Proposed policy changes to Victorian public holidays have once again sparked outrage from Master Grocers Australia and Liquor Retailers Australia. Controversy surrounds a push from the Victorian Government to consider an additional public holiday on the eve of the AFL Grand Final, which according to MGA would be “catastrophic” for small businesses. The body attests that an increase in the number of public holidays has already shaped to be a ...

New Zealand based Villa Maria Wine has claimed high honours at the 2015 Spiegelau International Wine Competition, receiving the title of ‘Champion Producer of the Show’, as well as two varietal trophies and an additional 12 gold medals across Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. “It’s a great night out when our North and South Island winemaking and viticulture teams can walk away with a trophy each. That teamed ...

After a series of state-specific heats, five bartenders have earned the right to compete in this year’s Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge national final, where each will fight for the title of Australian brand ambassador. The national finalists are: NSW – Jimmy Irvine, Baxter Inn WA – Joe Sinagra, Bobeche SA – Roman Tazhdynov, The Bibliotheca Bar VIC – Paul Ramsay, Dutchess QLD – Alex Boon, Jahh Tiger Brittany Page, island2island Brand ...

ASM Liquor Pty Ltd. (ASM) and Totem Onelove Group have signed an agreement naming Vodka O as the official Vodka Partner for Stereosonic 2015. ASM’s Tequila Blu will also feature in VIP bars as the official Tequila for the festival. To celebrate the partnership, ASM Liquor will be making a special edition RTD for the festival, calling on fans to vote on the flavour through social media communities. On the partnership, ...

In a move designed to strengthen the brand’s share of the Australian cider market, Thatchers Gold cider has announced the introduction of 330ml bottles later this year. Cam Pearce, National Sales and Marketing Director for Coopers (which distributes the brand through Premium Beverages) said the 330ml bottles would be fully integrated into Australia by October. “While the UK prefers the 500ml bottle, it is not a size that the Australian ...

Jim Beam is targeting sport lovers with the launch of its ‘Fan Made History’ campaign. Timed with the lead up to sporting finals this August, the campaign celebrates Jim Beam followers and footy fans by providing the opportunity for supporters to share $100,000 with their chosen club. The promotion will be accompanied by a multi-platform campaign including an on-pack promotion, off-premise POS, a dedicated microsite, a social media campaign and ...

From Mal Higgs, Project Manager – ALSA Retail Insights. Many retailers have worked out that they can make a great deal more profit margin selling private label products – especially wine. It is not uncommon to hear stories of a four or five percent increase in gross profit margin across the entire wine category just by selling four or five dozen private label wines in a week. Of course, there is ...

De Bortoli Wines has been recognised as an ABA100 Winner in Sustainability as part of the 2015 Australian Business Awards. The award underlines De Bortoli Wines’ achievements in implementing its “Re-Engineering Our Future for a Carbon Economy Project”, as part of the company’s goal of becoming a zero waste winery. Beginning in 2011 with a $4.8AUD million grant from the Australian Federal Government’s Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program ...

Mateus Rosé Original has introduced updated packaging across Australia, featuring a new clear glass bottle. The move was designed to showcase the liquid’s vibrant colouring and allow consumers not familiar with the brand to recognise the product on-shelf as a rosé. Mateus pioneered its original flask-shape bottle when the product came to market in 1942, with the same unique bottle shape (updated in colour only) to continue as a key ...

Drinks industry professionals from all corners of the industry are invited to attend a series of free educational seminars hosted by leading industry experts that will run during the trade exhibition on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 November at Luna Park in Sydney. Directly following the co-located ‘drinks association Special Event: Network Breakfast’, on Tuesday 17 November, the first seminar session will be led by the drinks association’s CEO, Sandra ...