The drinks association is pleased to welcome global leader in human resource consulting and outsourcing solutions, Aon Hewitt as its newest Corporate Partner in 2016. Launched in late 2014, Corporate Partnerships offer mutually beneficial business opportunities that further the association’s aim of building stronger, progressive, competitive and valued services to the drinks industry. Rachael Finnemore, Partner − Head of Reward, says Aon Hewitt is looking forward to working with the ...

Following its recent acquisition of Peter Lehmann Wines, Casella Family Brands has appointed two new roles to its marketing team to help with the expansion. Clive Coleman, formerly Head of Brands Cider and Contemporary Beer at Carlton & United Breweries, will now join Casella as Global Head of Marketing, while Olivia Barrie, who has worked in global marketing with some of Australia’s largest wine companies, including Yalumba and Hill Smith ...

The lowest carbohydrate cider yet is coming to Australia. Recently released by international cider brand Magners, Magners Blonde contains 75 per cent less carbs and 40 per cent less calories, making it the lowest carb cider on the market. Denis Brown, Managing Director of Bacardi-Lion said the launch follows growing health trends in Australia. “In Australia we know we’re a nation that cares about what we’re consuming and what’s contained ...

Absolut Electrik is the latest phase in Absolut’s continuing efforts to transform the nightlife experience. Building on the Absolut Night campaign, which saw different elements of nightlife in cities around the world transformed, these new end of year, limited edition bottles now look to encourage consumers to do the same at home. Absolut Electrik bottles are available in metallic silver and blue, representing electricity and Absolut’s signature cobalt blue. Absolut has ...

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has announced that it is closing its Matua Auckland winery in New Zealand, as well as its Great Western winery here in Australia. The closures form part of the company’s supply chain optimisation plans. Instead, the winery, packaging and cellar door site in Auckland will be consolidated to the Matua Marlborough winery, while operations at the Great Western winery will cease and potentially be sold, if ...

Intercontinental Sydney has announced John Toubia as its new Bars Manager. Toubia comes with past experience from Magazin, Grasshopper and Zeta Bar and will be responsible for overseeing the beverage agenda across its city outlets, as well as driving the InterContinental’s new Supper Club. On his appointment, InterContinental Sydney said: “John will bring great skills and new disciplines to the role and the hotel with his experience in cocktail innovation, engineering, ...

Four Pillars has officially opened the doors to its own, brand new distillery in the Yarra Valley. The distillery has been opened to help meet growing demand for the gin, first launched through crowd-funding in December 2013. A former timber yard, the Four Pillars Distillery spans across 700 square metres and features Four Pillars’ two German sister-stills, Jude (600L) and Eileen (50L). The stills will increase production capacity for Four ...

The Somersby Cider brand has introduced a new family member just in time for summer: Blackberry. The new flavoured cider joins the current Somersby portfolio of Apple and Pear, combining the brand’s renowned crisp and refreshing taste with the added sweetness of blackberry. Grayson Cook at Asahi Premium Beverages says: “Somersby Cider has been growing at rapid rates since its launch in 2012, and with this success we’re thrilled to ...

In 2010, the Royal Oak Hotel in Clarendon, SA registered to become an U.G.L.Y. venue; bartender Gavin Alcoe had recently lost a close friend to Leukaemia and wanted to help make a difference in the lives of people suffering from this insidious disease. Raising $7,000 in their first year of U.G.L.Y. Bartender, Royal Oak Hotel staff and patrons got behind the campaign, taking out the state winner title in 2012 ...

Western Australia won the top awards at this year’s Craft Beer Awards, taking the title of Champion Craft Beer from 2014 NSW winner, Modus Operandi Brewing Company. It was the family-owned microbrewery, Feral Brewing Co. that won this year’s Champion Craft Beer award, as well as Champion Wheat Beer with its sour beer, Watermelon Warhead. The winning brew is a light sour German wheat beer that has been infused with half a tonne ...