Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) has jumped behind the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) in its fight to prevent wine tax hikes. The association also joins the Wolf Blass Foundation, as well as a growing number of other leading winemakers and regional wine organisations in their campaign. Together, these organisations and winemakers will also be arguing against the separate tax rebate scheme for NZ wine producers in Australia, as well ...

Woolworths has announced significant changes to senior management roles in both its Food and Liquor businesses today. The most significant change sees Brad Banducci, previously Director of Liquor at Woolworths, appointed as Managing Director of the Australian Food and Liquor business. Woolworths Chief Executive Officer, Grant O’Brien said today: “We have appointed a new leadership team under Brad Banducci as Managing Director, Australian Food and Liquor. “Our Liquor business is the ...

At the end of last year, Raj Nagra, Global Brand Ambassador of 13 years for Bombay Sapphire was in Australia, supporting the launch of the brand’s latest initiative here – Project Botanicals. Project Botanicals was a unique activation run by the brand between mid-November to the beginning of December, which invited consumers to its pop-up bar and restaurant in Melbourne for a unique and new ‘Ginstronomy’ concept experience. Specifically, guests ...

Businesses in Victoria have voiced concerns this week after the State Government announced a proposal to introduce Easter Sunday and the AFL Grand Final Eve as new public holidays. Businesses say they are concerned that the extra holidays would impose additional cost burdens on retailers in an already tough trading environment. Jos de Bruin, CEO of leading association for the independent grocery and liquor sector, Master Grocers Australia/Liquor Retailers Australia ...

Taylors Wines has received the trophy for Clare Valley Wine of the Year at this week’s China Wine and Spirits Best Value Awards. The winery received the trophy for its 2014 Taylors Estate Merlot (RRP $18.95). Taylors also took away five double gold and gold medals. This is the second year in a row that Taylors has taken away a major trophy from the awards; the winery won Australian Wine ...

The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing has reminded licensees this week that the remaining Liquor Act review reforms introduced by the Liquor Legislation Amendment (Statutory Review) Act 2014 will become effective as of March 1 this year. From March 1, not-for-profit organisations will be exempt from having to have a liquor licence for up to six fundraising function a year, while licensed brewers and distillers will no longer have ...

Despite concern over heavy rainfall in the Hunter Valley three weeks ago, the region reports positive forecasts. Since the rain passed, the Hunter Valley has experienced temperate (26-28 degrees) weather. Although still cooler than the region’s typical vintage standard, a good strong breeze has dried out tightly bunched fruit, avoiding disease, while the warming temperatures have successfully ripened the fruit. Lakes Folly Chief Winemaker, Rod Kempe, has commented: “for such ...

Woolworths has stepped into the firing line over the proposal of a liquor license for BWS in Northam (WA) and the construction of a new Dan Murphy’s liquor store in Queanbeyan (NSW). In Northam, local businesses and residents say another liquor store would be detrimental to the amenity of the town’s shopping centre. Agricultural Region MP Paul Brown said after meeting with local townspeople: “I see the Boulevard as a ...

Joe Spence, Innovation Manager at Diageo Australia has revealed what he predicts will be ‘on trend’ in the spirits category over the next 12 months, plus some emerging trends the leading drinks business is keeping an eye on. Among predictions, Mr. Spence points to zero sugar, spiced rum and pairing spirits with food for where growth lies for brands in 2015.

New duty rates to excise items became effective on Tuesday, following the December 2014 CPI adjustments. Below are the changes applicable to alcoholic beverages.