Representative bodies for the retail sector, Australian National Retailers’ Association (ANRA) and Master Grocers Australia/Liquor Retailers Australia (MGA/LRA) have both voiced their concern over the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the minimum wage by 2.5 per cent. Both associations previously shared their concerns with the commissioning body in the lead up to the decision, advocating that a wage increase of this size would be detrimental for the retail sector. ...

Brian McGuigan and Ian Ferrier announced their retirement from Australian Vintage. The two will retire from their roles on the Board as Chairman and Non-Executive Director respectively. Both joined the board in 1991 as Directors of the company, then known as Brian McGuigan Wines. Over 24 years, Brian and Ian have seen the successful merger between Simeon Wines and Brian McGuigan Wines, forming McGuigan Simeon Wines in 2002, as well ...

Sam Benjamin has been announced as the new Chairman of Liquor Alliance. Nominated and unanimously elected, Sam takes over from Rob Gillies, who has held the role for the past seven years and who announced he would be stepping down from the National Board of Liquor Alliance at the April 2015 Board Meeting of Liquor Alliance Ltd. Rob will stay on as a Director of Thirsty Camel SA / NT. ...

The industry bid farewell to wide-range liquor wholesaler, Southern Independent Liquor (SIL) over the weekend, after the company held a farewell dinner on Friday evening, marking the end of an era with employees and friends of SIL. The company ceased operations in March, following the acquisition of the business by ALM (Australian Liquor Marketers). Addressing more than 120 guests at the farewell dinner held at the Sandringham Yacht Club, ex-Managing ...

Incorporating the USA and UK entities of Naked Wines Australia, Managing Director, Luke Jecks, has been appointed CEO of Naked Wines International. As part of a deal that saw Naked Wines’ previous investors, WIV, bought out by Majestic Wines, the UK’s largest independent wine specialist, for $137M (£70m). As part of the deal Rowan Gormley, the founder of Naked Wines, became the new CEO of Majestic. Naked Wines has an ...

Employees at Treasury Wine Estates have stepped out of their offices and out of the wineries this week to help out a number of charities and not-for-profit organisations across the world as part of the company’s Global Volunteering Week. Over the last week, Treasury Wine Estates’ staff have been doing everything to help support such organisations, from collecting litter to planting trees and cooking hot meals. This is the first ...

Keg rental and collection business, Kegstar has signed a multi-year agreement with Sydney brewery, Young Henrys. Kegstar will act as the main supplier for kegs to Young Henrys, helping to support growing demand at the brewery. “Young Henrys’ cult following and quality beers has resulted in their massive growth, something Kegstar is excited to support moving forward”, Kegstar COO for Australia and New Zealand, Joe Cook said. Kegstar has been ...

We’ve gone through the 2015 Budget and outlined the key areas for businesses within the drinks and hospitality industries. Refer below to see what the most important sections of the 2015 Budget are for you and what they mean for your business with regards to small business and employment, farming and agriculture, and foreign affairs and trade. 2015 Federal Budget Overview Funding has been given to small businesses and infrastructure; This ...

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) revealed a 21.3 per cent decline in its Australian beverage business earnings today, during the announcement of its 2014 full year results. The company says the decline is a result of difficult trading conditions in the market. Pricing proved the most challenging for the company in 2014. “We’re benefiting from lower commodity prices, but rate realisation is definitely the challenge in Australia at the moment”, Group Managing ...

Lion – Beer Spirits Wine (BSW) has signed a long-term deal with Jebsen Fine Wines in China. Expanding Lion’s global footprint into China, the partnership will see a number of wines owned by Lion BSW Australia’s wine business, Fine Wine Partners sold across the country. As part of the agreement, Jebsen will be responsible for the distribution of a number of Australian and American wine brands within the Fine Wine ...