.

The key take-out from this event and from these two presenters, Veronica Fong (Ferrero) and Dean Vassiliadis (Woolworths) was not the information that they presented but the quality of their presentations. Their ability to challenge the currency of today’s formats and the confidence that they showed in detailing the future of formats gave their audience a strong and new perspective.

Format is not just the size of the store or the shape of the customer pathways. It is not just the location and the necessity of formats to suit the population density and diversity. Format is the whole consideration of relationship between the store and customer on a personal level. As Fong explained: “Convenience, personalisation, accessibility and value are part of redefining format.”

Vassiliadis considered the format to be: “The trinity of customer experience, customisation, premiumisation and service.”

Both proposed the challenge to retailers was, equally, the opportunity.

To explain the logic of their arguments, each used examples of retailers which have taken the bait and put forward very new ideas for format. Rebel has added areas where sporting equipment can be used, in-store, so that the customer is buying with confidence. The invention of ‘clustering’ where stores display their products in more glamorous layouts that are uber attractive and sales producing.

What was common to both was the need for format to be a close integration with online selling. Where the customer can shop, in either format, and know that they are getting both the same result and same satisfaction from their purchase. This, as a format, leads to real loyalty where the customer will continue to purchase, regardless of the ‘reward’ points that can be gained.

From here, Activate will continue to elevate the platforms where talented people, already within the industry, can present their passions, drive and career dreams through the exposure that treats them with fairness. The next round table, set down for Melbourne, will invite two more talented contributors and allow them to be seen in a format that works for them.

With a bit of luck, presenters from the liquor retailers will be on show.

More information on collaboration in liquor is available through the Activate office. enquiries@activateaus.com.au or 0403 003 809. ■

Tastings:

The difference between being seen and being sold

Liquor tastings drive trial, awareness and sales, turning overlooked products into shopper favourites at critical moments.

Liquor tastings are one of the most powerful promotional strategies available to brands. They give shoppers the chance to discover, trial, and importantly, purchase your product. For new products, the window of opportunity is short. Retailers often allow only a few weeks in a limited number of stores to prove performance before deciding whether to expand distribution. In this context, tastings can be the lever that tips the scales in your favour.

Take vodka, for example. A quick look at Dan Murphy’s website shows more than 400 vodka SKUs on offer. If you’re a new entrant priced at $70 a bottle, your task might be as modest as hitting one to two units per store per week in a handful of outlets. The reality? You’re unlikely to have prime shelf positioning. The big players with high velocity get the front-of-eye spots, while new brands are often buried. Without visibility, the chance of a shopper stumbling upon you is slim. That’s where tastings come in – giving you a chance to intercept, influence and convert shoppers who may never have noticed you on shelf.

Sometimes the most effective tastings don’t even happen inside the store itself. Shopping centres, for example, put you in front of shoppers who already have spending on their minds. We recently ran a pop-up rum tasting bar for a small brand in a major Sydney shopping centre, just 10 metres from a BWS entrance. The result? That store sold 40+ bottles over the weekend, compared to just four in the entire previous month. A 10-fold uplift in sales, achieved simply by getting liquid to lips.

Of course, tastings can look expensive when broken down to a cost per session or per interaction. Tasting events could be north of $300 per activation

– but when you consider that sampling can drive 20–30 per cent immediate sales increases, and that each trial creates potential long-term customers, the value becomes clearer. Unlike digital ads that can compete for attention in crowded feeds, tastings engage shoppers at the critical moment of purchase, when decisions are being made.

It’s also not just about the sale today. A tasting that converts a gin drinker into a vodka trialist can turn into repeat purchases weeks or months later. Equally, a shopper who passes on the day may come back next week specifically looking for your brand because the memory of that trial lingers. In fact, research shows that sampling improves both recall and willingness to pay more for a product – a crucial advantage for premium-priced entrants.

In the end, tastings should not be viewed as a cost line on a spreadsheet, but as an investment in awareness, trial and future sales. For new products, particularly in saturated categories, they are often the single most effective way to move from being just another bottle on the shelf to becoming part of a shopper’s repertoire. ■

About Daniel Cormack

Daniel Cormack is General Manager of Extravert, the shopper engagement arm of Strikeforce. He has led hundreds of campaigns across liquor, FMCG, consumer electronics and retail brands. Extravert creates immersive, insight-led brand experiences that drive conversion, trust and loyalty, backed by Strikeforce’s industry-leading retail marketing and shopper solutions expertise.

“Tastings engage shoppers at the critical moment of purchase, when decisions are being made.”

New Zealand Wine forum embraces change

Christchurch event explored resilience, sustainability and shifting consumer trends shaping New Zealand’s global wine industry.

New Zealand Wine 2025, the annual New Zealand wine industry event designed to connect, learn, and celebrate achievements, was held in Ōtautahi Christchurch this August.

Leader in wine and spirits business strategy, Lulie Halstead, presented ‘The Wine Shift, Turning Change into Opportunity’. As Founder and CEO of Wine Intelligence for 20 years, Halstead has helped reshape how the drinks industry understands and connects with consumers, using data-led insights to drive growth and innovation. Interestingly, in 2021 she established a vineyard in the UK and continues her wine marketing and business strategy thought leadership role in the industry.

Halstead delivered a compelling message of resilience, for the industry to emerge stronger from the challenges it is facing, “taking every climate, market and consumer hit, and still being the bottle consumers reach for first”.

Remaining relevant, in terms of style, price-point, format, and story is now more important than ever to be competitive and to continue to grow “ensuring our wines, branding and experiences match what today and tomorrow’s consumers want”.

As wine professionals we need to be mindful that we are not our consumers, and we need to deliver what will resonate with consumers, not what the winemaking or marketing team wants.

One of the trends Halstead spoke of that we hear less about is the emergence of lo-fi dining. In the USA, 57 per cent of alcohol drinking occasions are now low-tempo, non-food (IWSR 2025). In the UK, 50 per cent of restaurant reservations now occur between noon and 6pm (Zonal & CGA 2025).

We’re seeing a trend of more casual eating and snackification, with snacks or grazing replacing or invading main meals. According to

“Taking every climate, market and consumer hit, and still being the bottle consumers reach for first.”

Circana SnackTrack, 37 per cent of main meals contained a snack item in 2024, up from 29 per cent in 2010.

Dining earlier is also a trend resulting in a moderation of wine consumption. OpenTable reported a significant upturn in 6pm bookings in London, up 11 per cent. Dining as early as 5pm is also up 10 per cent. Another 2024 study showed it was Gen Z who was leading these twilight dinner times. Hospitality tech service Zonal also found that the average dining time is 6:12pm, driven by younger consumers. Data gleaned from Yelp in 2024 also reflected that younger generations across the USA are becoming early bird diners too.

Sustainability is now a condition of entry, not a differentiator with 64 per cent of premium-plus wine drinkers globally valuing sustainable practices (IWSR 2025). David Downs, CEO of New Zealand Story, closed the forum on a high talking about New Zealand’s Sustainable Future.

Almost 90 per cent of New Zealand wine is exported, making it the most exportfocused wine industry globally. Premium pricing is supported by New Zealand’s clean, green brand reputation.

Grove Mill, founded 1988 in Marlborough, recently became the world’s first carbon-neutral winery.

Around 98 per cent of New Zealand’s vineyard-producing area is certified under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) program; over 90 per cent of wine is processed through SWNZ-certified facilities. This year marks 30 years of the SWNZ program. ■

State of the Grapes reveals wine trends

A new report recently released by the Endeavour Group provides a deep dive into the wine category in the domestic offpremise market.

The State of the Grapes report delves into what Australian consumers are buying, how their preferences are evolving, and where the opportunities lie for Australian wine by variety and region. This includes performance by demographic, wine subcategory and growth opportunities by state. The insights are aimed at addressing specific customer needs and capitalising on trends within the wine category.

There are both similarities and differences in the spend on wine by state. Key similarities across states include:

• High affluence is a primary driver when it comes to the spend on wine.

• Older generations over-index in wine.

Baby Boomers and Traditionalists are the highest wine consuming groups, while Gen Z and Millennials significantly underindex in wine consumption.

• Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Prosecco, and rosé have gained share across every state, which highlights the overall trend toward culturally relevant and lighter styles that appeal to the next generation.

The key differences by state include:

• States with high Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), such as New South Wales and Victoria, have inherently higher wine consumption.

• Consumers gravitate towards their local wine industry, creating diverse varietal preferences across the nation.

• While the states over-index with preferences towards local products and wine regions, the degree to which this occurs varies greatly. For example, Tasmanians and Western Australians consume products from their respective states at a significantly higher rate than the national average.

• Consumption patterns are heavily influenced by varying climate and weather conditions. All states exhibit a shift towards red wine in winter, and sparkling wine in summer. However, the baseline differs by state. Warmer states typically underindex in red wine in favour of beer. Despite this, disparities in gender, affluence and local industry can create exceptions. For example, Tasmania is the coldest state but under-indexes in red wine consumption.

The report also provides numerous other insights to consider. For example, in higher

“Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Prosecco, and rosé have gained share across every state.”

socio-economic locations, customers are preferencing rosé over Sauvignon Blanc. This is a newer trend that may indicate that rosé now carries a greater aspirational currency than Sauvignon Blanc to premium wine customers.

Younger generations (18+) prefer lighter tasting varietals such as rosé and sparkling wine over still white wine, with sweeter wines like Moscato, spritzers and flavoured products also preferred among this demographic. In comparison, white wine exceeds red wine as the largest subcategory for older generations. Sauvignon Blanc leads the white wine segment, closely followed by Chardonnay making it the third largest segment in the overall wine category. Shiraz and Shiraz Blends account for almost half of this cohort’s red wine spend, which is much higher than that of younger generations. ■

Major shake-up in Queensland commercial leasing

Queensland’s new Property Law Act reshapes commercial leases, applying retrospectively and increasing tenant protections statewide.

Queensland’s Property Law Act 2023 came into effect on 1 August 2025, bringing with it the most significant reform to commercial leasing in decades. Importantly, these changes do not just affect leases entered into after that date, they apply retrospectively to all commercial leases in Queensland, including those already in place.

This means that every landlord, tenant, and property agent in Queensland must understand how the new rules reshape their rights and obligations under commercial leases. Below, we outline the key reforms and their practical implications.

1. Standard lease provisions now mandatory

The Act introduces a set of non-negotiable lease provisions that will automatically be implied into every commercial lease unless specifically excluded. These include key covenants such as quiet enjoyment, landlord inspection rights, and other fundamental obligations.

For existing leases, this means that even if the original lease documents did not expressly include such provisions, they will now be read into the lease by law. This significantly increases tenant protections.

2. Stricter landlord consent procedures

One of the most practical changes relates to

landlord consent for tenant requests, such as:

• Assignments and subleases,

• Fit-out works or alterations, and

• Changes of use

Landlords will now be bound by a onemonth deadline to respond in writing to such requests. A failure to reply, or a refusal without valid justification, exposes the landlord to legal challenge.

This reform aims to prevent landlords from stalling or exercising ‘absolute discretion,’ which has long been a point of contention in commercial leasing disputes.

3. Automatic release of tenants and guarantors on assignment

Under the old law, outgoing tenants and guarantors often remained liable even after assigning a lease to a new tenant. The new Act states that once a lease is reassigned, the original tenant and any guarantors are automatically released from liability.

For landlords, this change means greater reliance on robust due diligence before approving an assignee, as they will no longer have the safety net of fallback liability from previous tenants.

4. Clearer rules on lease termination and options

Termination rights and option renewals are now subject to stricter statutory

procedures. Landlords seeking to terminate a lease must issue a Form Seven breach notice within the required timeframe, giving the tenant a proper opportunity to rectify the breach.

Tenants (and in some cases, related third parties) now have a statutory right to apply to the court for relief against termination within one month of receiving such a notice.

This means landlords will need to carefully follow the new process to avoid unenforceable terminations and unnecessary disputes.

5. Wider context across Australia

While Queensland’s reforms are among the most sweeping, other states are also reviewing their commercial leasing frameworks. Other jurisdictions, such as NSW and Victoria, are also moving towards greater tenant protections and transparency in leasing practices.

While these reforms provide some protections, it is strongly advisable to obtain legal advice from a lawyer who specialises in commercial leases. Leases often contain hidden costs and unreasonable obligations that can place a heavy burden on tenants if left unaddressed. Careful legal review and negotiation at the outset can help ensure a fairer and more balanced agreement. ■

Filling the gaps

Eliminating skill gaps requires clear standards, training, and accountability to maintain staff performance and business success.

I was reminded just the other day about a topic I’d covered in a recent management development program with a client, that of eliminating skill gaps in a business. We had looked closely at causes and subsequent issues surrounding the ever-present problem of skill gaps among staff teams and had gone some way to developing some workable solutions.

For the stores in question, one with a relatively rapid staff turnover and the other with a more stable, yet plateaued team, the range in staff skill levels was sufficiently pronounced as to be causing higher performers to say; “Why do I bother!” And, of course, once you have this situation in play, where better performing staff lower their levels to that of other staff who are new or ‘tired’, you and your business are in a downward spiral of lowering standards. Will customers notice? Yes, they will and, in these days of decreasing loyalty and more choice for liquor customers, it’s a definite hit to bottom line and business viability.

At a recent industry conference, I put this phrase up on the screen to prompt conference delegates to look at the cause and effect of lowered staff performance: ‘Nothing will kill a great employee faster than watching you tolerate a bad one.’

So, in speaking of cause and effect, we’ve looked at effect so let’s focus on the cause. Why do we tolerate below standard or ‘bad’ performance? Well, there’s myriad reasons, not the least being we don’t even realise due to our own lack of awareness, our inability to measure or recognise poor performance or because we’re so damn busy doing not only our own work but also theirs, simply to cover the gaps. Now, there’s a nasty downward spiral.

Why else might we ‘accept’ lower standards of performance? Now, this could apply to pulling stock forward in displays, ticketing, staff selling skills or bringing in a delivery of course; any daily function in a liquor business. Having already considered the ‘didn’t know’, let’s now look at the ‘don’t know what to do’ and the ‘don’t care’.

If we don’t know what to do, at least it means we’re aware of the issue in the first place. However, it’s rather like a mechanic who can tell you what’s wrong with your vehicle but doesn’t know how to fix it. Establishing set procedures, training on (and then enforcing) the set standards and measuring staff performance are critical to the next step; letting staff know they’re underperforming.

Performance appraisal using set standards allows managers to re-establish those standards in a professional manner. What about allowing staff to rate themselves in key areas after you have done the same and look at the difference? If staff don’t know they’re underperforming, that’s a management issue. The biggest causes of underperforming staff are no standards, no training and no enforcement, three equal pillars to ensure performance and eliminate skill gaps. And, so obviously, the ‘don’t care’ shows a severely limited understanding of performance drivers and will almost guarantee poor results.

Finally, let’s look at the effect of churn or turnover of staff, both of which create skill gaps as I alluded to earlier in the piece. High churn leads to junior staff with low skill levels, which contrast with more senior staff with higher established skills. Counter-intuitively, low churn has the same result due to some employees getting stale and losing any drive for improvement they might have once had. ■

“Nothing will kill a great employee faster than watching you tolerate a bad one.”

Peter Hall Industry Consultant

Why speed is not enough: Rules of liquor innovation

Liquor innovation demands more than speed – brands must combine precision, insight and occasion-driven strategies to succeed.

Innovation has always been a growth engine in the liquor industry. But today, with consumer behaviour fragmenting and evolving faster than ever, innovation is no longer just a driver, it is a strategic imperative.

What has changed is not simply that consumers are shifting, but the speed, complexity, and inconsistency of those shifts. Add to that an abundance of data and new testing tools, and the playing field looks vastly different. Brands that can interpret these signals and act with precision are outpacing slower competitors.

But speed alone is not enough. To win in this environment, brands must play by a new set of innovation rules.

The new rules of liquor innovation:

1. Speed must be matched with precision. The ability to move fast is only valuable when it is directed at the right opportunities. Otherwise, you risk launching into white space that disappears on contact.

2. Separate signal from noise.

The competitive edge lies in distinguishing long-term

shifts from short-term hype. This is where AI and agile testing tools play a critical role in helping brands test widely, learn cheaply, and scale wisely.

3. Design for occasions, not just flavours. Innovation must be aligned with emerging consumption moments. It is not just what people drink, but when, why, and where they drink it.

4. Fail quietly, win loudly.

Real-world launch missteps can be expensive and damage brand equity. Today, the ability to fail fast in a low-risk environment and course-correct quickly is essential.

5. Data is only useful when it is activated. In a market overflowing with insights, success hinges on converting data into decisions, grounded in consumer goals and commercial reality.

Case in point: RTDs lead the innovation charge

Nowhere are these rules more visible than in the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) category. According to NIQ

“Speed alone is not enough. To win in this environment, brands must play by new rules.”

data, four per cent of total liquor value sales over the past two years came from new products. But within RTDs, that figure triples to 13 per cent, making it the most innovation-driven segment. Even more telling: the top 10 new RTDs accounted for 81 per cent of all innovation sales in the category. Innovation does not just drive sales, it concentrates them. A few wellexecuted launches can shift category dynamics and drive outsized impact. This reinforces a simple truth: not all innovation is equal. Winning brands are not just fast, they’re focused, insight-led, and operationally prepared to scale what works.

The evolution of drinking moments

It is not enough to launch another SKU or seasonal flavour. Innovation must be tied to the moments consumers are seeking to elevate or create. Harvard Business School’s Jobs to Be Done theory provides a useful lens: consumers ‘hire’ products to help them make progress in specific life situations. NIQ’s OnPremise User Study (OPUS) shows a shift in these moments with special occasions like live sports, music events, and celebrations have grown from 33 per cent to 38 per cent year-on-year, while food and drink-led occasions have declined.

These experiential occasions are especially important to Gen Z and Millennials, who now account for over 80 per cent of them. Importantly, younger drinkers are also more likely to explore different drinks on-premise versus what they consume at home, positioning bars and restaurants as critical innovation theatres.

Moderation is no longer a niche –it’s an identity

The moderation movement continues to reshape category dynamics. Across APAC, 30 per cent of consumers report drinking less than a year ago, with even higher numbers in Australia (34 per cent) and New Zealand (38 per cent). While financial pressures play a part, the dominant driver is health and wellness cited by 41 per cent of consumers. But this is not about abstinence, it is about aspirational moderation.

Brands like Heaps Normal are showing what modern moderation looks like: not just offering a non-alcoholic product but building a culture and identity around it. Their partnership with Robbie

Williams, both investor and creative collaborator, demonstrates how moderation can be positioned as bold, creative, and culturally relevant.

A third of consumers in the region have already tried a no- or low-alcohol option at a venue, and this is quickly expanding beyond beer into wine and spirits. For brands, this opens a new frontier. How do you create premium, distinctive, and socially resonant experiences with reduced or even no-alcohol?

The bar as brand accelerator

Innovation in liquor is uniquely shaped by the onpremise environment. CGA by NIQ reveals that 57 per cent of consumers enjoy engaging with venue staff when ordering drinks, and 43 per cent actively seek recommendations. With three-in-four patrons expecting knowledgeable service, and 75 per cent of bartenders recommending drinks every shift, the bar is more than a point of sale, it is a live stage for discovery and adoption. For liquor brands, this is a critical advantage not available in most other FMCG categories.

The path forward: Smaller bets, smarter plays

In a market defined by abundance, availability is not enough. To win, brands must innovate with intentionality, rooted in data, focused on emerging occasions, and supported by test-and-learn agility. The most successful players are not flooding shelves with options. They are placing fewer, well-informed bets, guided by signals, designed for relevance, and validated before they scale. Because in liquor today, innovation is not just about what is in the glass, can, keg or barrel. It is about understanding the why behind consumption, and ensuring your brand has the right to win in the moments that matter. ■

Sources: NIQ and CGA by NIQ.

“Innovation

does not just drive sales, it concentrates them.”

Changing Rank

BrightSide announces recent placements

BrightSide Executive Search is the only dedicated drinks recruitment specialist nationally and has been a trusted advisor to the industry for well over a decade. Through accessing its wide-reaching network of potential candidates, BrightSide takes the hassle out of recruitment for drinks businesses, advising how they can stay nimble and competitive in a tight market to attract the absolute right person for each role. The latest BrightSide success stories below show the strong abilities of the recruitment agency in partnership with drinks businesses of all sizes, country-wide.

Never Never Distilling is thrilled to have the energy and experience Cameron Devadason brings to the Sydney team as its new BDM.

We Are Tailored is loving the enthusiasm Hannah Metzler-Zampelis brings to the VIC team as Sales Administration Coordinator.

Jessica Cross brings strong marketing experience in drinks and FMCG to her new role as Brand Manager RTDs and Beer with Casella Family Wines.

CellarHand welcomes Mark Ashe to the team, with his extensive drinks experience across wine and spirits as Account Manager NSW.

Burch Family Wines welcomes Georgia Konstantopoulos with her extensive marketing expertise and wine knowledge as Marketing Manager.

Alexandra Gamet brings a wealth of wine knowledge and experience to her new role as Cellar Door Wine Specialist with Marnong Estate.

Natalie Jenkin has hit the ground running with her sound sales and marketing experience as Trade Activation Manager with Coopers.

Sarah Presnell is thriving in her new marketing role at Thirsty Camel, her well-rounded drinks experience is pivotal to the whole team.

The category that won’t stand still

With flavour, format and functionality driving innovation, the RTD category is primed for another successful summer, writes Molly Nicholas.

Moving beyond a convenience-led format and becoming a major growth driver for the liquor industry, RTDs have evolved into one of the most dynamic sectors in the market. A combination of sustained innovation, shifting consumer priorities and cultural relevance has not only seen RTD mature into a fast-moving category, but keep the momentum year after year.

Australia has firmly established itself as a bold contender in the global RTD market, where consumer appetite for flavour-forward expressions, wellness-oriented beverages and a vast spectrum of ABVs has fuelled significant growth.

Lion Australia’s Brand Director RTD, Albertus Lombard, told National Liquor News: “Australia is the third largest RTD market in the world behind the US and Japan, and has one of the highest per capita consumption rates. Australia is outperforming other mature markets, particularly in light RTD.”

Against this backdrop, Lion is one of many RTD producers with an innovation pipeline planned for the fastapproaching summer.

The art of RTD

Growth of the RTD category, at least in its early days, was spearheaded by Gen Z and Millennial consumers, and as a result, flavour has been a key driver of the category’s evolution.

In 2024, lemon accounted for more than eight per cent of new RTD launches, with Australia representing one of the strongest markets globally for this flavour. Meanwhile, pineapple became the most popular new product flavour in the US in 2024, accounting for six per cent of new product launches and indicating a potential new growth area for Australia.

With citrus flavours continuing to dominate the category, FELLR’s Co-founder and Director Will Morgan expects to see considerable investment in this space. He says consumers are dialling into fullflavour, all-natural products, and that’s exactly where the brand is investing, particularly with its Pink Lemonade – a nostalgic, alcoholic riff on lemon squash with the addition of real raspberry juice.

“At FELLR we did our own customer research on what consumers really wanted to see in their RTD drinks, and what key attributes would upsell a consumer from the competition if our product was priced $1 above. The interesting point that came through from our Gen Z and Millennial drinkers was the presence of real fruit juice in drinks outperforming all metrics, including high ABV.

“We’re experimenting with real fruit juice in our Ginger Beer, Lemon Squash – which won the World’s Best gong at the World Premix Awards, and also in our new nationally distributed Pink Lemonade, moving FELLR away from our zero-sugar origins,” Morgan stated.

“The big wins for retailers this summer will come from range architecture, seasonal limited-editions, and cross-merchandising that links RTDs to the occasion.”

Muir Leggett

A spirited serve

While flavour has been hugely influential over the years, today’s consumers are also increasingly discerning about the base of their RTDs. According to IWSR data, hard seltzers made up one-in-three new RTD launches in 2021, but that figure dropped to one-in-nine in 2024, as consumer interest in spirit-based RTDs piqued.

Susie Goldspink, Senior Insights Manager – RTDs and No/Low Alcohol at IWSR, says: “Traditionally malt-based categories, such as hard seltzers and hard teas, are undergoing a switch to spirit-based products, premiumising the offering as consumers become more aware of base and the quality associated with spirits.”

In the Australian market, there has been a clear shift towards spirit-based RTDs, and at the forefront of that growth is vodka, which, according to IWSR data, was the most popular RTD base globally in 2023.

Muir Leggett, General Manager Oceania for CoLab Group –which will soon launch an AU Vodka RTD, says: “We’ve moved well beyond the dark-spirit premix era into a more dynamic space driven by premiumisation, lighter refreshment-led formats, and constant flavour innovation.

“Vodka remains the global leader in RTD bases, offering versatility for both value and premium segments. There’s opportunity to build ranges around two clear pillars: everyday flavoured vodka RTDs in accessible formats, and elevated vodka cocktails with credible brand stories, distinctive botanicals or leaning into craft credentials.”

The vodka-based RTD market segment has also proven attractive to Edgemill Beverages, which will roll out a range of three Arktika Vodka RTDs in time for summer, in Raspberry, Lemonade and Lemon & Lime flavours.

Alex Stavrakoulis, CEO of Edgemill Beverages, explains: “Australia has always led the world in RTD development largely through brown spirit and cola offerings. More recently, we’ve seen explosive growth in other spirit-based alternatives creating a really vibrant segment of the category that we have today. This said, we noticed a lack of Australian offerings. We saw an

opportunity to give consumers what they want with popular flavours in an RTD format but made in Australia from an award-winning Australian trademark in Arktika.

“Retailers we’ve spoken to say, ‘made in Australia’ has a two-way benefit,” he explains. “Firstly, consumers are increasingly looking for Aussie brands and secondly, being made locally helps with continuous supply – there’s nothing worse for a retailer than hearing ‘we’re having supply issues’ and stock is on a ship somewhere in the Pacific.”

The better-for-you boom

While increasing investment in light RTD has taken share from more traditional dark spirit RTDs, they still represent a large value pool for retailers. According to Stefanie Collins, Brand Manager for Brown-Forman’s Jack Daniel’s RTD portfolio, dark RTD represents 64 per cent of sales and more than twice the frequency of purchase, per shopper per year.

“This means that dark RTD is highly valuable to retailers, with shoppers in this segment spending more than twice that of light RTD shoppers over the year,” Collins explains.

“Dark RTDs are generally a planned purchase, particularly when we look at 10-packs, which are a key growth-driving SKU. Retailers can continue to influence their dark spirit shoppers, utilising digital avenues and catalogue placements to bring them into store.”

Interestingly, Collins sees increasing demand for better-for-you beverages as one of the key growth drivers for dark RTD, exemplified by the increasing availability of zero-sugar SKUs.

“This is a high growth area for Jack Daniel’s, and we are seeing more and more consumers varying their purchases depending on the occasion they are buying for,” she explains.

“My number one piece of advice would be to back the winners by rationalising duplication and focus on what’s really moving.”

Wade Tiller

“People are cross-shopping between full sugar and no sugar within their preferred brands, so it is really important that retailers are stocking both options across the range. Jack Daniel’s consumers, and Bourbon drinkers more widely, are incredibly brand loyal – they will simply go to a different store rather than compromise on their preferred brand.

“We have no sugar options across all of our SKUs, including our high ABV range – Double Jack (6.9 per cent ABV) to American Serve (10 per cent ABV) – for this reason. The crossover in the Venn diagram of full sugar and no sugar shoppers is significant, and we want to work with our retailers to help them leverage that into sales,” Collins continued.

It’s a trend that’s reshaping the RTD category on a much broader scale too, with Hard FIZZ CEO Wade Tiller also attributing demand for lighter, soda-forward RTDs to health-conscious consumers.

“The soda-forward RTD – call it seltzer or vodka soda plus flavour – still has a place, particularly with female consumers looking for ultra-low calorie, no-sugar options without the artificial sweetness of some zero-sugar products,” he explains.

The RTD category continues to evolve at a rapid rate as consumers embrace a moderation mindset, and this shift is driving growth in lower-alcohol, zero-sugar and lighter-calorie offerings that balance flavour and wellness cues. It’s a philosophy that Cute Drinks Founder

Premium positioning

IWSR data has found that consumers are using RTDs as an entry point to spirits – allowing them to enjoy premium spirits for a fraction of the bottle price.

While this information can be leveraged to recruit new consumers, it is also illustrative of the way consumers are shopping – they’re looking beyond flavour, and they’re willing to pay more from premium brands across the board.

“Premium brands and liquids bring trust, quality and positive experiences,” says Lombard. “You can have the best brand with low quality liquids that will encourage trial but not lead to repeat, conversely you can have the best tasting liquids with an unknown brand that will be a barrier to trial.”

And although consumers are willing to trade up, they are still budget conscious, says Bottomley.

“I think price pressures will remain for a while and being able to deliver the magic formula of delivering on value perception, premium positioning and a quality product will continue to be a challenge for brands, but those that do it well will succeed.”

“Australia has always led the world in RTD development largely through brown spirit and cola offerings. More recently, we’ve seen explosive growth in other spirit-based alternatives creating a really vibrant segment of the category that we have today.”

Alex Stavrakoulis

Yvette Symon has taken one step further with the launch of non-alcoholic ingestible beauty drink Pretty Hot Margarita.

“This drink is a game changer and will shake up the non-alc functional space within the beverage industry and will redefine beauty routines by nourishing the body from within,” says Symon.

Packed with collagen peptides, oral hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamins, the beverage is designed to enhance radiant skin and overall wellness, and it’s just one example of RTD innovation defined by the health and wellness trend.

Rethinking RTDs

Although the RTD category has been riding strong growth for several years, innovation remains a constant, with new product development continuing to push the boundaries of flavour, format and functionality.

RTD innovation shows no signs of slowing down, and Tony Lau, Sales and Marketing Director for Brewguru Australia, says the Australian market is primed for the next wave of disruption.

“We’ve seen huge growth in recent years, but much of the category still sits in what we call ‘RTD 1.0’, simple spirit-plus-mixer formats. The next big opportunity lies in moving the market into ‘RTD 2.0’, where product innovation, elevated quality, and immersive brand experiences work together to create something truly memorable,” says Lau.

In the APAC markets that Brewguru already operates, Lau has seen the category adopt world-first innovations with fresh cultural influence – creating trade-up

“People are cross-shopping between full sugar and no sugar within their preferred brands, so it is really important that retailers are stocking both options across the range.”

ABV drives choice

The spectrum of ABVs in RTD shows that consumers are tailoring their choices to occasion and preference – lowerABV options appeal to those seeking sessionable, lighter experiences, while higher-ABV offerings attract shoppers looking for a bolder, more spirit-forward flavour profile.

“Consumers are looking for an almost bespoke ratio of spirit to mixer in their RTD purchases, because everyone has a preferred ratio when they are making a Jack and Coke at home,” says Collins.

“Research shows us that the average high and ultra-high ABV shopper is not looking for rapid consumption, these shoppers want less mixer because they enjoy the taste of Jack Daniel’s and don’t want to hide it away.”

potential and driving category growth. He says Australian consumers are adventurous, and they’re looking for a genuine point of difference – this is where Brewguru’s latest innovation RYSE comes into play. The brand has taken its Fresh Lemon Slice Highball, Korea’s number one selling premix, and remixed it for Australia. Made with premium vodka and sparkling soda, when you open a can of RYSE a slice of real lemon rises to the top.

“We’re not just creating a drink, we’re creating talkability, theatre, and a reason for consumers to choose RTDs over other alcohol categories. The appetite for fresh ideas is there, the winners will be the brands brave enough to deliver them,” he stated.

There’s no doubt that RTD is an incredibly dynamic category. Although the overall pace of innovation has slowed – having peaked in 2021 – new products are still flooding the market and innovation continues to be an important category driver, says Lombard.

“We still see more than 2000 innovations launched each year with 56 per cent of light RTD sales coming from brands that didn’t exist before July 2020 in Australia,” he explains.

However, Lombard also illustrates a fine balance between fresh avenues for growth and consumer fatigue, explaining that when it’s not carefully considered, innovation can lead to oversaturation and consumers will begin to drop out.

“This is where strong consumer-centric category segmentation and planning is important, to help shoppers navigate the shelf. Portfolio management is key for brands and retailers alike – we need to help consumers make the best choice for them. Tap into the unmet consumer need that will drive incremental revenue and communicate that in a clear and simple way,” he stated.

As the category becomes less reliant on an influx of new product launches, Alex Bottomley, Marketing Manager – RTD/Spirits at Casella Family Brands, expects to see product rationalisation, which encourages suppliers to evaluate their NPD strategies.

“Given the proliferation that occurred during [the peak] it is to be expected that there is a consolidation that follows. I think innovation is still integral and will continue to be a catalyst for brands to stand out. RTD drinkers are not that loyal and willing to jump between brands to try new things, and it’s up to brands to continue to bring excitement to the category.”

Shaping the summer shelf

As we prepare for another summer of RTDs, Leggett expects citrus, tropical and berry-led flavours to grow hand-in-hand with lowcalorie and mid-strength options as the moderation mindset prevails.

“The big wins for retailers this summer will come from range

architecture, seasonal limited-editions, and cross-merchandising that links RTDs to the occasion,” he added.

“Cans remain king for convenience and portability, with sleek single-serves and compact multipacks perfect for BBQs, festivals and beach days. Premium cocktail RTDs – from Espresso Martinis to Margaritas and aperitivo spritzes – will be in high demand.

“Keep a pulse on social and on-premise trends and be ready to rotate in limited flavour drops to create buzz. In a crowded summer drinks market, the right RTD mix can be both a traffic driver and a high-margin performer,” Leggett continued.

As retailers gear up for the summer surge, curating the right RTD mix isn’t just about formats and occasions – consumers are increasingly attentive to quality and value. They are willing to trade up, but the challenge for retailers is deciding which products can justify their shelf space in such a competitive market.

“The opportunity is to premiumise while staying relevant on price,” says Tiller. “Consumers are looking for clean labels, real juice, and a balance between refreshment and flavour – whether that’s soda-forward RTDs or fuller flavoured vodka and tequila plays.

“The challenge is retail shelf space. Range consolidation is real, and retailers are more ruthless than ever. If a product doesn’t perform, it won’t last.

“We still see more than 2000 innovations launched each year with 56 per cent of light RTD sales coming from brands that didn’t exist before July 2020 in Australia.”

“My number one piece of advice would be to back the winners by rationalising duplication and focus on what’s really moving. I also think it’s important to keep discovery alive, so maintain a small section for new and different brands keeps shoppers engaged,” Tiller added.

While the momentum behind the RTD category demands sharper execution than ever before, Morgan agrees that bottle shop shelves need to tap into energy, excitement, and consumer relevance.

“We’re starting to see the big brands have too many flavour options on shelf, which is diluting their own performance and also gets a little boring. Having a great variety of brands and flavours that tap into the trends of the time, and give some local flavour too, is really important. There’s a lot of great Aussie local products offering fantastic RTD options,” he stated.

“At the end of the day, RTDs are a momentum category, so stock brands that create energy both in culture and in-store, and you’ll get more out of every square metre of shelf,” Tiller concluded. ■

Jose Cuervo expands RTD range with new LIMONADA

As the first licenced tequila distillery, Jose Cuervo has been at the forefront of tequila for more than 250 years. Continuing this theme, Jose Cuervo is once again at the fore, tapping into the everexpanding citrus flavour category with the launch of the new Jose Cuervo LIMONADA.

Bringing together the vibrancy of Jose Cuervo Blanco with the crispness of citrus, Jose Cuervo LIMONADA is a light and refreshing serve mixed with lemon soda. Full of flavour, the new RTD tastes of zesty lemon balanced perfectly with a crisp and dry finish.

The launch captures the flavour of summer and delivers a drink that is absolutely perfect for sharing with friends on long lazy summer afternoons, weekend parties or as a mid-week treat at home.

Packaged at five per cent ABV in convenient 330ml cans, each serve of Jose Cuervo LIMONADA contains just 110 calories, with no artificial colours or flavours. Jose Cuervo LIMONADA is now available nationwide in single cans and four-packs.

Distributor: Proximo Spirits

Hard FIZZ moves into vodka RTD space

Hard FIZZ is now in the spirit... of vodka! Five years after releasing its boom seltzer RTDs to market, the brand is tapping into the distilled category, debuting two new flavours, Lemonade and Pineapple, with early adopters already seeing fast shelf movement, even before summer hits.

The range is low in sugar, with just 29 calories per 100 millilitres, and made with real fruit juice, catering for a growing consumer demand for taste. The vodka play by Hard FIZZ follows some eyebrow-raising Circana research, which found vodka consumption in Australia was up 12.7 per cent in the 12 months to last December.

“It’s a bit of a catch cry for us: ‘sweeter on the lips, light on the rig’ but it’s what people want,” Hard FIZZ CEO Wade Tiller says. “We’re just responding to that demand for fun, tasty drinks without any of the nasty stuff. Almost half of all vodkas sold lately are in that better-foryou class and I fully expect that to keep increasing.”

The new Hard FIZZ vodka range is available nationally throughout more than 2000 bottle shops and venues including in Cellarbrations and Liquor Legends.

Distributor: Hard FIZZ

Break the ice this summer with Arktika

The secret’s out – and soon to be filling Eskies across Australia. Multi-awardwinning Arktika Vodka has launched three refreshing RTDs in Raspberry, Lemon & Lime, and Lemonade, just in time for summer.

Alex Stavrakoulis, the Big Dog at Edgemill Beverages, says: “No weird science, no gimmicks – just flavours people actually love and ask for. Imagine that.”

The launch is backed by a red hot trade incentive and a major social media campaign, driving consumer awareness and demand. With local production and proven supply, retailers can feel confident in stocking a brand that delivers both pull-through and margin. Arktika’s RTDs are built for summer, built for volume, and built for repeat purchase.

No fluff. Just flavour.

Distributor: Edgemill Beverages

Jack Daniel’s RTD range offers something for every occasion

Jack Daniel’s, one of the world’s most recognisable whiskey trademarks, remains a trusted performer within the RTD category, with a portfolio that caters to a broad range of shopper occasions and preferences.

The line-up includes the classic Jack & Cola 4.8 per cent, the higher-ABV Double Jack 6.9 per cent, and the whiskey-forward American Serve 10 per cent, giving retailers a tiered range that trades shoppers up across formats. All core variants are also available in the No Sugar format, delivering the same Jack Daniel’s credentials while aligning with one of the fastest-growing segments in premix.

Ongoing high growth in both no sugar and high ABV demonstrates how Jack Daniel’s RTDs are meeting the evolving needs of shoppers, with strong demand across multiple SKUs. The portfolio line-up ensures the range continues to act as a key traffic driver and value contributor within the premix category.

For retailers, ranging Jack Daniel’s RTDs means tapping into the strength of an iconic trademark that consistently leads in awareness, trial and repeat purchase, backed by more than 160 years of heritage and craft.

It’s not Scotch. It’s not Bourbon. It’s Jack.

Distributor: Brown-Forman

RYSE: The next wave of true RTD innovation

Australia’s RTD category is set for true disruption with the arrival of RYSE – a game-changing launch from Brewguru, South Korea’s number one RTD producer.

Unlike anything else on the market, RYSE brings the world’s first RTD 2.0 experience: premium RTDs infused with real fresh fruit slices that rise to the top with every can opening, delivering both theatre and taste in one unforgettable serve.

Built bottom-up for the Australian consumer through extensive research and design, RYSE combines local insight with Brewguru’s proven track record of success across Asia. In Korea alone, the portfolio has already sold more than 60 million cans since April 2024, while markets such as China, Taiwan and Hong Kong have embraced its premium, occasion-driven appeal and seen the products fly off the shelves.

RYSE is more than a drink – it’s a story of innovation, cultural crossover and category excitement, designed to capture the curiosity of consumers who are seeking something fresh, modern, sophisticated and premium. RYSE is poised to be the must-stock disruptor of summer 2025. Now is the time for retailers to rise with RYSE.

Distributor: Brewguru

White Claw rolls out trio of Vodka Smash flavours

This summer, White Claw Vodka Smash will hit Australian shores with a trio of flavours designed for local tastebuds and sunsoaked moments.

Each can combines White Claw’s Triple Wave Filtered Vodka with real fruit juice, delivering a crisp, smooth, and fruit-forward refreshment that’s perfect for the Aussie vibe.

The launch line-up includes Strawberry Guava, where a juicy rush of strawberry meets the exotic, sweet complexity of guava; Passionfruit Mango, bursting with tangy tropical sweetness and a sunny zing; and Pineapple Lime, where sharp citrus lime cuts through pineapple for a vibrant taste of summer.

Building on the international success of White Claw’s seltzer range, these are the drinks consumers will be reaching for at every barbecue, beach day, or backyard hangout. Rolling out across Australia with energy and flair, Vodka Smash is bright, bold, and crafted for summer.

Distributor: Mark Anthony Brands

Barry expands range with Cherry Vanilla Cola

Barry, the low-carb alcoholic beverage brand co-founded by AFL stars Bailey Smith, Charlie Curnow, and brothers Nick and Josh Daicos, has unveiled its latest release: Cherry Vanilla Cola, a whisky-based RTD.

Timed with the AFL finals, the launch is supported by a tonguein-cheek TV ad parodying the infamous 2001 ‘Five Cougars, Thanks’ campaign. This time, Smith steps into the bartender role, with Curnow reprising the confused patron. The ad embraces humour and nostalgia, aligning with Barry’s brand ethos.

Smith said: “The campaign encapsulates what the Barry brand is all about – being fun, in the moment and a bit provocative – and it connects with our target audience through humour and cultural nostalgia.”

Cherry Vanilla Cola marks Barry’s debut in the dark spirit RTD space, sitting alongside its vodka- and agave-based sodas. At five per cent ABV, the 330ml cans are low-sugar, low-carb, and low-calorie, available in single cans, four-packs, and cartons of 16.

Distributor: Altus Brands

Easy expands RTD portfolio with Vodka Iced Tea range

Better-for-you RTD brand Easy has added a new line to its portfolio, Easy Vodka Iced Tea, a fizz-free alternative for consumers seeking flavourful, low sugar beverages.

Made with real brewed tea, Easy Vodka Iced Tea is available in juicy Peach and zesty Lemon. Each 375ml can offers a balanced mix of vodka and bold iced tea.

Dan Clarke, Easy Seltzer Director, says the product takes inspiration from the American market, where alcoholic iced tea is already trending.

“The better-for-you category is what every product in the Easy portfolio stands for. Just like our Seltzer range, this product matches the no sugar, no carbs, gluten free, and is naturally flavoured and made with real black tea. This is what the consumer is after, and the no carbonation removes that bloating feeling making it a very sessionable product.

“With the expected national launch with ALM/Paramount at the start of November, we recommend venues reach out with an expression of interest as this will become the product of summer.”

Distributor: Contact dan@easyseltzer.com.au

Barcardí Rum and Coca-Cola unite in RTD first

Two global icons have joined forces in Australia, with Barcardí Rum mixed with Coca-Cola and Barcardí Spiced Rum mixed with Coca-Cola in ready-to-drink (RTD) format.

The collaboration brings together the light, smooth taste of Barcardí Rum and the refreshing taste of Coca-Cola in a convenient 330ml can (4.8 per cent ABV). It also marks a milestone: the first time Coca-Cola has appeared in an alcoholic RTD in the Australian market.

Matthias Blume, Vice President ARTD, Coca-Cola Australia, said: “Our collaboration with Barcardí, synonymous with great taste and good times, allows us to bring people together in a truly exciting new way.”

Luiz Schmidt, Managing Director, Bacardi-Martini Australia, added: “Together we create more than just a drink, we create an experience that people around the world have enjoyed for generations – and now they can have that same experience with the quality and convenience of an RTD.”

Distributor: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

FELLR shakes up RTDs with Pink Lemonade

Premium independent RTD brand FELLR has unveiled its latest release, Pink Lemonade – a nostalgic yet modern serve crafted with real raspberry and lemon juice.

With just four grams of sugar and 94 calories per can, Pink Lemonade delivers a light, sessionable option that’s full flavoured without being overly sweet. The new flavour brings a refreshing punch of citrus and berry to FELLR’s line-up, designed for beach days, rooftop hangs, and long afternoons in the sun.

FELLR Co-founder Will Morgan said: “We’ve always focused on making drinks that are full of flavour without the sugar spike. With real fruit juice and fewer calories, Pink Lemonade is a crowd-pleaser that actually tastes like the flavour on the can.”

Co-founder Andy Skora added: “We’re seeing a shift away from overly sweet RTDs. With Pink Lemonade, we’ve delivered something juicy and refreshing, without being sickly – it’s crisp, clean and perfect for all-day drinking.”

Pink Lemonade is available nationwide with an RRP of $22 per four-pack (330ml, four per cent ABV).

Distributor: Direct

Suntory expands -196 double lemon range

Suntory Global Spirits has announced the expansion of its Suntory -196 RTD line-up in Australia with the introduction of two new ABV formats – a 4.5 per cent and a nine per cent can.

Building on the successful legacy of the product in Japan, the new variations are designed to cater to a variety of consumer preferences and occasions.

Now available nationwide, -196 delivers an “unexpectedly bold, whole-fruit flavour” from Suntory’s proprietary freeze crush infusion (FCI) technology.

Johnny Morgan, Senior Marketing Director at Suntory Global Spirits, says: “The RTD category continues to evolve in Australia, and our incredible -196 brand helps us meet the ongoing demand for high quality, full flavour experiences in the category. This is a distinct product because of the Japanese ingenuity behind it, and we continue to be excited by consumers’ response to our new innovations from the brand.”

Distributor: Suntory Oceania

Hard Rated turns up the zest with Alcoholic Orange

Australia’s number one white spirit premix brand has added a bold new flavour to its lineup – Hard Rated Alcoholic Orange 4.5 per cent.

The latest release delivers a low-fizz, sweet and tangy orange hit with no artificial colours or flavours, available now in 375ml cans (four-, 10-, 24- and 30-packs).

Asahi Beverages’ Head of RTDs and Cider, Sarah Wilcox, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to launch Hard Rated Orange, as we know consumers have been crying out for a great tasting orange-flavoured alcoholic drink.”

Launched in 2023, Hard Rated quickly hit the top spot for white spirit premix in Australia and has held it ever since. The new flavour aims to keep that momentum going, tapping into the growing demand for RTDs year on year.

Distributor: Asahi Beverages

Summer’s freshest pours

Stock up this summer with fresh beer launches designed to drive sales and capture seasonal demand.

Great Northern Ginger Beer updates can format

Great Northern Ginger Beer, originally launched in 2023, has refreshed its packaging with an adjusted can size and ABV to better align with consumer preferences in the competitive ginger beer category.

From September 2025, cans will reduce from 375ml to 330ml, and alcohol content has dropped from four per cent to 3.5 per cent, bringing the RRP for a six-pack down from $33 to $28. The redesign also features the brand’s signature ginger orange colour more prominently, with a white marlin replacing the previous orange version.

Marketing Manager Zac Gelman said: “These changes bring Great Northern Ginger Beer more in line with other offerings in the competitive ginger beer category. We know drinkers of alcohol ginger beer are looking for more options to moderate. This gives them that opportunity while retaining Great Northern Ginger Beer’s refreshing crispness and delicious taste, with the distinct note of Queensland ginger.”

The updates apply only to Great Northern Ginger Beer; other beers in the range remain unchanged.

Distributor: Asahi Beverages

Stone & Wood refreshes summer with Citrus Radler

Bringing together the best of beer and spritz-style refreshment, Stone & Wood Citrus Radler is set to refresh the beer category this summer. Crisp and lightly sparkling, the beer is cut with citrus and designed for easy drinking across long afternoons and outdoor occasions.

Though the Radler tradition began in the Alps, when cyclists quenched their thirst with beer mixed with citrus on hot summer days, Stone & Wood is using it to bridge the gap between beer, RTD and seltzer for a new generation of drinkers.

Brewed with pale regen malts, Galaxy hops, malted wheat and rolled wheat, Stone & Wood Citrus Radler pours golden and lightly hazy with a soft foam, and delivers a bright, zesty twist on traditional beer. Citrus Radler offers vibrant notes of orange, grapefruit and lemon, and balanced bitterness rounded by natural fruit puree and flavours.

Citrus Radler complements fresh dishes such as grilled fish tacos, goat cheese and citrus salad, or ceviche, while also cutting through heavier bites like cheeseburgers, buffalo wings, and loaded fries.

Packaged at four per cent ABV in 330ml cans, each can of Citrus Radler contains one standard drink. The release is now available across the country in four-packs.

Distributor: Lion

Coopers taps growing NOLO demand with Coopers Zero

Coopers Brewery has launched Coopers Zero, its first non-alcoholic beer under the iconic Coopers roundel, tapping into the fast-growing no- and lowalcohol (NOLO) category. Packaged in a silver can, it’s the brewery’s latest permanent addition since the 2023 debut of Coopers Australian Lager.

“More and more Australians want a beer/life balance,” said Coopers Managing Director Michael Shearer. “We set out to develop and deliver a great-tasting, full flavoured beer to cater for Australians seeking to lower their alcohol intake or switch up their drinking habits.”

With less than 0.5 per cent ABV and only 49 calories per 375ml can, Coopers Zero offers subtle hop aroma, moderate bitterness, and a crisp, smooth finish. Available nationally from this August.

Distributor: Coopers Brewery

White Bay adds XPA and Super Dry to core range

White Bay Brewery has expanded its core range with the launch of two new beers – White Bay XPA and White Bay Super Dry Japanese Lager – marking a strategic move into key growth segments.

The White Bay XPA (4.5 per cent ABV) is bright, tropical and smooth, packing citrus and stone fruit notes into a crisp, refreshing finish. Designed for drinkers who want bold flavour without overcomplication, it balances vibrant hop character with easy drinkability.

Meanwhile, the White Bay Super Dry (4.5 per cent ABV) delivers a minimalist Japanese-style lager brewed with precision. Ultra-crisp, clean, and bone-dry, it showcases subtle malt notes and soft bitterness, offering lager at its most refined.

Both beers have been tested and certified Gluten Reduced (<10ppm) and are presented in refreshed, modern packaging that speaks to contemporary drinking occasions.

“The way people drink is changing – they want beers that are full of flavour but at a sessionable ABV,” said Jacqui Goral, Marketing Manager for Social Drinks. “These two additions reflect exactly that – vibrant flavour in the XPA and the crisp and refreshing Super Dry.”

Available now in venues, bottle shops and online.

Distributor: Social Drinks Group

Robbie Williams joins Heaps Normal as creative collaborator and investor

Global music icon Robbie Williams has partnered with Australia’s leading independent non-alcoholic beer brand, Heaps Normal, as a creative collaborator and investor, marking the brand’s launch into the UK market.

Williams said: “Teaming up with Heaps Normal is personal for me… I love the ethos of the Heaps brand, and I’m excited for what we’re going to achieve together around the world.”

Founded in 2020, Heaps Normal has become Australia’s topselling independent non-alcoholic beer and is known for supporting live music, its B Corp status, and redefining drinking culture. The brand recently soft-launched in the UK, with products now ranged in more than 170 pubs and retailers nationwide.

Co-founder and CEO Andy Miller said: “Robbie gets that. He’s been on his own journey, and he brings an incredible creative energy that lines up with what we stand for as a brand.”

Williams’ investment reflects a long-term commitment, with plans to collaborate on creative campaigns and new products aimed at sparking honest conversations about drinking.

Distributor: Direct

Urban Alley introduces new Northern IPA, Cerulean

Melbourne’s Urban Alley Brewery has unveiled the latest addition to its craft beer range ahead of summer, the freshly brewed Northern IPA, Cerulean.

Hopped with Nelson Sauvin T90s and Hop Kief from Freestyle Hops, plus Indie Hops’ Luminosa, Cerulean is a crisp, dry and bitter IPA with a touch of the prominent yeast esters of NEIPA, but without the dank character often present in highly-hopped beers. The beer is fermented with AEB New-E on all-barley grist.

Dove Bailey, Urban Alley’s Head Brewer, says: “This beer absolutely smacks of passionfruit and bubblegum from Nelson Sauvin and Luminosa hops. A light grist and healthy bitterness help keep the drinkability high.”

Crafted at seven per cent ABV, Cerulean pours pale yellow, and in addition to its passionfruit and bubblegum aromas, offers hints of grapefruit rind and candied lime on the palate. Cerulean is described by the brewery as “capturing the very best of the north in a bright and striking brew”

Distributor: Urban Alley Brewery

Philter Brewing releases new XPA Lite and Pale Ale

Philter Brewing has unveiled two new releases designed to give Australian drinkers more choice in flavourful, sessionable beers – the Philter XPA Lite and the Philter Pale Ale.

At just 2.1 per cent ABV, Philter XPA Lite delivers all the tropical aroma and refreshing, easydrinking flavour of the brewery’s most awarded XPA, now in a lighter format. Naturally cloudy and juicy, it’s crafted for those who want bold flavour without the higher ABV and is set to feature strongly among the growing wave of low-alcohol beers.

Joining it is the Philter Pale Ale (4.8 per cent ABV), a classic Australian style with caramel colour, balanced bitterness, and a clean malt backbone. Made with quality local ingredients, it’s approachable and versatile – perfect for sunny afternoons, casual get-togethers, or anytime refreshment.

Both new releases highlight Philter’s focus on balancing innovation with accessibility, broadening appeal across different drinking occasions while maintaining its hallmark full-flavoured character.

Philter XPA Lite and Philter Pale Ale are available now online at www.philterbrewing.com and nationwide.

Distributor: ALM, Paramount, and Direct

Hawkers adds Ultra Low-Carb and Non-Alc beers

Fresh from being named Champion Large Brewery at the 2025 Australian International Beer Awards, Hawkers Beer is extending its core range with two lifestyle-focused releases: Hawkers Ultra Low-Carb Lager and Hawkers Non-Alc Pale Ale.

The Ultra Low-Carb Lager (four per cent ABV) is crisp, dry, and refreshing, designed for barbecues, footy games, and mid-week occasions. Low in carbs but full in flavour, it offers a craft alternative in a category dominated by mainstream brands. Certified Gluten Reduced (<10ppm), it comes in 375mL cans (cases of 16) and on tap nationally.

The Non-Alc Pale Ale (<0.5 per cent ABV) reaffirms Hawkers’ commitment to the booming alcohol-free category. Aroma-driven and full-flavoured, it delivers the satisfaction of real beer without the alcohol, appealing to everyone from the sober-curious to designated drivers. It is available in 375ml cans (cases of 16) through bottle shops, bars, and online.

Jacqui Goral, Marketing Manager for Social Drinks, said:

“These two beers are more than just range extensions –they’re part of our strategy to give modern drinkers more lifestyle-friendly choices… Whether you’re looking for fewer carbs or no alcohol at all, you’ll still get the flavour, quality, and craft credibility that Hawkers is known for.”

Distributor: Social Drinks Group

Modus Brewing relaunches new-look Ciao Bella

Modus Brewing has relaunched Ciao Bella – a crisp Italian pilsner brewed as a “love letter to the spring season” with elegance and drinkability in mind.

The brand new can format features art from celebrated Australian artist Benny Ross –known for his dreamy, handdrawn aesthetic – who brings to life sun-drenched days in the Italian countryside.

Originally released in spring 2024, Ciao Bella quickly became a Modus taproom favourite, with Founder Jaz Wearin saying the team was inspired to bring it back.

“People loved it. The clean, crisp profile, the floral aroma, the drinkability. The Italian pilsner style is all about balance and elegance. It’s not trying to be loud or hazy or heavy. It’s refined, refreshing, and quietly confident.”

The 4.7 per cent ABV style is described as floral, zesty, and effortlessly refined, paying homage to the Italian pilsner tradition with malt character, noble hop aroma, and a softly bitter, dry finish.

Distributor: Direct

TRADE BUYER’S GUIDE

Our judging panel

Ahmad

Fahda, Group Head of Wine, House Made Hospitality

With 12 years in hospitality, Ahmad has worked as a sommelier and Beverage Manager at W Sydney before leading wine at House Made Hospitality. He is passionate about connecting people with the regions, makers and memories behind each bottle, and curating lists that create meaningful experiences.

Amanda Matral, Brand & Portfolio Manager, Independent Beverage Partners

Amanda has 20 years’ experience across sommelier work, fine wine sales and portfolio management, representing iconic brands such as Henschke, Petaluma and Bollinger. After leading APAC innovation at Campari, she now manages brands at ALM. A WSET Level 4 and Court of Master Sommeliers graduate, Amanda brings deep knowledge and passion for the trade.

Anastasia Savkova, Educator (Wines & Spirits) and Owner, Wine Symfonia

Anastasia holds the WSET Diploma and is a Certified Educator teaching at Wine InTuition. Originally from Lithuania, she moved to Sydney in 2004 and has experience across wholesale, distribution, marketing and events. She now focuses on education, sharing her enthusiasm for wines and spirits in engaging and accessible ways.

Andrew Graham, Wine Buyer and Journalist

Andrew is the wine and drinks buyer for Good Pair Days, and runs the Australian Wine and Drinks Review. With 25 years in the industry, he holds a Master of Wine Technology & Viticulture and is co-founder of The Tasting Glass. He contributes regularly to National Liquor News, with interests in climate change and wine.

Andy Milne, Marketing Specialist

Originally from the UK, Andy has 19 years in the global drinks industry, including five at The Whisky Exchange and managing major whisky shows. Now based in Sydney, he has championed portfolios across bourbon, Scotch, tequila, mezcal and rum. He specialises in brand building and marketing that inspires consumers.

Beth Dorrough, General Manager, The Bespoke Marketing Co. & WineHub HK

Beth has over 25 years in the luxury sector, spanning wine, gastronomy, tourism and wellness. A WSET Educator and Le Cordon Bleu Master’s graduate, she has worked with partners across Australia, USA, UK, France and Asia. She shares her expertise through public speaking, writing and media.

Christina Butcher, Co-founder, Mr & Mrs Romance

Christina is a New York Times bestselling author, photographer and founder of Romance Media, which includes MrAndMrsRomance.com and HairRomance.com. A champion for women in business, she has spoken at conferences including Women of Australian Distilling and International Women’s Day events.

Daniel McBride, Director, Bat & Ball Hotel

Daniel has over 15 years in Sydney hospitality, moving from cocktail bars to owning the Bat & Ball Hotel in Redfern. He is known for curating thoughtful wine lists that balance established and emerging producers, and for creating venues that celebrate food, drinks and community.

Daryl Fisher, General Manager, Fisher Fine Wines

Daryl has 30 years’ liquor industry experience across retail, distribution, marketing and production. He has held roles with Vintage Cellars, Samuel Smith & Son, Tucker Seabrook and Mildara Blass, moving from retail into buying, marketing and product development. His career has included catalogue design and hands-on winemaking.

Ed Peake, NSW Sales Manager, Bird in Hand

Ed began his 21-year career in retail liquor before moving into wholesale and distribution with boutique and iconic brands including Penfolds and Wynns. Now at Bird in Hand, he manages NSW sales, hosts wine dinners and masterclasses, and encourages consumers to challenge traditional food and wine pairings.

Emilie Blanc, Country Manager – Australia, Famille Perrin

From Provence, Emilie has over 10 years’ experience in wine sales and marketing across the UK and Australia. She began at Berry Brothers & Rudd in London and now manages Famille Perrin’s Australian market strategy, with a focus on building awareness of Provence and Rhône wines.

Emma Sefton, Trade Marketing Specialist, Independent Beverage Partners

Emma leads trade marketing and go-to-market strategy at Independent Beverage Partners, including NPD such as The Shy Kiwi wine. She joined ALM last year and is currently completing her WSET qualification. Emma is passionate about brand storytelling and innovative launches.

Geoff Bollom, Wine & Spirits Expert, Chambers Cellars

Geoff has worked in liquor retail since 2012 and is a tasting panellist for National Liquor News. He founded The Little Wine School in 2019 and holds WSET Level 2 and 3 qualifications. Geoff has travelled to wine regions in Australia, Bordeaux and the USA to broaden his expertise.

James France, Liquor Industry Consultant

James has worked in spirits since the early 1990s, including launching Don Julio in the US and bringing Herradura, Hendrick’s and Ketel One to Australia. In 2008, he founded Vanguard Luxury Brands, introducing Four Pillars and Fortaleza, before selling to Lion in 2021. He now runs Wholly Spirits consultancy.

Jim Butcher, Co-founder, Mr & Mrs Romance

Jim is a travel and lifestyle blogger, videographer and writer at MrAndMrsRomance.com, which he co-runs with his wife Christina. Together they share stories on food, drinks and destinations, with a strong passion for wine, spirits and cocktails.

Jordan Blackman, Group Beverage Manager, Odd Culture Group

Jordan manages beverage programs across Odd Culture venues, overseeing wine, beer and spirits selection. With a decade in hospitality, he is known for detailed drinks lists and is currently leading the beverage concept for Odd Culture’s upcoming CBD venue opening in 2025.

Nevil Shah, Sourcing, Sustainability and Compliance Manager, ALM

Nevil has 15 years’ liquor industry experience and now manages sourcing, sustainability and compliance at ALM. He works closely with boutique wineries, brewers and distillers to curate quality, provenance-driven selections that balance commercial insight with a passion for flavour and storytelling.

Nick Harris, Independent Hospitality Consultant

Nick has over 20 years’ liquor industry experience across Australia and Shanghai. He has worked in pubs, bars, restaurants and festivals, and most recently as Key Account Manager for Sazerac. With WSET training and practical expertise, Nick specialises in venue operations and drinks list development.

Rachael Paul, Co-owner and Venue Manager, Bat & Ball Hotel

Rachael has managed small bars, restaurants and now the Bat & Ball Hotel in Redfern. She curates wine lists with a focus on approachability, unique choices and Australian producers, ensuring there is something for every guest.

Serena Carl, Store Manager, The Cellar, Barangaroo

Serena’s 16-year career includes roles as Head Sommelier at leading hotels and now Fine Wine Specialist with Endeavour Group. She manages The Cellar at Barangaroo and is active in Sommelier Australia and Women in Drinks committees, with a passion for Chardonnay and Champagne.

Silvia Segato, Spirits Blender, Archie Rose Distilling Co

Silvia has over a decade’s experience in bars, whisky shops and distilleries. She previously worked at LARK in Tasmania before joining Archie Rose as Spirits Blender in Sydney. Her qualifications include IBD, WSET and perfumery training.

Sophie Stewart, Marketing Manager, Fesq & Co

Sophie is Marketing Manager at Fesq & Co and completing her WSET Diploma. She combines industry knowledge with marketing expertise to communicate wine stories and business strategies, helping both trade and consumers discover exceptional bottles from around the world.

• Crafted from our Estate grown Merlot

• Subtle fruity palate but finishes dry

• Clean & crisp

• Gold Medal - National Liquor News Buyer’s Guide

• 93pts Silver Medal - RAS Sydney Wine Show 2025

Bunnamagoo Estate Wines: Quality wines from the heart of Mudgee where family tradition, sustainability, and a true sense of place come together.

Talk to our team about a great deal now.

Contact: sales@bunnamagoowines.com.au

Phone: 02 6371 9005

Web: www.bunnamagoowines.com.au

As a stylistically diverse wine category, rosé is continuing to gain relevance in Australian wine culture thanks to its crossgenerational appeal and alignment with current preferences for lighter, approachable wine, writes Sienna Martyn.

More than a summer wine

Having undergone a market transformation in Australia, rosé is no longer considered a niche, seasonal wine rather a category with opportunity for growth as a result of improved education and shifting consumer preferences.

Andrew Gerrard, Senior Consultant at Circana explained that in Australia, rosé is valued at $316m and holds a five per cent share of total wine in the local liquor market.

“Within all wine varietals as defined by Circana, rosé sits at number seven (just ahead of Pinot Noir, and behind Cabernet Sauvignon) and is amongst the fastest growing segments in the market recording value growth of 6.1 per cent in the latest moving annual total (MAT),” he said.

In terms of the wine category, Gerrard also noted that rosé is a key contributor to overall growth and is driving value in retail.

“It’s growing 2.4 times faster than total wine and is an important value driver for retailers in that it offers pricing that is on average 24 per cent higher than the standard wine item. With both light (through penetration gains) buyers and heavy buyers (through increased basket spend) contributing to the overall growth.”

Seasonal shifts leading growth

Nick Barlow, Pure Wine Co.’s NSW Area Manager confirmed this trend, suggesting rosé is an increasingly important category on-premise and in retail.

“Entire fridges and shelves are dedicated to the category and wine lists are increasing their range. While Australia’s climate continues to be warmer than other parts of the world, rosé will be a ‘go to’ for consumers,” he said.

He also points out that growth in the category

“Currently 16 per cent of Australian households have purchased a rosé product in the last year with 75 per cent of households purchasing more than once.”

Andrew Gerrard

has been influenced by shifting perceptions with rosé more commonly considered an ‘all-year-round’ beverage - particularly in the on-premise.

“While consumption is definitely higher in the warmer, summer season, the capacity for broad food matching, widespread flavour appeal, and interest in more complex, darker styles (even chilled reds) is seeing representation year-round,” he said.

Peter Lock, Store Manager of Annandale Cellars added that rosé sales in the off-premise are also steadying year-round because of the category’s improving diversity.

“Even during the colder months sales seem to be steady across the category. I think due to the breadth of styles and new offerings from many winemakers producing styles that differ to the classics. This has opened the category to new customers.

“We now have customers that exclusively drink rosé all year and I think becoming a more serious category that can stand on its own has helped it shed its seasonality stereotypes,” said Lock.

Brand and Portfolio Manager for Independent Beverage Partners, Amanda Matral notes rosé’s popularity as a food pairing choice as a reason for the shift.

“Australian consumers are shifting preferences. With the food-friendly and versatile nature of rosé, combined with the rise in popularity of Asian and Fusion styles of dining, makes rosé the perfect all-

year-round accompaniment for the Australian climate,” she said.

Matt Redin, Marketing Manager at Angove Family Winemakers noted that the shift to a year-round choice for the Australian market has influenced style preferences.

“Five years ago, the category was dominated by sweeter, vibrant pink styles. Today, growth has been driven by lighter, paler, drier rosés inspired by Provence. Rosé now has broad appeal across demographics. The category has also preimmunised, with consumers trading up from entry-level bottles to $20–$30 plus options.”

Nick Barlow, Pure Wine Co.’s NSW Manager shared this sentiment, adding that Australian drinkers are leaning toward simple style but are also open to experimenting.

“People are reaching for everything from minimal filtration and fining to darker, more robust styles, along with varieties that offer more complexity and tannin – and we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg with sparkling rosés – particularly from alternate varieties.”

Consumer insights

Barlow argues that as a result of increased consumer choice, a broader range of people are engaged with rosé.

“From young consumers new to the category, sipping rosé in cans or unfiltered/un-fined natural styles, to older men on Christmas Day drinking

Understanding the style

An important part category education for retailers and consumers is understanding style, which IBP’s Amanda Matral said starts with debunking myths around colour.

“Consumer education, especially around style greatly important, with varietal, region, colour and sweetness being the key differentiators. Many consumers look to the colour of the rosé to indicate the intensity of sweetness, but this is not always the defining factor.”

In terms of the styles gaining interest in the Australian market, Pure Wine Co’s Nick Barlow argues that the drier styles are leading the way.

“Dry is leading, with the most successful products emulating the Provence style. Provence offer’s a touch of luxury at a modest price (compared to Burgundy, Champagne and other regions). ‘Fruitier’ styles, or perceived sweetness are still important at entry level, but are seldom found on restaurant or casual dining menus.”

This is consistent with Circana data, which Andrew Gerrard said demonstrates consumers are reaching for premium products that suit their regional preference.

“Shoppers spend the most on rosé from Australia ($172m) but are consuming less of the domestic brands in favour for more premium product from France, which is growing at 4.5 times the rate of local brands,” he said.

While BFWG’s Andrew Harris says that the strength of the category in general is its variety.

“With varied grape varietals, sweetness levels, and styles – still or sparkling – rosé offers something for every palate. Even though the category’s modern success is anchored in pale, crisp, dry styles inspired by Provence.”

“From young consumers new to the category, sipping rosé in cans or unfiltered/un-fined natural styles, to older men on Christmas Day drinking the best of Provence out of a magnum, rosé is no longer something that only your grandmother drank.”

Nick Barlow

the best of Provence out of a magnum, rosé is no longer something that only your grandmother drank.”

Matral suggests this is a direct result of consumer preferences for refreshing profiles and the help of social media messaging.

“Content and trends such as ‘rosé all day’ and ‘Frosé’ have won the hearts and minds of Millennials and Gen Zs. The rise of ‘brosé’ also shows the broadening appeal and rising consumption among male drinkers, who are now matching females in frequency and consumption.”

She also notes that occasion-based messaging has helped consumers identify new ways to drink rosé and understand its approachable and sessionable nature.

“It is such a versatile style and extends across multiple day-to-night occasions. Casual social gatherings, summer and outdoor drinking, female-led celebrations and of course lifestyle-led occasions with its Instagram-able appeal,” said Matral Redin argues that broadly, the rosé consumer is also looking for value as well as approachability across the category.

“Consumers are reaching for styles with

strong provenance and storytelling, but it is more about versatility, approachability and value. It’s wines that are easy to drink on their own or work with food, whether it’s a $15 everyday bottle or a $35 premium rosé.”

Brown Family Wine Group Wine Ambassador Andrew Harris added that despite concerns about declining consumer interest in wine, rosé remains steady.

“Despite a decline in overall wine consumption, rosé remains resilient –especially in retail – with strong appeal for its drinkability, aesthetic charm, and versatile formats make it ideal for diverse occasions.”

Circana’s Gerrard presented data that shows evident retail volume growth and increased spend.

“Currently 16 per cent of Australian households have purchased a rosé product in the last year with 75 per cent of households purchasing more than once.

“Shoppers are not only allocating more spend to rosé but also are consuming more product as the category continues to gain in popularity and increases in household penetration reflect this growing interest,” he said.

“We now have customers that exclusively drink rosé all year and I think becoming a more serious category that can stand on its own has helped it shed its seasonality stereotypes.”

Peter Lock

Market opportunities and challenges

Harris argues that connecting with consumers provides necessary stability to the category and suggests that social marketing strategies provide an untapped opportunity.

“Digital engagement presents far more potential than has been done so far. Influencer partnerships and immersive online experiences can connect rosé brands with younger audiences in dynamic ways and should continue to be explored,” he said.

While Barlow suggested high quality, lower ABV, and non-alcoholic options that suits changing consumer lifestyle trends and preferences will continue to be important category drivers.

“Examples that are as dry (or perceived as dry) as standard products will be king. Sparkling have been very quick and extremely good quality in this space, so perhaps sparkling low/ no could be the future,” he said.

On the other hand, Redin argued that oversupply, pricing pressures and global competition are putting strain on the Australian market, with differentiation being the key to success for local producers.

“While premium rosé is growing, the market is crowded at entry level, driving competition and discounting. Additionally imported French rosés compete strongly in premium retail segments and are creating greater

competition. With so many brands on shelves, standing out with packaging, provenance, or story is critical.”

Also suggesting a focus on provenance, Barlow believes it could be valuable in building market confidence in Australian-made rosés.

“I think a big opportunity would be for a wine region in Australia to band their producers together and claim the ‘Home of rosés in Australia’ as Provence has done so successfully,” he said.

Barlow also noted rosé’s challenging selling timeframe and suggests packaging innovation as a long-term solution and market differentiator.

“Sadly, rosé is generally best consumed on release or within a few years of release. High quality wines have capacity for ageing, but the volume of low value product, that is not flying off the shelf, is creating concerns. More producers should explore alternate formats and packaging, as this has not been embraced as widely as other international markets such as the US.”

Further, despite wine market challenges, rosé has seen significant transformation and is no longer considered a seasonal choice rather an option all year round. Driven by consumer demand for light, sessionable and approachable wine, the category is positioned for continued growth appeal through education and visibility onand off-premise. ■

3 Drops Rosé (Cabernet Franc)

2024

Great Southern, WA

Gold 97 points

LUC: $17.74

Distributor: Bacchus Wine Merchant

“Briney and rhubarb, sour. Hint of savoury, mouthwatering acidity. Long persistence of flavour, juicy and moreish.” – Amanda Matral

PEYRASSOL ‘Les Templiers’ Rosé 2023

Cotes de Provence, France

Gold 96 points

LUC: $24.72

Distributor: Pure Wine Co (National)

“Fun wine with notes of guava, custard apple, cumquat and persimmon. Delicious and fresh nose.” – Andy Milne

Champagne Jacquart Signature Rosé NV

Reims, France

Gold 96 Fpoints

LUC: $81.7

Distributor: Single Vineyard Sellers

“Vibrant fruit nose. Fresh palate of ripe red fruit, currants and peaches.” – Andy Milne

Bunnamagoo Estate Rosé 2025 Mudgee, NSW

Gold 96 points

LUC: $17.24

Distributor: Bunnamagoo Estate Wines

“Delightful florals and immediately striking on the palate – stone fruits, crisp apples, mineral notes and some onionskin.” – Sophie Stewart

Yalumba Samuel’s Collection

Barossa Grenache Rosé 2024

Barossa Valley, SA

Gold 96 points

LUC: $15.27

Distributor: Hill-Smith Family

Estates

“Stunner with a complex nose, refreshing acidity and mouthfeel with a lingering finish of minerality, stone fruit and citrus.” – Nick Harris

Les Peyrautins Rosé 2024

France

Gold 95 points

LUC: $14.19

Distributor: Vintage House Wine and Spirits

“Delicate nose with light fruit, floral and mineral notes. A lovely, bright fresh palate feel with moreish acidity.” – Nick Harris

Paddington Lane No. 1 Dry Rosé 2024

Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

Gold 95 points

LUC: $14.84

Distributor: Fourth Wave Wines

“Nice range of subtle florals, stone fruit and savoury, saline deliciousness. Moreish texture adds to the appeal.” – Sophie Stewart

Thymiopoulos Rosé de Xinomavro 2023

Naoussa, Greece

Gold 95 points

LUC: $24.94

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co.

“Perfect colour with slightly tart blackberry jam on the nose. Candid orange rind and Aperol on the palate.” – Daniel McBride

Based on this line-up, how would you describe the overall quality and style diversity of rosé on the market right now?

“Some great quality wines on show. No over extraction. Delicate fruit flavours allowed to bloom.” – Andy Milne

“There is a lot of variety in regions and flavour in rosé in that $15-$30 range.” – Emma Sefton

“Excellent variety of styles, regions and price points.”

- Nick Harris

“There is a gorgeous and wide versatility of the styles of rosé right now. Even better is that you can find little gems from untold wine regions that are both unique and great value.”

– Serena Carl

“Overall, I was impressed with the quality. Not too many winemakers trying to hide faults with sugar.” – Daryl Fisher

“Overall, the wines were of very high standard. They were made with a strong sense of when they will be drunk and the food eaten too.” – Geoff Bollom

“We are now at peak palate rosé where lean, crisp, flawless, light wines are the norm. The best wines have flavour, crisp acidity and some textural layers.” – Andrew Graham

“There is a great variety, something for every palate. There are great intros for someone who is not into rosé and some great ‘pro’ levels wines for rosé lovers.” – Silvia Segato

“Going in the right direction with diversity in style. From smashable summer drops to food premium pairings. There is an increase in quality too.” – Ahmad Fahda

“Nice to see wines from Australia getting closer to those drier style rosés.” – Nevil Shah

Château L’escarelle Cuvee

‘Palm’ Rosé 2024

Provence, France

Gold 95 points

LUC: $18.28

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co.

“Apricot, nectarine and a lovely lime-like minerality. Good length and feel.” – Amanda Matral

Villa Aix Rosé 2023

Coteaux de Aix en Provence, France

Gold 95 points

LUC: $19.78

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh Wine Merchants

“Fresh vibrant wine with notes of ripe red fruits and a lovely creamy texture. Well balanced and a great finish.” – Andy Milne

Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé NV

Epernay, France

Gold 95 points

LUC: $93.45

Distributor: Pernod-Ricard

Australia

“Crunchy toffee on the nose. French brioche on the palate alongside strawberries and cream with a vibrant acidity and savour edge.”

– Sophie Stewart

XO Rosé Grenache Barbera 2025

Adelaide (Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills), SA

Gold 95 points

LUC: $16.12

Distributor: Bacchus Wine Merchant

“Pretty and floral with notes of strawberries and cream. Juicy acidity great length with some savoury notes.” – Amanda Matral

Amisfield Pinot Noir Rosé 2024

Central Otago, NZ

Gold 95 points

LUC: $24.94

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co.

“Ripe cherries and delicate on the nose. Slight nuttiness on the back of the palate and a great, wellbalanced finish.” – Geoff Bollom

Pierre D’Amour Rosé 2024

Riverina, NSW

Gold 95 points

LUC: $9.83

Distributor: Calabria Family Wine Group

“Dry style. Strawberries on the palate with a lovely balance of acid and sugar.” – Nevil Shah

Selling rosé

BFWG’s Andrew Harris, said shelf clarity and a balanced range across dry, sweet and sparkling options helps retailers meet diverse consumer preferences.

“Innovative formats like cans and small bottles also drive impulse purchases and broaden occasion relevance,” he added.

IBP’s Amanda Matral agreed, suggesting colour misconceptions can be overcome by arranging wines based on their palate with clear signage.

“Arranging shelves from dry through to sweet styles is an easy way for consumers to find what suits their palate – not just guessing on colour. Retailers that use signage to simplify the styles also limit consumer purchase hesitation and boost education for this category,” she said.

She also recommends placing rosé close to other popular, refreshing drinks to encourage sales based on occasions.

“Rosé in the fridge and next to RTDs is an opportunity to have shoppers move over to the light and versatile style. Storytelling via provenance, lifestyle or sustainability cues resonate and engage with consumers when clearly communicated via point-of-sale and packaging.”

Annandale Cellar’s Peter Lock emphasised that wine tasting is critical for staff and consumers education, noting the importance of listening to feedback.

“Tastes as much as you can with customers and listen to their feedback. Learning from and understanding customers is important for staff to be able to accurately assist with sales and be confident that what they’re offering will hit the mark,” he said.

Packaging trends

When it comes to rosé, Peter Lock from Annandale Cellars, said packaging that communicates to consumers what is in the bottle with clear, concise labels and appealing colours are best.

“People are yet to get over how the wine appears in the bottle as there is still a general assumption that darker colour equals a sweeter wine. The glass bottles some producers use makes this worse by having a tint, making the wine appear darker which negatively impacts sales.”

He continued: “Label and overall packaging are important for rosé consumers because unlike other categories like Pinot Noir that have attributes based on variety, region, soil, vintage etc. – rosé lacks that focus so often people make choices on appearance.”

He added that a focus on appearance has also become a good way for producers to stand out.

“As appearance is so important, we do see producers choosing to use different bottle shapes to stand out from the crowd, which I do think helps,” he said.

BFWG’s Andrew Harris added that creativity and innovation in packaging formats have become key market differentiators, influencing both purchase decisions and consumption occasions.

“As consumer expectations shift – especially among younger audiences – innovations such as 200ml bottles, 250ml cans, spritz formats, and zero-alcohol options have made wine more accessible, portable, and occasionflexible. These formats cater to modern lifestyles, offering convenience, portion control, and suitability for casual, onthe-go enjoyment,” he said.

TERRA SANCTA Estate Rosé 2024

Central Otago, NZ

Silver 94 points

LUC: $22.14

Distributor: Pure Wine Co (National) “Interesting on the nose and slightly earthy. Slightly bready with a generous, creamy and lychee palate.” – Silvia Segato

Château L’escarelle ‘Flora’ Rosé 2024

Provence, France

Silver 94 points

LUC: $18.28

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co. “Quintessential Provence style. Fresh, crisp, salty and moreish.”

–

Serena Carl

Riesling Rosé 2025

Canberra District

Silver 94 points

LUC: $21.82

Distributor: Ergo Wines –

Jeremy Willcox

“Berry compote on the nose with a citrus peel and savoury finish. Complex and well balanced.”

– Ed Peake

Allée Bleue Shiraz Rosé 2024

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Silver 94 points

LUC: $15

Distributor: The Curious Spirit “Floral and aromatic nose. Red fruit guava and red apple balanced on the palate. Dry finish.”

– Ahmad Fahda

Jansz Tasmania Sparkling Rosé NV

Tasmania

Silver 94 points

LUC: $18

Distributor: Hill-Smith Family Estates

“Pale pink with nice bubbles. Strawberry and cream, citrus and subtle bread notes with a dry and clean finish.” – Ahmad Fahda

Peter Lehmann Wines 2025

Portrait Grenache Rosé 2025

Barossa Valley, SA

Silver 94 points

LUC: $14.84

Distributor: Casella Family Brands

“Soft muted rose with a touch of raspberry and red current.”

– Andy Milne

Roseblood 1489 rosé 2023

Provence

Silver 93 points

LUC: $65.36

Distributor: House of Fine Wine

“Beautiful on the nose, balanced acid and a great finish.”

– Christina Butcher

Bird in Hand Nero Pinot Rosé 2024 Bellarine Peninsula, VIC

Silver 93 points

LUC: $15

Distributor: Direct

“Cherry Blossom on the nose with Strawberry and sherbert on the palate with a lovely finish.”

– Daryl Fisher

Six Generations of Family Winemaking

This vibrant Rosé is carefully crafted from newly established Grenache vineyards in the heart of Barossa. The Grapes are harvested at ideal ripeness and wild fermented to capture the essence of our unique terroir.

Marchand & Burch Villages

Rosé 2024

Western Australia

Silver 93 points

LUC: $16.34

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh

Wine Merchants

“Green and grassy aroma. Tropical fruit and paw paw on the plate with firm acid and a good finish.”

– Daryl Fisher

La Bohème Dry Rosé 2025

Yarra Valley, VIC

Silver 93 points

LUC: $16.21

Distributor: De Bortoli Wines

“Understated, elegant and slightly herbaceous nose. Palate has sweet citrus, orchard fruits and underripe red fruit.” – Jordan Blackman

Yalumba Y series Sangiovese

Rosé 2025

South Australia

Silver 93 points

LUC: $6.55

Distributor: Hill-Smith Family

Estates

“Vibrant and clear pink with sweet ripe strawberry on the palate.”

– Christina Butcher

Château L’escarelle Les Deux

Anges Rosé 2024

Provence, France

Silver 92 points

LUC: $29.89

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co.

“Delicate red fruit nose. Great finish with tight acid and balanced fruits.”

– Geoff Bollom

Simon Tolley Pinot Noir Rosé 2025

Adelaide Hills, SA

Silver 92 points

LUC: $17.74

Distributor: Empire Liquor

“Aromatic, musk, rose water, strawberries and pink grapefruit –all well balanced for a dry finish.”

– Ahmad Fahda

Lenton Brae In Good Hands

Sangiovese Rosé 2025

Margaret River, WA

Silver 92 points

LUC: $19.35

Distributor: Pure Wine Co.

“Delicate rose and cherries on the nose. Palate is fruity and fresh.”

– Anastasia Savkova

The Shy Kiwi Rosé 2025

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Silver 92 points

LUC: $9.86

Distributor: Independent Beverage Partners (available exclusively through ALM)

“Floral nose. Red fruits on the palate. Well balanced weight, mouthfeel and length.”

– Serena Carl

Calabria Bros. Sophie Rosé 2024

Barossa Valley, SA

Silver 92 points

LUC: $11.94

Distributor: Calabria Family

Wine Group

“Melon and strawberry notes from nose to palate.” – Christina Butcher

“With varied grape varietals, sweetness levels, and styles – still or sparkling – rosé offers something for every palate.”

Andrew Harris

Roseblood Rosé 2023

Provence, France

Silver 91 points

LUC: $30.10

Distributor: House of Fine Wine

“Pastry and dried apricot nose. Savoury and crisp dried fruit palate.” – Beth Dorrough

Levant by Levantine Hill Rose 2024

Yarra Valley Gold 91 points

LUC: $20.96

Distributor: House of Fine Wine

“Yum. This wine makes you take notice. Crisp, dry delightful finish.”

– Andy Young

Whispering Angel 2024

Provence, France

Silver 91 points

LUC: $31.17

Distributor: Moët Hennessy

“Light aromas but lovely palate. Balanced, dry but mouth watering and moreish.” – Jim Butcher

Giesen 0% Spritz Rosé NV Marlborough, New Zealand

Silver 91 points

LUC: $14.50

Distributor: Oatley Fine Wine Merchants

“Light, bright, savoury nose. Balanced acidity and residual sugar adding to the palate weight and mouth feel.” – Nick Harris

LONGVIEW ‘Juno’ Rosato 2024

Adelaide Hills, SA

Silver 90 points

LUC: $16.13

Distributor: Pure Wine Co (National)

“Burnt caramel on the nose. A solid choice and a good recommendation for the undecided drinker.” – James France

Tutiac Rosé 2023

Bordeaux, France

Silver 90 points

LUC: $17.99

Distributor: Mind Spirits & Co.

“Simple but tasty. Very pleasant balance of savoury and tangy.”

– Andrew Graham

Domaine de la Croix Bastide

Blanche Côtes de Provence Rosé

“Cru Classé” 2024

Côtes de Provence, France

Silver 90 points

LUC: $44.50

Distributor: Azure Wine

“Everything rosé should be. Balanced, bright, crisp and dry. Nothing lacks nothing dominates.”

– Geoff Bollom

Bouchard Aîne & Fils Vins de Table Rosé 2023

Burgundy, France

Silver 90 points

LUC: $12.90

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh Wine Merchants

“Faint rose petal on the nose. Watermelon on the palate. Balanced with a sexy lingering finish.” – Daryl Fisher

See Saw Rosé (Pinot Noir) 2024

Orange, NSW

Silver 90 points

LUC: $16.66

Distributor: Bacchus Wine Merchant

“Cherry, strawberry, rhubarb and ruby grapefruit on the palate. Delicate and refreshing.”

– Anastasia Savkova

The Shy Kiwi wines bring quiet New Zealand charm

Independent Beverage Partners has launched a new wine range, The Shy Kiwi, inspired by the quiet charm of New Zealand’s beloved kiwi bird. Just as the kiwi navigates its world with gentle curiosity, The Shy Kiwi wines are crafted to embody vibrant flavours and elegant character, capturing the serene beauty of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions in every bottle.

The range features a crisp Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc alongside refined Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris and Rosé, each showcasing the distinctiveness and purity of their origins. Crafted for wine lovers who seek exceptional quality and value under $20, these wines are ideal for enjoying at home, casual outdoor gatherings, or social occasions.

Exclusively available to IBA retailers including Porters, IGA Liquor, The Bottle-O, and Cellarbrations stores nationwide. The Shy Kiwi delivers premium New Zealand provenance at an accessible price point.

Launching on 1 September 2025 with an RRP of $18, The Shy Kiwi is positioned for relaxed home enjoyment and social events. As its tagline suggests: The Shy Kiwi – Shy by name, not by nature.

Distributor: Independent Beverage Partners

Zafeirakis Limniona Rosé 2023

Tyrnavos, Greece

Silver 90 points

LUC: $25.16

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co.

“Red fruit and ripe candied berries on the nose. A dry finish with strawberry and red vermouth adding to a savoury and slightly creamy palate.” – Ahmad Fahda

Sevenhill Cellars Inigo Grenache

Rosé 2025

Clare Valley, SA (Sub-Region, Sevenhill)

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $16.99

Distributor: Vintage Fine Wine Distributors (WA), Alepat (VIC), Sevenhill Cellars (Rest of Aus)

“Floral and sweet on the nose. Rose and Turkish delight on the palate. Smooth and easy to drink.”

– Emma Sefton

Allée Bleue MCC Brut Rosé 2021 Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $35

Distributor: The Curious Spirit

“Spiced peaches and cream and slightly savoury. Delicious fruit and toasty complexity.” – Nick Harris

Nericon Rosé 2024

Riverina, NSW

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $8.30

Distributor: Dee Vine Estate

“Confectionery and candy on the nose. Light body and slightly savoury palate.” – Serena Carl

La La Land Rosé 2024

Riverina, NSW

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $10.54

Distributor: Calabria Family Wine Group

“Very pleasing and well structured. Versatile with a pleasant mild acid finish.” – James France

Château Galoupet Cru Classé 2022

Provence, France

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $60.47

Distributor: Moët Hennessy

“Mid-weight style with fruit intensity and good length. Very flavourful.” – Anastasia Savkova

Pressed Sangiovese Rosé 2024

Adelaide Hills, SA

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $11.93

Distributor: Empire Liquor

“Fresh style with grapefruit and lovely acidity.” – Anastasia Savkova

Atmata Organic Rosé 2024

Not a specified GI

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $13.55

Distributor: Casella Family Brands

“Earthy notes with orange make for a good palate.” – Daryl Fisher

Giesen 0% Rosé NV

Marlborough, New Zealand

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $14.50

Distributor: Oatley Fine Wine Merchants

“Light vinegar on the nose. Slightly savoury palate with pretty strawberry jam flavour.” – Amanda Matral

Which styles or expressions of rosé do you think will resonate most with Australian consumers in 2025?

“I think food forward wines will always be a hit. Something to pair with charcuterie, prawns, shellfish, pizza etc. is always going to be a crowd favourite.”– Andy Milne

“Lighter, fruitier, smooth rosés that have the ability to pair well with food. It’s a summery, fruity style.” – Emma Sefton

“I think the Aussie palate for rosé has shied away from strong fruit-driven styles. Styles with salinity or minerality lend themselves to sessionality.” – James France

“The pale delicate styles will continue to be popular. Though I argue those with ripe fruit appeal with to Australians. Those with savoury edge are essential on the table with food.” – Sophie Stewart

“Styles that don’t adhere strictly to the norms, interesting flavours while maintaining classic elements.” – Daniel McBride

“Aussie consumers can be caught between what is great and what is trendy. The rosé category can be confusing for consumers. People like to buy French but it’s not always the best.” – Ed Peake

“Pale and bone dry will always reign supreme with consumers and France still holds authority in the style. But other regions have a lot to offer in many instances.” – Rachael Paul

“Pale pink/salmon and Provence-style still seems to resonate. They’re inoffensive on the palate and light in colour due to the old misconception of sweetness.” – Jordan Blackman

“Rosé is the only wine category where people buy solely on colour. If you can nail a varietal salmon pink, great flavour and is refreshing, you’re in.” – Andrew Graham

NEW ZEALAND

Introducing The Shy Kiwi Rosé. A vibrant blend of fresh red berries and hints of cherries with a crisp acidity and medium body, capturing the essence of New Zealand in every sip.

AVAILABLE NOW

Exclusive to IBA retailers

PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY For more information contact info@ibp.com.au

Chain of Ponds Innocence Dry

Rosé (Pinot Noir) 2024

Adelaide Hills, SA

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $14.51

Distributor: Bacchus Wine Merchant

“Delicate nose. Cherries and strawberries on the palate nicely balanced. Light, crisp and dry.”

– Geoff Bollom

Screaming Devil Rosé 2023

Côtes de Provence, France

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $15.62

Distributor: Independent Beverage Partners (available exclusively through ALM)

“Gummy and tangy. Red raspberry and confected fruit on the palate.”

– Andrew Graham

Brokenwood Rosato 2024

NSW/VIC

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $19.19

Distributor: Samuel Smith & Son

“Very elegant wine. Red berries and red apple palate.” – Geoff Bollom

Fermoy Rose

Margret River

Silver 89 points

LUC: $16.13

Distributor: House of Fine Wine

“Enticing red berry nose, backed up on the palate with a zesty finish.”

– Andy Young

Excuse My French Rosé 2023

Languedoc, France

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $13.98

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh Wine Merchants

“Subtle pear aroma. Well balanced, moreish palate. Great value for money.” – Jim Butcher

Chemin Des Sables Rosé 2023

IGP Méditerranée, France

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $8.99

Distributor: Independent Beverage Partners (available exclusively through ALM)

“Strong nose of peach, apricot, florals and lemonade. Well balanced fruit and acid on the finish” – Rachael Paul

Château Roubine La Vie en

Rosé 2024

Provence, France

Bronze 89 points

LUC: $27.99

Distributor: Mind Spirits & Co.

“Delicate florals, fruit and minerality. Slight delightful texture to round it out.” – Sophie Stewart

Brockenchack 2025 Tru-Su

Rosé 2025

Eden Valley, SA

Bronze 88 points

LUC: $10.73

Distributor: Brockenchack Wines

“Bright and fruity on the nose. Light and tight on the palate with red apple.” – Geoff Bollom

Red Hill Estate Cool Climate

Rosé 2025

Multi Region Blend

Bronze 88 points

LUC: $13.98

Distributor: Oatley Fine Wine Merchants

“Cherries and strawberries, Bright and light. Good balance and great dry finish.” – Geoff Bollom

Villa Maria Private Bin 2024

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Bronze 88 points

LUC: $17.63

Distributor: House of Fine Wine

“Strawberry and tropical fruit, a very approachable wine, crisp finish.” – Andy Young

Dalwood Rosé 2025

Hunter Valley, NSW

Bronze 88 points

LUC: $17.20

Distributor: Dalwood

“Light berry confectionery palate. Medium body carrying fruit and minerality in a harmonious way.” – Silvia Segato

Angove Organic Rosé

South Australia

Bronze 88 points

LUC: $10.54

Distributor: Vintage House Wine and Spirits

“Peach on the nose but mostly strawberry. Medium body and weight” – Emilie Blanc

d’Arenberg ‘Stephanie the Gnome with Rose Coloured Glasses’ Organic Sangiovese

Sagrantino Cinsault Rosé 2024

McLaren Vale, SA

Bronze 88 points

LUC: $17.74

Distributor: Empire Liquor

“Bright pink fruit on the nose. Sweet and lollied style.” – Andrew Graham

Brown Brothers Moscato Rosé

Zero 2024

Victoria

Bronze 88 points

LUC: $10.83

Distributor: Brown Family Wine Group

“Light perfume on the nose. Slight fizz and good texture. Stewed red fruit and long finish on the palate.”

– Andy Milne

Gibson ‘Discovery Road’ Graciano Rosé 2025

Barossa Valley, SA

Bronze 88 points

LUC: $16.99

Distributor: Empire Liquor

“Fruit forward but bone dry with a subtle savoury character.”

– Sophie Stewart

Ciabot Berton Langhe Rosato

DOC ‘Le Macaline’ 2021

Piedmont, France

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $26.98

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co. “Ripe, savoury wine with green vegetal notes. Lovely balance.”

– Andy Milne

Sunsets Natural Rosé 2022

South Australia

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $12.90

Distributor: Single Vineyard Sellers

“Bright orange, savoury peach and minerality. Textural, dry and balanced with a short clean, finish.”

– Nick Harris

Margan Rosé & Bramble

Rosé 2024

Hunter Valley, NSW

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $17.85

Distributor: Déjà Vu Wine Company

“Mild rose petals and turkish delight on the nose. Balanced and zesty with full fruit flavour and nicely textured.” – Daniel McBride

Snake + Herring ‘Tainted Love’

Syrah Rosé 2024

Margaret River, WA

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $18.06

Distributor: Bacchus Wine Merchant

“Strong nose of melon and berry. Bright acids in the mid palate.”

– Christina Butcher

Domaine de la Croix Le Cap

Côtes de Provence Rosé “Cru

Classé” 2024

Côtes de Provence, France

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $23.95

Distributor: Azure Wine

“Hints of lemon and a very classic French style.” – Christina Butcher

Bunnamagoo Mount Lawson

Rosé 2024

Mudgee, NSW

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $10.77

Distributor: Bunnamagoo Estate Wines

“Citrus nose with mineral undertones. Great minerality and acid on the palate to pair with food.” – Emilie Blanc

Stonehaven Stepping Stone

Rosé 2025

Limestone Coast, SA

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $7.69

Distributor: ILG & CW Wines

“Light and fruit forward with notes of pear, grapefruit, citrus, and granny smith apples.” – Daryl Fisher

Reschke R-Series Rosé 2024

Limestone Coast, SA

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $9.46

Distributor: CW Wines

“Red apples and strawberries on the palate. Great lighter style. Well balanced.” – Geoff Bollom

Yalumba Barossa Grenache Rosé 2024: A summer stock must-have

Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, has a Barossa Grenache Rosé that’s perfectly timed for the warmer months. Awarded a gold medal and 96 points in the National Liquor News Rosé Trade Buyer’s Guide, it continues to resonate with customers looking for a rosé that delivers both quality and provenance from a name they already know and love.

Buyer’s Guide judge Nick Harris praised the wine as a “stunner with a complex nose, refreshing acidity and mouthfeel with a lingering finish of minerality, stone fruit and citrus”.

Crafted from newly established Grenache vineyards in the heart of the Barossa, the wine captures the essence of its unique terroir. Grapes are harvested at their ideal ripeness and wild-fermented, creating a vivid salmon-hued rosé with aromas of peach, strawberry and musk. The palate is bright and juicy, bursting with watermelon, cranberry and blood orange, finishing crisp, refreshing and moreish.

“Grenache is the heart and soul of the Barossa,” says Sam Wigan, Yalumba Head of Winemaking. “This rosé is about showing its lighter, more playful side – bright, juicy and perfect for summer enjoyment.”

Rosé continues to grow in popularity, particularly among younger drinkers and casual wine consumers who seek lighter, food-friendly wines. Perfectly placed to meet that demand, this wine offers strong consumer appeal at an accessible price point, while delivering healthy margins for retailers. Its vibrant flavour profile makes it a natural pairing for summer foods, from tomato-basil bruschetta to fresh seafood and light salads.

For summer, Yalumba’s Barossa Grenache Rosé is a provenance-led, must-stock wine to drive incremental sales. With its Gold medal and 96-point rating in the Rosé Trade Buyer’s Guide, it’s a standout on the shelf and an easy recommendation for consumers seeking quality rosé. RRP $28.

Distributor: Samuel Smith & Son

Mr Mick Rosé 2025

Clare Valley, SA

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $10.21

Distributor: Nelson Wine Co (SA & NSW), Santé Wines (Victoria & Tasmania), Dave Mullen Wines (WA), Cuttings Wines (QLD)

“Herbaceous with a hint of sherbert. Confectionery and lemon on the palate. Complex and rich.” –

Daryl Fisher

Gaia 4-6H Agiorgitiko Rosé 2024

Peloponnese, Greece

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $19.35

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co. “Leathery and lemony aroma. Citrus fruit and vanilla on the palate.”

– Christina Butcher

De Bortoli Rosé Rosé 2025

King Valley, VIC

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $12.68

Distributor: De Bortoli Wines

“Inviting and strong nose that is fruit forward with pink grapefruit and strawberry. A touch floral. More cured fruits than fresh.”

– Rachael Paul

DiGiorgio Pinot Noir Rosé 2024

Coonawarra, SA

Bronze 87 points

LUC: $15.48

Distributor: Pure Wine SA, NSW, QLD, Alepat Taylor VIC “Perfumed and pretty. Textural and well structured.” – Serena Carl

Howard Park Miamup Rosé 2024

Margaret River, WA

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $17.85

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh

Wine Merchants

“Sauvignon Blanc characteristics but with a pronounced acid finish and slight creaminess.”

– James France

Bird in Hand Pinot Rosé 2025

Adelaide Hills, SA

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $19.78

Distributor: ALM, Paramount and direct

“Fruit and confectionery aromas. Structural, textural and a dry finish.”

– Serena Carl

Poggiotondo Rosato Delle

Conchiglie IGT 2022

Tuscany, Italy

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $24.73

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh Wine Merchants

“Lovely savoury nose. Ends with acidic notes of green apple. Moreish.” – James France

Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosé

2024

Victoria

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $13.33

Distributor: Brown Family Wine Group

“Super refreshing, clean and fresh with intriguing herbal nuance.”

– Sophie Stewart

Bento Rosé 2025

Limestone Coast, SA

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $11.40

Distributor: Fourth Wave Wines

“Great balance between texture and pink fruit flavour.”

– Andrew Graham

Zilzie Selection 23 Rosé 2025

Victoria

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $8.06

Distributor: Zilzie Wines

“Floral nose and slight spritz with a savoury and crisp finish.”

– Beth Dorrough

Mesta Rosado (Tempranillo) 2023

Ucles, Spain

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $10.75

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co.

“Nice berry profile. Light on the nose with a medium body, good texture and fruit profile.”

– Silvia Segato

First Creek Classic Hunter Valley

Rosé 2025

Hunter Valley, NSW

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $16.12

Distributor: Domaine Wine

Shippers

“Light aroma and pleasant on the palate. Smooth and easy to drink.”

– Jim Butcher

Where do you see rosé fitting best for consumers – as a casual everyday drink, a premium restaurant option, or both?

“Upholds with seafood and is an easy choice both in casual and premium settings. When presented the right way, rosé can be sold as a great premium option.”– Andy Milne

“With accessible price points it offers great flexibility for everyday drinking whether at home or in a relaxed hospitality environment.” – Nick Harris

“Both! There is a place for all styles of wine.” – Serena Carl

“Both. The greatest thing about rosé is its diversity. It’s a real crowd pleaser.” – Ed Peake

“Personally, I see it as a casual drink in its more modern styles, but I see consumers viewing classic expressions in more premium settings.” – Rachael Paul

“Premium rosé still offers immense enjoyment, intrigue, variety and is ultimately food friendly.” – Jordan Blackman

“Sadly, rosé has a cheap and cheerful reputation. But these are serious wines that deserve their place on the top wine lists. It’s a perfect fit for our lifestyles.” – Geoff Bollom

“Rosé will continue to be a casual everyday drink; however, you shouldn’t miss the desire for premium rosé in fine dining.”

– Andrew Graham

Nugan Estate Third Generation Rosé 2024

Riverina, NSW

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $8.17

Distributor: Nugan Estate

“Rose petals and sherbert on the nose. Shorter palate that builds acidity with floral notes that follow.”

– Jim Butcher

Jeff Carrel Bistrologie Rosé NV France

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $19.99

Distributor: Mind Spirits & Co. “Intense fruity nose, the fruit balances well on the palate with a long finish.” – Andy Young

Château L’escarelle Cuvee ‘Château’ Rosé 2024 Provence, France

Bronze 86 points

LUC: $25.26

Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co. “Light summer fruit on the nose. Firm structure and bold palate.” – Jim Butcher

Domaine de la Croix Eloges

Côtes de Provence Rosé “Cru Classé” 2024

Côtes de Provence, France

Bronze 85 points

LUC: $36.5

Distributor: Azure Wine

“Elegant and sun kissed, lavender nose. Textured finish and great with food.” – Serena Carl

Hungerford Hill Classic Rosé 2025 Hunter Valley, NSW

Bronze 85 points

LUC: $17.20

Distributor: Hungerford Hill “Strawberries, cherry and lime on the nose. No fruit on the palate.” – Daryl Fisher

Devil’s Corner Rosé 2024

Tasmania

Bronze 85 points

LUC: $17.74

Distributor: Brown Family Wine Group

“Turkish delight on the nose with raspberry and strawberry. Off dry and sweet on the nose. Short finish.” – Emilie Blanc

Curator Wine Co Hamlets Rosé 2025

Barossa Valley, SA

Bronze 85 points

LUC: $13.98

Distributor: Empire Liquor

“Very delicate wine with floral blossom and a touch of unripe cherry to finish.” – Andy Milne

Estandon Heritage Rosé 2024 Provence, France

Bronze 85 points

LUC: $17.63

Distributor: Vintage House Wine and Spirits

“Soft and inviting nose with gentle fruit. Good structure and balanced palate weight. Excellent example of Provence style.” – Ed Peake

Rameau d’Or Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024

AOP Côtes de Provence, France

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $20.96

Distributor: red+white

“Floral with a lovely mediterranean savoury edge and ripe fruit.”

– Sophie Stewart

Oxford Landing Rosé 2025

Riverland, SA

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $6.55

Distributor: Hill-Smith Family Estates

“Zesty fruit nose with florals. Savoury with some fruit sweetness on the palate.” – Beth Dorrough

Rogers & Rufus Barossa Grenache Rosé 2024

Barossa Valley, SA

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $14.73

Distributor: Hill-Smith Family Estates

“Very slight hint of strawberry on the nose. Light and lemony – good for the novice drinker” – Jim Butcher

Tomfoolery Trouble & Strife Rosé 2023

Barossa Valley, SA

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $17.20

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh Wine Merchants

“Strong on the nose with green apple and tropical notes.”

– Christina Butcher

Cloud Street Rosé 2024

Victoria

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $9.87

Distributor: red+white

“Vibrant and rich candied nose. Sweet raspberry and jellybeans on the palate. Good example of a sweeter style.” – Ed Peake

Bone Dry Rosé 2025

Limestone Coast, SA

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $9.75

Distributor: ILG, ALM and Dem

Bones Wines

“Tropical nose with a slight spritz. Bright berries with grip on the palate.” – Beth Dorrough

Majella Rosé 2025

Coonawarra, SA

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $13.65

Distributor: Oatley Wines (SA, NSW, QLD), Alepat Taylor (VIC), Off the Vine (WA)

“Citrus on the nose. Red fruit and bloody orange palate.”

– Ahmad Fadha

Did any wines stand out as offering particularly strong value for money –and at what price points?

“Paddington Lane No.1 was the best in show for me at less than $15!” – James France

“Riverina and Mudgee regions really hold their own today punching well above their weight in value and quality.”

– Serena Carl

“Bunnamagoo Estate Rosé from Mudgee was a real standout with a striking intensity of flavour that didn’t disappoint. Paddington Lane No.1 in the lower price bracket covered such complexity at that price point with everything you could be looking for – florals, stone fruit, savoury saline deliciousness.” – Sophie Stewart

“Thymiopoulos Rosé de Xinomavro and Riesling Rosé were interesting and delicious for the bracket price of $15-$30 LUC.” – Daniel McBride

“There was a real mixed bag – price was not a clear indicator of quality. Specific regions showed great character and distinction.” – Ed Peake

“The $15-30 range shows a lot of stability and would be reasonable to presume decent value for money. My personal highlights were Thymiopoulos Rosé de Xinomavro and Riesling Rose.” – Rachael Paul

“It’s interesting to see imported Provence still around the same LUC as local wines channelling this energy. Local doesn’t always offer the value proposition of being exotic because they don’t have immediate access to it.” – Jordan Blackman

“Bird in Hand Pinot Rosé was stunning. Complex and rich rewarding palate.” – Daryl Fisher

“The sub $15 bracket brought everything that wines twice the price do. There were more truly amazing wines here.”

– Geoff Bollom

“Bento Rosé under $15 has all the right expression of flavour and balance. Bird in Hand Pinot Rosé was also great.”

– Andrew Graham

“I was surprised by the South African and Central Otago expressions. My favourites were the Orange and Hunter Valley options.” – Silvia Segato

Paisley Wines Keyboard Rosé 2024

Barossa Valley, SA

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $13.98

Distributor: Single Vineyard Sellers

“Good honey and floral notes.

Palate has good acidity and light fruit notes.” – Silvia Segato

Mr. Riggs Wine Co. ‘Mr. Brightside’ Rosé 2024

McLaren Vale, SA

Bronze 84 points

LUC: $15.05

Distributor: Empire Liquor

“Strong cranberry on the nose. Raspberry and cream on the palate.

Sweet but good acid balance.”

– Christina Butcher

Brown Brothers Moscato Rosé 2024

Victoria

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $12.47

Distributor: Brown Family Wine Group

“Turkish delight nose and palate with slight fizz. Perfect for Moscato drinkers.” – Serena Carl

Koonara Wines ‘Emily May’

Rosé 2024

Coonawarra, SA

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $13.98

Distributor: Empire Liquor

“Delicate smokiness on the nose. Savoury notes would pair great with duck or smoke trout.”

– James France

Ara Single Estate Rosé 2024

Marlborough, New Zealand

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $15.59

Distributor: Oatley Fine Wine Merchants

“Passionfruit and cheesecake on the nose. Lemon drops on the palate with good texture and racy acidity.” – Daniel McBride

Tread Softly Rosé 2023

South Australia

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $10.54

Distributor: Fourth Wave Wines

“Unripe strawberries on the nose. Delicate palate of watermelon and boiled candies.” – Daniel McBride

Mediteo Rosé 2024

Savoie, France

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $13.44

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh

Wine Merchants

“Canned pineapple and tropical fruit on the nose not carried through to palate. Surprisingly savoury with a twinkly effervescence.”

– Rachael Paul

Owl & Pussycat Rosé 2024

South Australia

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $6.48

Distributor: Local Liquor (exclusive)

“Good herbal aroma. Good fruit notes - pineapple a standout. Firm acid with a short finish.” – Daryl Fisher

The forecast for summer is Rosé – and Bunnamagoo Estate is leading the way

The 2025 National Liquor News Rosé Trade Buyer’s Guide has awarded Bunnamagoo Rosé a coveted Gold Medal, cementing its place as one of the season’s must-have wines.

Crafted from estate-grown Merlot in the heart of Mudgee, this vibrant rosé delivers a subtle fruity palate balanced by a clean, crisp finish that lingers refreshingly dry.

Judge Sophie Stewart praised the wine, noting: “Delightful florals and immediately striking on the palate.”

Adding to its accolades, the wine also received 93 points and a Silver Medal the 2025 RAS Sydney Wine Show, showcasing appeal to both expert panels and wine lovers alike.

Bunnamagoo Estate has long been known for producing quality wines that embody family tradition, sustainable practices, and a true sense of place. With its award-winning Rosé, the winery continues to highlight the unique character of Mudgee while offering a wine perfectly suited for long summer days and warm evenings.

For retailers and venues looking to stock an awardwinning drop this season, Bunnamagoo Rosé promises exceptional value and consumer appeal.

Contact the Bunnamagoo team today for details on sales@bunnamagoowines.com.au or (02) 6371 9005.

Distributor: Bunnamagoo Estate

Did you notice any emerging trends that are shaping the rosé category

“The rosé spritzes, rosé chilled with ice, frosé and brosé – the emergence of rosé and pink drinks in general being targeted at men.” – Emma Sefton

“Noticing a shift away from primary fruit to more secondary flavour characteristics.” – Nick Harris

“Old school versus new school styles. Or better yet a cheeky hybrid of both.” – Serena Carl

“Some wines are so pale – verging on white wine categories. Please don’t go that far.” – Sophie Stewart

“Consumers tend to buy what they know. There is a risk of getting something you don’t expect. We really need to try them all to know.” – Ed Peake

“A push towards Italian styles of Rosato, darker colours without sacrificing acidity or structure.” – Rachael Paul

“I’d say the sheer amount of pale pink Provence styles suggests that this trend is still very much the same. Perhaps it’s simply easier to swim with the tide in this volatile market.”

– Jordan Blackman

“Most of the wines were Provence-style. Great to see Aussies wineries making wines that are on par with the best in the world.” – Geoff Bollom

“It’s very welcoming to see how well the sweetness is managed in these wines. It is such a stark contrast to 10 years ago.” – Andrew Graham

“Dark and textural rosé is more popular now, triggering the curiosity of customers. It’s also great to see more sustainable growers and makers.” – Ahmad Fahda

“Sparkling alongside drier Provence styles are leading. Along with the lighter colour and lower alcohol.” – Nevil Shah

La Fiole Cotes du Rhone Rosé 2023

Rhone Valley, France

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $15.91

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh

Wine Merchants

“Strawberry and dried fruit. Light and refreshing.”

– Beth Dorrough

Pauletts Sangiovese Rosé 2025

Clare Valley, SA

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $12.90

Distributor: Empire Liquor

“Beautiful and floral nose with a light savoury palate.”

- Beth Dorrough

Jericho Rosé 2023

Adelaide Hills, SA

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $16.99

Distributor: Young & Rashleigh

Wine Merchants

“Bold and earthy aroma. Tropical fruit on the palate.” – Jim Butcher

Beresford Classic Rosé 2024

McLaren Vale, SA

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $14.16

Distributor: Vok Beverages

“Tropical fruit and mango on the nose and fruit juice on the palate.”

– Christina Butcher

Angas and Bremer Rosé (Sangiovese) 2024

Langhorne Creek, SA

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $10.96

Distributor: Bacchus Wine Merchant “Slight sweetness on the finish is well balanced by acidity. Great value for money.” – James France

Patisserie Rosé 2025

South Australia

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $12.04

Distributor: Fourth Wave Wines

“Lollies and confectionery on the nose with a strawberries and cream and tart finish.” – Emma Sefton

Winesmiths Dry Rosé Cask NV

South Australia

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $11.22

Distributor: Hill-Smith Family Estates “Green apple on the palate. Would work well with cheese.”

– James France

The Drover Rosé 2025

Riverina, NSW

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $3.55

Distributor: Dee Vine Estate

“Nice colour and pleasant on the nose. Candied red fruit and short palate.” – Daniel McBride

Château Tanunda Dry Rosé 2024

South Australia

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $17.09

Distributor: Château Tanunda

“Turkish delight and currants and sweetness on the finish.”

– Rachael Paul

Turkey Flat Rosé 750ml bottle 2025

Barossa Valley, SA

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $19.03

Distributor: Domaine Wine

Shippers

“Great acidity despite its youth. Attractive fruit and spice with a hint of musk.” – Jordan Blackman

Ferngrove White Label Rosé 2024

Western Australia

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $10.32

Distributor: Ferngrove Wines

“Herbal and vegetal nose. Crunchy, bright savoury and fruity balance with a dry finish.” – Ahmad Fahda

Ferngrove Estate Rosé 2024

Great Southern

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $13.98

Distributor: Ferngrove Wines

“Lifted vibrant nose, fresh berries and lemon zest. Lovely balanced finish. Good structure and complexity.” – Ed Peake

S.O.S. WINES Rosé 2023

Heathcote/ Goulburn Valley VIC

Bronze 83 points

LUC: $14.73

Distributor: Pure Wine Co (National)

“Light berry on the nose. Light profile with a slightly bitter palate and finish.” – Silvia Segato

Thank you to The Winery, Surry Hills for hosting us.