National Liquor News May 2020

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING LIQUOR INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

vol. 39 no. 4 - May 2020

RELAUNCHING AN ICON. GLENFIDDICH READIES TO ELEVATE ITS LUXURY STATUS.

Connecting Brands With Retailers

Stay safe and let’s keep talking

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For more details on the Digital Marketplace please contact Shane T Williams e: stwilliams@intermedia.com.au m: 0431857765

Editor’s note

Editor’s note

WE ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE DRINKING Get the facts DrinkWise.org.au

PUBLISHED BY: Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd A division of The Intermedia Group 41 Bridge Road GLEBE NSW Australia 2037 Tel: 02 9660 2113 Fax: 02 9660 4419 Publisher: Paul Wootton pwootton@intermedia.com.au Editor: Deborah Jackson djackson@intermedia.com.au Journalist: Brydie Allen ballen@intermedia.com.au General Manager Sales – Liquor & Hospitality Group: Shane T. Williams stwilliams@intermedia.com.au Group Art Director – Liquor and Hospitality: Kea Thorburn kthorburn@intermedia.com.au Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Subscription Rates 1yr (11 issues) for $70.00 (inc GST) 2yrs (22 issues)for $112.00 (inc GST) – Saving 20% 3yrs (33 issues) for $147.00 (inc GST) – Saving 30% To subscribe and to view other overseas rates visit www.intermedia.com.au or Call: 1800 651 422 (Mon – Fri 8:30-5pm AEST) Email: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

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4 | National Liquor News

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This publication is published by Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information.

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Lion is proud to Support Your Local through this uncertain time and into recovery

Making draught beer available and safe to sell

Taking back unused kegs

Readying tap systems for re-opening

We’re distributing 1.25L ‘growler’ PET bottles to pubs and clubs nationally to help sell draught beer.

10,000 growlers and 500 dispensers are already on their way to venues in NSW

We’ve credited 4,460 customers a total of $23.5 million for 85,279 kegs, with many more to come

We’ve cleaned 10,000 beer couplers and taps to help some 500 pubs get ready to re-open once social distancing measures are lifted

lionco.com

Contents May 2020

Regulars

Wine

8 The latest liquor industry

30 Is COVID-19 affecting the

news for retailers around Australia

domestic wine market?

32 Vintage 2020 – how has

20 Marketplace: Connecting brands with liquor retailers

it fared?

38 Wine Tasting Review:

22 IRI: Will the pandemic impact Christmas 2020 sales?

28 ABA applauds industry support during COVID-19

Retail Focused

Pinot Noir

Beer 29 IBA: We catch up with new GM Kylie Lethbridge 36

14 Social Media: Online engagement skyrockets 15 Leasing: Do you understand your rights?

16 Norrelle Goldring provides some post COVID-19

go unheard

Spirits 12 Cover Story: William Grant & Sons relaunches an icon 27 Spirits & Cocktails Australia introduces new

predictions 18 Retail Spotlight: #GoWithEmptyEskys shifts focus 24 Liquor Legends fast tracks new tech rollout 26 Are your cyber-security systems up to scratch?

31 Essential support during unprecedented times

6 | National Liquor News

Beer Tasting Review

42 Brewing: Excise tax cries

leadership team 34

Retailing Aperitivo

W E N

ARBORALIS NOTES OF HONEY, DRIED FRUITS & DELICATE SPICE.

News The latest liquor industry

For retailers around the country

Retailers adapt to changing shopper behaviour As more and more consumers are trading down to help manage their household budgets, liquor retailers are needing to be more agile than ever.

Unemployment figures continue to rise and as such consumers’ discretionary spend is much lower – and this is being reflected through liquor retail, with IRI data reflecting a shift away from premiumisation and more towards bulk and value products.

Lachlan Cameron, Consultant at IRI highlights a “clear preference for quantity over quality, evidenced by stronger

Intermedia makes it easier for brands and retailers to connect

growth in larger pack sizes in addition to a sharp increase in Private Label sales”.

“In addition many consumers are sticking to brands they know,

The increase and importance of virtual events and digital

spurning experimentation as evidenced by eight of the top 10 growth

communications has become undeniably significant, and

brands over the last two weeks being in the top 10 biggest brands.”

even more so during the global pandemic.

And so in line with the growing demand, The Intermedia Group has added a new service to its portfolio – Virtual Events – offering multiple brand opportunities in the digital event space.

Virtual Events provides end-to-end solutions to deliver virtual events and digital communications through The Intermedia Group’s proven distribution channels. Delivering live and recorded content to the audience directly, brands will be able to boost their engagement, brand awareness

Cameron also noted that while consumers are more price conscious many are still keen for quality products, which presents a challenge for retailers.

Paul Ververis, Director of Liquor Emporium, has told National Liquor News that liquor retailers need to be agile and able to quickly adapt to the changing market.

“You need to let the shoppers tell you what they want to buy, and they do that with their pockets,” he said.

“We are needing to find better products at a cheaper price.

and lead generation by live stream and or long-term hosting

Honestly, I think the average spend from customers is high but they

to ensure reaching the largest possible audience.

are getting so much more product for what they’re buying. So

The opportunities are endless, from studio environment

where they would normally buy a $60-$80 bottle of Champagne,

and remotely, type of event and communication, messaging,

we’re already seeing people buying two $40 bottles instead. And

branding and content delivery… It has never been easier to

eventually that might go to six $10 bottles. It just has to.

expand the digital opportunities.

“As a B2B media company, we’re in the business of

“The $550 or $750, that people are entitled to (through JobSeeker or JobKeeper) really doesn’t go far.

connecting brands with their customers – so we’re very

“Don’t get me wrong, there are still people with high disposable

excited to be launching Virtual Events, which provides

incomes that are still buying premium products, but the majority of

our clients with dynamic new marketing opportunities

the customer base is definitely looking for value now.”

and makes events accessible to everyone, irrespective of geography or social distancing rules,” says The Intermedia Group Managing Director, Simon Grover.

“A natural extension to our existing media solutions, Virtual Events enables companies to continue to engage and interact with our audiences, sharing expertise, showcasing brand credentials and building relationships with customers, even in these unprecedented times.”

For more information contact Beth Tobin on btobin@intermedia.com.au or 0413 762 757.

8 | National Liquor News

News

WA restrictions eased, but retailers remain vigilant The Western Australian Government has announced

More newsletter reads

a cautious easing of restrictions, including allowing indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people.

The new 10-person rule, which became effective

➤

on Monday 27 April, brings WA in line with the restrictions in South Australia.

The changes, based on health advice, follow

➤

a continued low number of new cases and the encouraging response to COVID-19 in WA. They

the reality is there could be a return to a more rigid

open the door for more non-contact recreational

lock down during winter, therefore we must ensure

activities such as private picnics in the park, fishing,

we plan for the worst and hope for the best.

boating, hiking and camping – all in compliance

“So, if there is anything that needs attention like a

with travel restrictions, social distancing practices,

faulty ‘tap and go’ terminal, any refrigeration servicing

and the 10-person rule.

or general maintenance that needs help from a third

The Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia (LSA WA) says that these are all great signs that show the spread of the virus is being well managed, but CEO Peter Peck is reminding liquor retailers to not become complacent.

“I do stress, we are managing it, not defeating it,” he said.

➤

party, now may be the best time to get it done.

“I’d also encourage you to look at your staff roster.

Do you have a plan if you or your staff can’t work?

“I suggest having a Plan B for staffing. It could be the time for family or friends to get a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate just in case.

“To get on top of the virus it’s important we all

“With the colder months just around the corner,

➤

stay two or three steps ahead.”

➤

W ine exports positive but pandemic impacts yet to come D an Murphy’s boosts employment and entertainment R etail Drinks criticises ‘inconclusive and inadequate’ MUP report C oles expects elevated liquor sales to continue O verall alcohol purchases drop as panic buying stops

Sign up to our fortnightly Newsletter by going to this URL: https://www.theshout.com. au/subscribe-to-nln/

Coronavirus spurs deferral of Containers for Change The launch date for Containers for Change in Western Australia has been deferred due to the coronavirus pandemic.

and significant project the industry will buy-in on.

“We believe the scheme reflects the changing values in our society and while there is a small

Originally planned for launch on 2 June,

cost to the consumer, there are massive benefits

the decision to delay the scheme is due to the

to the environment and community, including the

unprecedented impact of COVID-19 and its

creation of new jobs and allowing charities and

expected disruption to refund points.

community organisations to raise money.”

Industry associations have welcomed

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson, said

the deferment, which they say will allow

that there were too many potential health risks

stakeholders to focus on getting through this

and logistical difficulties to start the scheme on

unprecedented period.

2 June.

The scheme’s postponement is in accordance

“While it is disappointing to be deferring the

with advice from the scheme co-ordinator, WA

scheme, we remain committed to delivering the

Return Recycle Renew Ltd (WARRRL).

most diverse and accessible scheme in Australia.

Liquor Stores Association (LSA WA) CEO,

“We will continue to work together and

Peter Peck, says: “The deferment of the CDS

update the community, operators and suppliers

will allow the relevant stakeholders to focus on

throughout this period of uncertainty.”

the task at hand and that is getting through the other side of this global pandemic.

“Not withstanding, the CDS is a worthwhile

A review will take place in August 2020 to determine whether the scheme’s new start date will be November 2020 or June 2021.

May 2020 | 9

News

Voluntary purchase limit restrictions ended Retail Drinks Australia has confirmed that its members’ voluntary national initiative, which placed temporary limits on the amount of product customers could purchase in one transaction, has ended.

Retail Drinks CEO Julie Ryan said the restrictions had served the purpose of alleviating concerns regarding potential panicbuying of alcohol.

“The specific purpose of the restrictions was to demonstrate

Success continues for Lyre’s

coordinated industry leadership by liquor retailers, and to pre-

It is just 12 months since Lyre’s launched its range of non-

emptively address concerns regarding panic-buying.

alcoholic spirits in Australia, and already the brand has become

“After monitoring data closely over the last month, we can report that despite early elevated purchasing following initial

the world’s most awarded non-alcoholic spirit.

Following on from its success at the Concours d’Spirits competition last year where the Aperitif Rosso was awarded a double gold medal and three other spirits won silver medals, Lyre’s has enjoyed more success at the San Francisco World

announcements of COVID-19 related restrictions, we have seen purchasing trends flatten and return to near-normal.

“Retail liquor trading has returned to 2019 levels, and in many cases is actually significantly lower.

“On average, liquor retail sales in April are up to 15 per cent

Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

The SFWSC is one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world and Co-Founder Mark Livings said that for Lyre’s to be awarded 10 medals at the competition, highlights the

lower than this time last year and Easter trading was also up to 10 per cent lower than the 2019 Easter trading period.

“Some liquor retailers are reporting their worst April trading in over four years.

credibility of the brand.

“This is a real watershed for us,” Livings said. “Ten medals

“The significant reduction in liquor sales is consistent with the

including two golds, builds on our double gold at SommCom and

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Global Economic & Markets

the Drink Easy awards in Australia. We are very, very proud to be

Research report CBA Card Spend – week ending 3 April 2020,

the most awarded non-alcoholic spirit in the world now.”

published 6 April 2020, which showed that overall alcohol

Speaking about what has been the highlight for the brand over its first 12 months, Livings said: “It’s really interesting to see the interest go from something quite passive with some curiosity

purchasing was 10 per cent lower in the first week of April than the same time in the prior year.”

Ryan says that Australians’ alcohol consumption has been

but not a lot of commitment and reverse to have companies

trending down for many years, and a short one-week spike in

approaching us and asking ‘can they distribute for us’ ‘how do

purchasing associated with the fear of bottle shop closures has

they get their hands on our product’.

done nothing to change that.

“We have had enquiry from every corner of the Earth, from Bangladesh to Brazil there are distributors who want our product ASAP, which is really encouraging.”

Lyre’s is currently available in eight countries and was set to launch in 25 more, but those plans have been put on hold due to coronavirus. But virus-permitting the brand will be available across Western Europe by the end of the year and will also be gaining traction in Asia.

Stay up to date online The events and news surrounding how coronavirus is affecting the industry are unfolding rapidly, with government mandates being rolled out daily. To stay abreast of these changes in real time, you can find all of our coverage online at www.theshout.com.au/national-liquor-news

10 | National Liquor News

N EW HALF TH E ALCOHOL DE LICIOUSLY CRISP TASTE ENJOY JACOB’S CREEK RESPONSIBLY.

Cover Story

Relaunching

an icon William Grant & Sons embraces it’s heritage by elevating Glenfiddich’s luxury status.

It was the year 1887, in Speyside Scotland, when

towards exploration of new experiences, provenance

William Grant built the Glenfiddich Distillery with

and authentic brands.”

the help of his seven sons and two daughters. This

As the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch

home base of Glenfiddich, which means ‘valley of the

whiskies and Australia’s number one seller in the

deer’, was finished in a single year, turning William’s

category, Glenfiddich is often an easy choice for

dreams into a reality.

consumers looking to trade up to a luxury spirit.

And today, William Grant & Sons (WG&S) is

Its contemporary redesign will help illustrate

embracing this heritage behind the iconic whisky,

this, adding further appeal to an already well-

relaunching with a more sophisticated and elegant

respected product.

design that celebrates its maverick beginnings and family origins.

Three top retail tips 1. A lways stock a range that’s right

Asciak said that Glenfiddich’s reputation: “Signals confidence for shoppers; be they first time malt

The new look has a chiseled profile, featuring a

shoppers trading up from blends, gifters unfamiliar

v-shaped valley cut into the glass with the Glenfiddich

with the category or wanting to impress, or regular

gold embossed stag sitting within. Along with the

malt shoppers seeking trade up options from a known

physical change, they have rebranded the 12 and

brand they can trust.”

for your store and its shoppers.

2. G ive older whisky variants more space, as they respond three

15 year old whiskies to be known as ‘Our Original

Retailers can find significant opportunity in

Twelve’ and ‘Our Solera Fifteen’, respectively being

encouraging customers to move towards luxury

a nod to the brand’s signature expression and their

spirits, especially in the younger generation of

celebration of the Solera system.

shoppers who account for half of all global luxury

times better to display.

3. C onsider a layout by taste and not

Marketing Manager for Whisk(e)y at WG&S,

growth. Glenfiddich’s premium range is a good choice

Kristie Asciak, describes the relaunch as being

to help you benefit from this trend, with products

resonates better

motivated by growing interest in luxury spirits from

ranging from an RRP of $80, through to $50,000.

with shoppers.

both new and existing consumers.

Rollout of the Glenfiddich redesign coincides with

“We have seen consistent double digit growth

World Whisky Day (16 May), supported by a range of

for Glenfiddich,” Asciak said. “It’s being driven

advertising and promotional material over the next

by premiumisation but also an increasing trend,

12 months to enhance brand status and keep relevant

particularly amongst emerging whisky drinkers,

to consumers post-pandemic.

12 | National Liquor News

■

region, as this

Liquor news straight to your inbox For the latest liquor retail news, subscribe to the National Liquor News e-newsletter

www.theshout.com.au/ national-liquor-news

Social Media

Online engagement with alcohol brands up by 326% With most people doing the right thing and staying home, social media is more crucial than ever to connect with consumers, as Brydie Allen reports.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s anything but business

it’s a great time to get your business in front of these people in a

as usual for the industry.

sensitive manner,” Stevens said.

But even while businesses are closed, or trading in a significantly

Listen First said being involved with these conversations about

different way than usual, that doesn’t mean that the crux of their

COVID-19 is what builds strong engagement, pointing to the fact

social media strategy should change. With most people doing the

that eight of the top 10 performing posts by alcohol brands address

right thing and staying home, social media is more crucial than ever

the pandemic.

to connect with consumers.

Posts that respond to the current situation in any sort of way are

This is true for all businesses right now, but the significance for

valuable for the entertainment, social connection and hope that they

alcohol related companies is staggering. According to data analysed

can provide. Especially for businesses that aren’t trading the same

by Listen First, social engagement about alcohol brands increased by

way as usual, this might mean rethinking what you usually post.

326.51 per cent in March 2020 compared to March 2019.

To give perspective on that number, Listen First said that other

“Use this time to gain engagement with entertaining content, rather than sales pitches,” Stevens suggested.

brands front of mind for consumers during the pandemic regarded

“Consider doing a series of Instagram stories focused on cocktail

health and food; however, these types of companies only experienced

making at home. Brands could run a poll or request comments on

141.25 per cent and 58.08 per cent increases respectively.

their followers’ favourite way to drink a particular alcohol. They

The liquor industry growth isn’t coming from being opportunistic

could also run a fun competition by requesting for users to tag the

either, with Listen First noting that there was actually a 17 per cent

brand in their #StayHome cocktail creations and offer the best or

decrease in the amount of posts in March 2020 compared to March

more creative concoction a prize. The trick is to get users to show

2019. So even though companies are posting less than they were

their wider network that they’re engaging with the brand.”

last year, consumer engagement with these posts is skyrocketing.

We’ve been seeing this already from across the country and the

This is big news for liquor retailers, as it highlights a significant

world with great impacts on the community, both for the industry and

opportunity. Now is the perfect time to build your online following

consumers. Venues and producers are running online masterclasses,

and interest in your venue, so you can make an even bigger splash

competitions, challenges, or just posting their latest home cocktails,

post-pandemic.

keeping the industry in mind when we can’t physically be in it.

Claire Stevens, Director of social media agency Crunchy Social,

As Listen First said: “If it’s through comedy or charity, it appears

said the pandemic gives consumers and businesses a unique way to

that the social media audience wants to hear from alcohol brands

connect outside of the physical world.

around the coronavirus.”

“Consumers are on social media platforms more than ever and 14 | National Liquor News

■

This story was originally published on Bars and Clubs.

Leasing

Mandatory code of contact for tenants during COVID-19 Marianna Idas, the Principal at eLease Lawyers breaks down the Mandatory Code of Contact to simplify it for tenants that are in need of assistance and unsure of their rights.

The Mandatory Code of Contact (‘the Code’) was introduced on 7 April 2020. It

provided to the tenant under this Code.

3.

L andlords

must

offer

tenants

Marianna Idas Principal eLease Lawyers

pandemic ending or the existing lease expiring, and taking into account a

outlines a set of principles to guide rent relief

proportionate reductions in rent

reasonable subsequent recovery period.

negotiations between landlords and tenants.

payable in the form of waivers and

Each State and Territory will implement

deferrals of up to 100 per cent of the

legislation based on the Code.

amount ordinarily payable. This is on a

10. Tenants should be provided with an

Currently, about 50 per cent of landlords

case by case basis, based on the tenant’s

opportunity to extend their lease for a

and tenants have agreed to rent relief. About

actual reduction in trade.Clarity is

period equivalent to any period of rent

25 per cent of tenants believe the relief

required around tenants that elected to

waiver and/or deferral.

provided is not enough and are dissatisfied.

close, rather than being required to by

11. Landlords must not draw on a tenant’s

Many are not documenting the agreement

the Government, or for the treatment

security for the non-payment of rent

and this could pose some problems in the

of online sales conducted from the

during this period. If the tenant breaches

future. Generally, a written agreement can

premises during any shutdown.

the subsequent agreement, then the

9. No fees, interest, or other charges should be applied to rent or deferred rent.

only be amended by another agreement in

4. Waivers of rent must account for at

writing and signed by both parties. An email

least 50 per cent of the reduction in rent

is not enough.

provided to the tenant. Tenants may

12. Rent must not increase during this

waive the requirement for a 50 per cent

period (except for retail leases based on

minimum waiver by agreement.

turnover rent).

What is the object of the Code?

Code will not protect them and the landlord can claim the security.

• Landlords and tenants are to act in good

5. Payment of rental deferrals by the tenant

13.

Tenants will not be penalised for operating under reduced trading hours.

faith to negotiate a temporary arrangement;

must be amortised over the balance of

• The parties are to share the financial

the lease term and for a period of no less

hardship in a proportionate and measured

than 24 months, whichever is the greater,

manner; and

unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

What if an agreement is not reached?

• The turnover reduction of the tenant’s

6. Any reduction in statutory charges (e.g.

Where landlords and tenants cannot

business is reflected in the rental waiver

land tax, council rates) or insurance or

reach an agreement either the landlord

to be agreed upon by the parties.

benefits received by the landlord due to

or the tenant may refer the matter to the

a deferral of loan repayments should be

relevant State or Territory dispute resolution

passed on to the tenant.

processes for binding mediation.

What are the principles of the Code?

1. Landlords must not terminate the lease

7. Where the tenant is not able to trade, the

While it is not necessary to have a lawyer

due to non-payment of rent during

landlords should aim to waive recovery of

assist you, it is a good idea. Your lawyer will

this period (or reasonable subsequent

any other expense (or outgoing payable)

be able to guide you to ensure you comply

by a tenant.

with the rights and obligations under the

recovery period).

2. Tenants must remain committed to

8. If negotiated arrangements under this

Code and aim to get you the best possible

the terms of their lease, subject to any

Code necessitate repayment, this should

rent reduction. When an agreement is

amendments to their rental agreement

occur over an extended period to avoid

reached, your lawyer can draft the relevant

negotiated under this Code. Material

placing an undue financial burden on the

documentation to ensure both parties

failure to abide by substantive terms of

tenant. No repayment should commence

commit to that agreement. A verbal or email

their lease will forfeit any protections

until the earlier of the COVID-19

agreement is not enough.

■

May 2020 | 15

COVID-19 Predictions

Liquor after coronavirus – experiential expected to rule

Consumers accustomed to buying online based on product and price will be craving social experiences post-pandemic, but will the on-premise and off-premise be able to deliver? By Norrelle Goldring.

At time of writing, the Australian on-premise is pretty

off-premise and on-premise outlets. Why would a

much closed other than for takeaway, and off-premise

shopper go to a bottle shop just for product and price,

and online liquor sales are soaring.

when they’ve become used to doing that online?

But once the pandemic crisis eases and Australian

The consumer need for experiential will see

life and the economy resume some semblance of

increased desire for the sensorial. Expect to see a rash of

‘normality’, what will the liquor industry look like,

tastings in both the on-premise and off-premise once

and what will consumers want?

social distancing finishes. Particularly group-based

I’ve dragged the crystal ball out of the (newly clean)

tastings and events where people can share in the same

closet and dusted it off; so here are a few hypotheses.

room together. Conversely, consumer acclimatisation to virtual forums may mean opportunities for brands

Consumer psychological and behavioural hangovers

and direct to consumer (DTC) organisations to run

The coronavirus pandemic has forced everyone online

consumers in other states and locations to dial in via

for virtually everything, with surprisingly successful

videoconference to an otherwise on-site tasting in a

results in a number of instances (videoconferencing

specific location.

virtual tastings online via videoconference, or for

comes to mind). Many retail businesses have re-

The desire for social and sensorial experiences

geared around online sales, which are expected in the

translates to an anticipated increase in brewery and

near term to increase by several percentage points as a

winery cellar door tourism (for those operators who

proportion of overall Australian retail. Consumers are

survive the shutdown), particularly if still encouraged

increasingly becoming accustomed to buying online,

by government to ‘holiday at home’, compounded

primarily based on product range and price.

by the post-bushfire messages encouraging travel

Aside from contactless delivery and cashless

and shopping local, and in an environment where

payments becoming the norm, this is likely to result in

international travel is still banned. Although a

the acceleration of the role of experiential in physical

likely recession combined with job losses may mean

16 | National Liquor News

“Initially, consumers in the middle of the pandemic may stick with their favourites as they are psychologically considered safer bets. Over time though, consumers may tire of their ‘usuals’ and adopt a more experimental mindset.”

COVID-19 Predictions

a temporary shift to more value price

Pre-COVID-19, abstinence from alcohol

would discover a new brand in the on-premise

points, consumers will still be able to travel

had been on the rise, particularly among

(this is where manufacturers would place

domestically. Regions such as McLaren Vale

Millennial and Gen Z consumers. Will

brand building and trial emphasis), and that

and Margaret River, which offer a multitude

a lack of on-premise options reinforce

the role of the off-premise was to sell volume.

of activity types, vistas and proximity to

or accelerate this? It could go either of

This dynamic may now change and the off-

terrain such as beaches, should do well. On

two ways. Given pandemic behaviour of

premise may become more important for trial.

the other hand, the need for the experiential

stockpiling alcohol and anecdotal evidence

On the other hand, punters will be craving

may accelerate the decline of production

of increased consumption levels while

new and different products, so it will be very

breweries with no cellar doors or other

people are bored at home and their bosses

important for brands to support on-premise

discernible points of difference.

can’t see what they’re doing during ‘work

with trials and sampling to obtain ranging.

Likewise buying local, rather than

hours’, there may be a sustained increase in

And then there’s the takeaway genie,

international or global brands, may increase.

alcohol consumption by certain sectors of

which may be hard to put back in the bottle.

Not only as reactive consumer support,

the population. On the other hand, those

Consumers’ perceptions of what takeaway

but also as part of an active push toward

stuck at home overindulging may be ‘over

food is will have been expanded to include

domestic self-sufficiency and surety, and

it’ post-pandemic and looking for interesting

more upscale options, and many on-premise

hygiene of product supply, ‘untainted’ by the

alcohol alternatives, likely in the on-premise.

outlets will have installed systems, processes

global supply chain. This may see domestic

This may see an acceleration of mocktails

and delivery partnerships to cater to it. So it

brands’ business skew even more heavily

and no-alcohol spirits.

may be that we see a continuation of pub,

to their home states. Further, consumers

restaurant and café takeaway, albeit in a reduced form.

be actively supportive during either or both

New channel structure and operations?

of the bushfires and/or the coronavirus

Economically, the pandemic and associated

sales back to the on-premise as the balance

pandemic, such as Archie Rose Distillery’s

economic downturn are likely to see a

is redressed. Bottle shops will need to

well publicised repurposing as a hand

shakeout of small beer and wine producers,

expand range to cater to experimentation,

sanitiser producer.

may favour brands that have been seen to

The off-premise, meanwhile, will lose

despite initiatives such as the Cellardoor

particularly if pubs go back to more of a

The current price sensitivity resulting from

Challenge. Certainly cellar door only

‘core’ range. Those without an online offer

job losses should lift as more jobs come back

operations impacted by tourism bans may

or in-store experiential aspect may suffer

online post whatever recession we’re going

struggle to stay afloat even if they pivot

as people become more accustomed to

to have. It will be interesting to see if this

heavily to online and mailing list sales. Post-

ordering online.

results in a resurgence of premium products,

pandemic, the larger companies are likely to

All in all, it will be an example of Darwin’s

or whether the retention of a value-for-money

be able to get up to speed more quickly than

survival of the fittest – not the strongest, but

mindset evidencing itself in more ‘affordable’

smaller operators, which will be stretched

the most adaptable. And experiential will

products such as Otherside Brewing Co’s

getting things like sales teams back into place.

rule as social and sensorial environments

new ‘Plan C Simple Ale’, will stick. I would

In the on-premise, we’ll obviously be

expect top shelf luxury and super premium

dealing with a reduced outlet universe across

products to suffer in the medium term due

channel segments. Outlets may choose to

to a cautiously optimistic, rather than overtly

play it safe with the brand ‘big boys’, which

hedonistic, consumer mentality.

may be perceived to offer more supply

Initially, consumers in the middle of the

stability, quicker production scale up and

pandemic may stick with their favourites as

arguably better rebates than independents.

they are psychologically considered safer bets.

We may see a resurgence of tap contracts

Over time though, consumers may tire of

which results in the smaller producers

their ‘usuals’ and adopt a more experimental

losing taps, reducing the variety available to

mindset. This is likely to favour the smaller,

consumers in pubs and clubs overall.

local producers that survive and will be bolstered by tastings post-social distancing.

And then there’s those abstaining.

This could have some interesting side effects. According to a number of brand manufacturers, it used to be that consumers

take precedence.

■

About Norrelle Goldring: Norrelle has 20 years’ experience in the liquor industry and in retail, category, channel and customer strategy, planning and research, working in and with global retailers, manufacturers and research houses.

Contact Norrelle on 0411735190 or email norrellegoldring@hotmail.com.

May 2020 | 17

Retail Spotlight

Free online stores for retailers

The #GoWithEmptyEskys campaign has switched its focus but maintains the same goal to support local communities on their journey to recovery, as Brydie Allen reports.

It’s been an incredibly tough slog for many Australian businesses lately.

As a nation, we’ve endured drought, bushfires, floods, and now a global pandemic. For businesses hit hard by any of the above, recovery is hard and made worse by the compounding of the other

“The big picture isn’t really now, it’s the other side of this,” Gareth Southam, BDE, Independent Liquor Group

unprecedented events.

Throughout the bushfire crisis, we heard of some great efforts from the industry to come together and support each other. This included the #GoWithEmptyEskys campaign, which asks tourists to come back and support fire-affected communities. The campaign fit into a viral movement, encouraging Australians to support local businesses and tourism and help the country recover from one of our most devastating summers.

Unfortunately now in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions and guidelines have meant that the campaign’s major message can’t be applied. However, communities still need the help, so rather than the campaign being put on hold, it has switched focus.

One of the driving forces behind the #GoWithEmptyEskys

business owners learn how to create good content and manage their online stores.

campaign is BDE in the South Coast of NSW for Independent Liquor

Any retailer that can provide takeaway or delivery services

Group (ILG), Gareth Southam. He said they’ve changed the message

is welcome, whether it be offering food and drink to the local

behind the campaign and are now telling people to stay at home, while

community or a nationwide supply of products via the post. There’s

still supporting businesses that need it.

a PayPal gateway to take payment through the website, or a business

“We just wanted to encourage people to get down here but obviously all that’s changed, so now we’re actually telling people not to come down. It’s quite ironic how things change.

can enter their contact details for people to pay over the phone or in person for local takeaway orders.

“One of our major reasons [for the campaign] is to get people

“But we thought, ‘well, these businesses still need support’… so

connected with the businesses that can still offer services, because

that’s why we created the Go With Empty Eskys community online

some people might be thinking everything is closed. But we can

store where they can actually go and create an online store for free

re-educate people, and engage them without breaking the rules.

if they didn’t have one or wanted to expose themselves to another broader market Australia wide.”

“The big picture isn’t really now, it’s the other side of this. Right now, we all know it’s here and we know it’s spreading and they’re doing the

The community online store is now ready for businesses to

best they can to stop it. But on the other side of it, we’ve got to make

get set up and for customers to start buying. It’s free to set up

sure that people are going to still be there to earn money and have a

an online store and there’s even an included program to help

bit of a lifestyle again,” Southam said.

18 | National Liquor News

■

BE PART O F AU S TR A L I A’ S L A R G E S T L I QUOR C O -O P E R AT I V E

» »

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R etu r n of al l surpluse s thro ugh pa tron ag e reb at es an d su b sid i s ed who le sa le pric e s E x ten sive range o f pro duc ts a ime d to en h an ce m arg in Ou ts tan d i n g buying powe r fro m a n ex t en s iv e ran g e of Su p p l i ers who a re fe llow me m be rs of t h e co-op Au ton omy and inde pe nde nce Acces s to mo de r n in- ho use g ra phic d es ig n s t u d io R etai l man age m e nt a nd de sign suppor t Con temp orar y signa ge a nd bra nding E -commerce/ D- co m m e rce ca pa bility Ch oice of tra ding te r m s to suit yo ur bu s in es s Commi tted Sta te Sa le s Te a m s Ch oice an d flexibility in a ba nne r g rou p t o s u it y ou r b u s i n es s mode l

For more information, contact: Pat Kenny 0409 308 341 (NSW/VIC) or Craig Stephenson 0434 575 589 (QLD) or visit www.ilg.com.au

Marketplace Connecting brands and retailers

James Squire launches alcoholic ginger beer Lion’s craft beer brand James Squire has made its first move outside of traditional craft beer or cider, with the

Jacob’s Creek gets Better by Half Jacob’s Creek has listened to consumers, launching a new range of light

launch of an alcoholic ginger beer.

Crafted using

and crisp wines that contain half the alcohol and calories of regular wine –

Australian ginger the

Jacob’s Creek Better By Half.

James Squire Ginger

It is available now in 750ml bottles and features on-trend varietals Pinot Grigio, Rosé and Brut Cuvée sparkling.

The new range meets a growing demand from millennials who are increasingly adopting a mindset of moderation.

To make Better By Half, winemakers in the Barossa Valley gently separate the alcohol away from the wine with a special filter during the winemaking process.

The wine has been reduced to just 5.5 per cent ABV – a 50 per cent

Beer has been created in response to the growing consumer demand for more refreshing and easy to drink options.

Malcolm Eadie, Brand Director of Premium and Craft at Lion said: “This new member of

decrease in alcohol and due to this, Jacob’s Creek Better By Half also has a

the James Squire family brings all the quality

50 per cent decrease in calories.

the brand is known for, as well as scale. James

Jacob’s Creek Winemaker, Trina Smith said: “We wanted to offer people

Squire has a strong track record when it comes

wines of true varietal character – while also achieving lower alcohol and

to innovation in the beer category and we are

calories than were previously available in Australia – getting to a true ‘half

confident this will be a real catalyst for further

the alcohol, half the calories’ wine.

growth in Ginger Beer.

“The varieties we chose are sessionable, on trend and highly desired.

The rosé revolution is still growing strong and Pinot Grigio is the fastest growing wine variety globally. The Brut Cuvée is perfect for celebratory social occasions where consumers want to join in and cheers the moment.”

“We are already seeing big demand for the product in NSW, QLD and WA in particular.”

James Squire Ginger Beer is a permanent release which is now available nationally in cans with an RRP of $27 for a 330ml six-pack.

It will also be available on tap in James Squire brewhouses and select pubs nationally when venues are permitted to re-open.

Lion has deliberately moved the look away from the existing style for James Squire, with the dark blue 330ml can featuring a distinctive bright coloured ginger beard. The drink can be enjoyed straight from the can or over ice with lime which is the recommended serve.

Did you know?

20 | National Liquor News

The ginger beer segment is currently growing at 51 per cent year on year!

Marketplace

BentSpoke releases Flanders Red: Flemm Rekorderlig rolls out latest innovation: Botanicals

BentSpoke Brewing’s latest Bending Spokes

Premium Swedish brand, Rekorderlig is launching its latest

Richard and Tracy Watkins met on a trip

innovation, Botanicals, to be enjoyed at home.

to Belgium where they first fell in love with

Botanicals combines a herb-infused savoury alcoholic

release is a Flanders Red, Flemm, inspired by a local farmer that Co-founders

barrel aged beers – his name was Flemm.

The beer is aged in oak for 12 months

beverage with delicate and gentle fruit flavours and is available in two flavours - Peach-Basil and Grapefruit-Rosemary, both

and blended with an aged, unoaked

containing only 80 calories per serve.

version and a younger unoaked version

Peach-Basil serves a fresh tangy flavour created through a

to balance the acid and add vibrancy to the beer. It has

deep peach fragrance with light basil notes. This cider delivers

complex flavours of toffee malt, plum and raisin fruity esters

strongly on refreshment with a subtle aftertaste. Peach-Basil is

with lacto and acetic acids as well as the sweaty horse

best enjoyed over ice with a sprig of basil and lemon wedge.

blanket wild yeast character, creating the burgundy of beer.

“I love brewing these style of beers and I’m excited to put

Grapefruit-Rosemary offers a mild citrus grapefruit flavour, combined with fresh rosemary notes, delivering a complex yet

them in cans for the first time with Flemm. The wild yeast

crisp cider. Grapefruit-Rosemary is best enjoyed over ice with a

creates some funky characters with a touch of sweaty horse

sprig of rosemary.

blanket and zoo like aromas. I cannot wait for people to

Elle Lewis, Brand Manager says: “There has been a growing

taste what has been years in the barreling,” says Watkins.

demand in Australia for complex flavours and Botanicals delivers the perfect blend of citrus, fruit and botanicals. It provides health conscious consumers with alternative beverage options, containing only 80 calories per 250ml serve.”

The Rekorderlig Premium Botanicals range is now available in 4 x 250ml slimline cans through CCA.

Did you know?

Flemm was first brewed by Head Brewer Richard Watkins over 15 years ago and is one of the original barrel aged sour recipes in Australia.

Wild Turkey’s latest limited release rye whisky Wild Turkey has released its oldest ever

The whiskey

rye, with Cornerstone Rye being the latest

is a nod to

release in the Master’s Keep series.

Wild Turkey’s

The whiskey is already available in

flavour profile,

Get in quick…

Master’s Keep Cornerstone Rye at 109 proof (54.5 alc. by volume), will be a limited release with only 3000 bottles of this unique spirit available for purchase in Australia.

the US, and limited quantities are now

delivering

available in Australia. Master Distiller

notes of warm

Eddie Russel said he found inspiration

vanilla, black pepper

for this limited release from his son

and toasted rye, followed by a cascade

Bruce, whose passion for rye alongside

of honey and baked apple. The finish is

dedicated bartenders around the world

new, hot thing,” said Russell.

has contributed to the rise of rye whiskey

“Cornerstone Rye celebrates our

from 100,000 barrels in 2010, to now more

continued commitment to the grain. As

than one million barrels.

my own son Bruce has reminded me given

“Wild Turkey was one of the few legacy

described as “bold, crisp and clean, with lingering notes of sweet spice and oak. It also offers an enticing and spirited aroma”.

The whiskey will be available at

his devotion to rye in working with the

Dan Murphy’s and good independent

distilleries that remained loyal to crafting

bartender community, it’s a fundamental

whiskey retailers for RRP $250 per

rye even as vodka and gin became the

part of our history.”

750 mL bottle.

May 2020 | 21

IRI

Unwrapping Christmas 2019: The Calm Before the Storm To take our minds away from the global pandemic for a moment, Ishakya Gunaratne, Consultant at IRI, provides a wrap of a successful Christmas 2019 and questions how current events may shape Christmas 2020.

22 | National Liquor News

IRI

With consumers continuing to allocate higher share

predominantly through its Marlborough Rosé SKU.

of wallet towards liquor during Christmas, it still

It was also among the Top 10 growth brands during

remains one of the most important key selling periods

the four-week Christmas period.

for the category. especially interesting for Australians as this was prior

A craft and contemporary Christmas for beer

to the turbulent Q1 experience with the unprecedented

Despite the year on year growth Beer experienced, it

bushfires, record rainfall and floods and the panic

grew behind total liquor resulting in an overall share

buying and equity crash due to the fear of COVID-19.

loss during the four-week Christmas period. While

Total Liquor enjoyed healthy growth at four per

Craft and Contemporary kept the beer category in

cent, growing ahead of last Christmas and rounded

dollar growth, Premium and Classic hampered this

off a year of improved liquor dollar growth. Glass

growth. Cider continued to decline this Christmas

Spirits, RTD premixes and Wine predominantly drove

as well.

Christmas 2019, in comparison to prior years was

this. During this four-week Christmas period, liquor shoppers also paid an 11 per cent price premium

In summary

largely due to the rise of Champagne sales during

Christmas trading was characterised by higher

this time of the year.

dollar and volume growth versus the annual average and latest quarter. Spirits has been accounting for a

The continued momentum of spirits

disproportionately high share of growth throughout

Led by Gin and Vodka, the momentum in the Spirits

the year.

category has been evident throughout 2019, with the

Gin continues to sustain >30 per cent dollar

category contributing to half of total year’s liquor

growth, both year on year and during Christmas.

growth and nearly 30 per cent of Christmas growth.

Vodka sales growth also accelerated throughout the

Gordon’s and Smirnoff have largely fuelled this growth

year. In contrast, Beer sales growth was soft over

being two of the top 10 industry growth brands

Christmas, and Cider continued to decline.

throughout 2019 and the four-week Christmas period.

Shoppers paid a hefty price premium during the Christmas period, which aligns with a resurgent

Three key segments driving RTD

Champagne segment. Strong Sparkling performance,

Gin, Vodka and Canadian Whisky based spirits were the

particularly from Prosecco added some much-needed

heavy lifters in RTD. These three segments accounted

festive fizz to the category.

“The unexpected turn of events during the last few months will definitely shape the behaviours of consumers, retailers and manufacturers.”

Ishakya Gunaratne Consultant IRI

for >80 per cent dollar growth throughout the full year of 2019 and the four-week Christmas period.

Final thoughts On the back of a successful Christmas 2019, it will be

Resurgence of Champagne and success of Prosecco

interesting to see what the liquor industry has in store

Accounting for 15 per cent of total year’s sales,

during the last few months will definitely shape the

Christmas continues to be an important trading

behaviours of consumers, retailers and manufacturers.

period for Wine. Unsurprisingly this growth came

A final thought to consider is; will we see a weaker

from Sparkling and Rosé varietals. Globally Prosecco

Christmas 2020 as consumers keep a closer eye

has become a juggernaut and this continues to be true

on their household budgets or will people see the

even during Christmas, growing eight times more than

occasion as an opportunity to treat themselves and

its share of Wine. However, Champagne still remains

try to momentarily forget about the tough year gone?

the number one growth driver during Christmas with

For more information on how IRI can provide data

Mumm and Moët making a resurgence in the Top

and insights to grow your business, visit IRIworldwide.

10 industry growth brands during this four-week

com.au, or contact us at +61 2 8789 4000.

period. Despite not having a Champagne offering, Squealing Pig was the largest growth brand in Wine

for Christmas 2020. The unexpected turn of events

■

Source: IRI MarketEdge Liquor Weighted, MAT and 4 WKS to 05/01/20 May 2020 | 23

Liquor Legends

Liquor Legends adapts to online demand With the coronavirus pandemic creating a greater demand for online ordering systems, Liquor Legends is ensuring its members are well equipped to deliver, with a new online marketplace and integrated AI technology.

Liquor Legends has fast tracked the rollout of its new

third party courier or Australia Post standard delivery.

e-commerce platform and artificial intelligence (AI)

“Throughout the next few weeks, we will be

technology, with almost 30 outlets already on board

launching our wholesale component, App, stock

and the priority to keep that number growing.

forecasting tool, payment and delivery partner

With the coronavirus pandemic keeping

extensions, live price match feature and gift cards.”

Australians isolated in their homes, there has been

Carmody says that drive through stores will

a greater uptake in online orders including home

have the biggest advantage as they are working on

delivery and click and collect options.

connecting AI and “never before seen technology in

As such, Managing Director John Carmody says the initial e-commerce launch strategy flew out the window with “survival mode taking control”.

“It’s a known fact the gains for e-commerce businesses are coming at the expense of brick-and-mortar retail

the industry to create the ultimate VIP experience”.

“We have the tools to do this now, it’s all about timing and ensuring the fundamentals and intricate details are working seamlessly before we hit the green button,” he says.

stores who are not adapting to the new technological

“We are supporting the ‘launch phase’ of our online

world, as an increasing number of shoppers are heading

marketplace using an integrated strategy between social

for their screens instead of for stores.”

and Google search, which is untapped territory for us.

Carmody says that it will be the stores that do

This ad strategy for the pilot will lay the foundations for

not harmonise their physical and digital presence

an always on strategy, entering the market strongly and

together that fail to acquire new customers and re-

gaining learning off the back of the activity.

engage existing.

“We aim to drive awareness, traffic and conversions

The new Liquor Legends online marketplace

(click and collect and delivery orders) around pilot

heroes its industry leading rewards program,

locations across Australia using creative messaging

spend-get activations, and 100 per cent customer

centred around product promotions. Metrics of success

personalisation.

will be reach, landing pages views, website sessions and

Live point of sale (POS) integration and quick payment

uplift of orders around the locations included in this pilot.

is the number one greatest advantage this online platform

“With our four supporting suppliers, Treasury Wine

has over competitor offerings in the current market.

It has been designed as an endless aisle rather than a one-stop shop and incorporates all of Liquor Legends’ assets, including takeaway food options set to go live in the new financial year.

Estates, Lion, Asahi and Diageo we will promote products aligning with current programs and step outside our comfort zone with intense SEO compartments.

“We have created the platform, it’s now up to you to make a difference within your business.”

Outlets can simply opt in for click and collect; or

To learn more, contact National Operations

for delivery they can choose to service their own at

Manager, Lex Neal on lneal@liquorlegends.com.au

the radius and fee of their choice or subscribe to a

or 0407 740 833.

24 | National Liquor News

■

“It’s a known fact the gains for e-commerce businesses are coming at the expense of brickand-mortar retail stores who are not adapting to the new technological world.”

John Carmody Managing Director Liquor Legends

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Retail Drinks Australia

Are your cyber-security systems up to scratch?

As the world becomes more technologically advanced, the way in which people commit crimes does too.

Julie Ryan, CEO of Retail Drinks Australia, is urging retailers to be well prepared and focus on prevention as a key strategy in cyber-security.

With many businesses now suddenly finding

Insurance partner Aon has classified cyber-attacks into

themselves shifting to digital as a result of the

four major categories: email phishing (hoax emails with

COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more

dangerous links), malware (viruses, worms, trojans,

opportune time to ensure that your systems are

spyware, ransomware, Adware), ransomware (hijacking

properly equipped for this transition. While there

files and refusing to release them until a ransom is paid)

is still a strong element of face-to-face interaction

and watering hole attacks (setting up a fake website and

involved in retailing, the importance of robust online

using it to take over or affect your computer systems).

and digital capabilities is fundamental to the success

While awareness of the possible threats is a critical

of any business.

aspect of being cyber-secure, businesses should also

Once your digital systems are fully operational, there

focus on prevention as a key strategy. Aon has outlined

is a continuing need to ensure that your online assets

a number of helpful steps which all businesses should

are safe. Online cyber-attacks are growing in frequency

adopt as part of securing their online systems.

and sophistication and, as such, business-owners need

Firstly, investing in good IT support and ensuring

to be constantly on alert for possible threats that may

that your website, point-of-sale (POS) systems and

arise. Undetected cyber-attacks can have disastrous

software have the latest updates installed is highly

consequences for many businesses regardless of their

recommended. Regularly backing up your business’

size as many Australian business-owners have already

data and information to reduce the possible damage

had the misfortune of discovering. According to the

of a cyber-attack, only using recognised internet

Australian Cyber Security Centre’s most recently

networks on company devices, and using ‘smarter’

published data, there were more than 13,600 reports of

passwords and even multi-encryption authentication

cyber-crime received between July and September 2019,

are all useful ways of keeping your digital assets safe.

equating to 148 reports per day, or one every 10 minutes.

Retail Drinks can assist your business in upgrading your cyber-security systems, or any other aspect

Protecting your business

of your business’ digital capabilities as part of the

How can a business ensure that their systems are well

Commonwealth Government’s Small Business Digital

prepared for these sorts of attacks? Firstly, it is critical

Champions Project. If you would like bespoke advice

to be aware of the types of cyber attacks which exist

on ‘going digital’, be sure to call the Member Hotline

and how to recognise them. Retail Drinks’ Business

on 1300 451 213 or email info@retaildrinks.org.au.

26 | National Liquor News

■

“While awareness of the possible threats is a critical aspect of being cyber-secure, businesses should also focus on prevention as a key strategy.”

Julie Ryan CEO Retail Drinks Australia

Spirits & Cocktails Australia announces new leadership

Spirits & Cocktails Australia

The new leadership team at Spirits & Cocktails Australia will work with members to deliver a path to recovery post COVID-19.

Spirits & Cocktails Australia has confirmed the appointment of Greg Holland as Chief Executive Officer after a competitive selection process and has elected a new Executive Committee to lead the

enthusiasm to effect change to ensure the ongoing

organisation into the future.

sustainability of our industry.”

Spirits & Cocktails Australia’s membership includes

Holland comes to the role with over 12 years industry

leading global spirit manufacturers and distributors

experience, with broad reach across the political

Diageo, Beam-Suntory, Brown-Forman, Pernod

spectrum gained from his roles with international

Ricard, William Grant & Sons, Bacardi-Martini,

and domestic public affairs and government relations

Moёt Hennessy, Remy Cointreau, Spirits Platform

consultancies. He was most recently a public affairs

and Bundaberg Distilling Company.

advisor to Beam-Suntory, and previously served as

Diageo Australia’s newly appointed CEO, Angus

an advisor to the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of

McPherson, was selected as Chair of the new Executive

Australia (now Spirits & Cocktails Australia) and NABIC

Committee, replacing his predecessor David Smith.

(now Alcohol Beverages Australia). Prior to his work in

William Grant & Sons GM Colin Rochester will

the alcohol industry, Holland worked as International

serve as Vice-Chair, replacing Bacardi–Martini’s

Business Director to Australian Associated Press and a

Denis Brown. Beam–Suntory’s CFO Mark Hill will

former advisor in the Hawke Government.

assume the role of Treasurer, while Bundaberg’s

Reflecting on his appointment CEO Greg Holland

Chair Amanda Lampe will continue in her role as

said, “I am honoured and excited to have been selected

the Ordinary Member.

to lead Spirits & Cocktails Australia.

“This change in leadership marks an exciting

“2020 has delivered a series of inconceivable

new beginning for Spirits & Cocktails Australia, as

challenges, beginning with the catastrophic bushfire

we begin to contemplate the path to recovery post

season that affected so many in our industry and

COVID-19,” said incoming Chair, Angus McPherson.

supply chains, and now the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

“There is no doubt these are challenging times, but

“But the spirits industry is innovative and resilient.

with every challenge there is just as much opportunity.

“The crisis has strengthened our resolve to advocate

As an industry, it is our responsibility to seek out these

for a fairer alcohol taxation system and to work with

opportunities, find the solutions required and ensure

our peers throughout the alcohol industry to ensure

spirits – and the broader hospitality industry – emerge

the speedy recovery of the category, as well as the

stronger from the crisis.

hospitality industry, where so many of our products

“After speaking with my colleagues in the Executive

“This change in leadership marks an exciting new beginning for Spirits & Cocktails Australia, as we begin to contemplate the path to recovery post COVID-19.”

Angus McPherson Chair Spirits & Cocktails Australia

have been launched and enjoyed.

Committee, there is no doubt we have the right team

“I look forward to continuing to work with our

in place to achieve this, with Greg Holland at the

members to deliver our plan for recovery and to write

helm. We are emboldened by his extensive public

the pages of a new chapter for Spirits & Cocktails

affairs experience, deep political connections and

Australia.”

■

May 2020 | 27

Alcohol Beverages Australia

Industry looking out for each other

Andrew Wilsmore, the CEO of Alcohol Beverages Australia, highlights how collegiate and ready-to-lend-a-hand the wider industry has been in this time of crisis.

We have urged greater caution in equating an increase

lifeline and the generous move by many retailers to

in packaged liquor or home delivery sales to many

help stock local brands who have lost their other

Australians drinking to excess while at home during

routes to market, will hopefully allow many producers

this crisis.

to survive this crisis.

Data from alcohol producers and recent

In responding to requests for help from

Commonwealth Bank credit card analysis show that

Governments, healthcare providers and hospitals,

overall alcohol consumption in Australia is lower than

many liquor producers are producing ethanol and

it was at the same time last year due to pubs, bars,

making antiseptic hand sanitiser.

clubs and restaurants closing.

Retailers have converted their layouts, service

There was quite a surge in packaged liquor sales

areas and carparks to maintain social distancing

when there was concerns bottle shops would close.

requirements for staff and customers. In the online

Once Governments assured supply and access to

space, the Retail Drinks Australia Online Code of

bottle shops, there has been a return to more normal

Conduct is being updated to keep delivery drivers

trading, but that has not made up for the total loss of

and customers safe.

sales from pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants.

Our brewers have allowed the return of unused

This data is supported by recent Commonwealth

kegs and supported takeaway sales from pubs. Our

Bank report analysing credit card transactions.

spirit members have helped with lines of credit and

Overall alcohol sales were down 10 per cent on the

industry assistance programs and toolkits. Our

previous year in week ending 3 April, and 13 per cent

wineries have managed to bring in vintage against

less for the week ending 10 April.

all manner of adversity. And DrinkWise has produced

Early indications are that overall sales and volume loss range from 10-30 per cent, with many small

resources to assist Australians to manage their alcohol consumption while self-isolated.

producers even more severely impacted, as they are

Promoting adherence to self isolation requires the

unable to access the retail channel or have had to close

home environment to be convivial and the ability to

their cellar/brewery/distillery door.

access everyday items such as a beer, wine, spirit or

Despite these challenges, one standout observation is how collegiate and ready-to-lend-a-hand the wider industry is in this time of crisis.

cider (which are a part of Australian culture) should be viewed as being critical to self isolation success.

In time, I’d anticipate that we’d learn that the

We are fortunate that many State and Territory

trend towards moderation and premiumisation that

Governments have relaxed rules and temporarily

has occurred over the last two decades has been

allowed on-premise venues to serve takeaways. This

maintained through COVID-19.

28 | National Liquor News

■

“Data from alcohol producers and recent Commonwealth Bank credit card analysis show that overall alcohol consumption in Australia is lower than it was at the same time last year due to pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants closing.”

Andrew Wilsmore CEO Alcohol Beverages Australia

Independent Brewers Association

A new champion for indie brewers We get to know Kylie Lethbridge the newly appointed General Manager of the Independent Brewers Association (IBA).

NLN: Kylie, can you tell us about yourself?

KYLIE: I’ve had a successful career spanning 25 years in ministerial support teams, communications and marketing, and economic development within local and state government. I have also owned my own business and held multiple board directorships, won awards for leadership and have a passion for relationship management and facilitating change.

NLN: What attracted you to the IBA role?

KYLIE: I have spent most of my career supporting and advocating for small business. I have worked overseas and travelled extensively and now want to work at the coal face for an industry that I am passionate about.

This role came at a time when I was looking for a new adventure in an industry I care about. I’m also a long term indie beer drinker, so feel extremely privileged to be working with such a dedicated team on behalf of our Aussie brewers.

NLN: What are you excited to do at the IBA? KYLIE: I am super excited about the way forward

“A reduction [in excise tax] would be the single biggest game changer for breweries. We need to convince our government colleagues that they are hurting, not enabling this rapidly growing industry. All we are asking for is a level playing field, nothing more.”

for the IBA. The organisation has gone through significant change over the last couple of years and

finding innovative ways to compete with ‘the big guys’

is kicking goals and evolving in its sophistication as

for market share while at the same time embracing

a representative body. I work for an amazing Board

the new players.

and with the best team possible so feel like a kid in a

It would also be remiss of me not to mention our

lolly shop every single day; there is just so much to

greatest challenge: excise tax. Australia has one of

do and it’s all exciting.

the highest taxes on beer in the world at 45 per cent, which is considerably higher than winemakers. A

NLN: How has COVID-19 changed your job?

reduction would be the single biggest game changer

KYLIE: I haven’t actually met the IBA crew in person

for breweries. We need to convince our government

yet! I have been working from home since I started in

colleagues that they are hurting, not enabling this

March and although technology is fantastic, I thrive

rapidly growing industry. All we are asking for is a

off face-to-face teamwork. I am, however, thankful we

level playing field, nothing more.

Kylie Lethbridge General Manager Independent Brewers Association

can push on to support our members, some of which are going through really tough times.

NLN: What do you do when you’re not at work?

KYLIE: I live in a rural area about an hour out of

NLN: What do you think your challenges will be in this role once we return to life as normal?

Melbourne so I spend a lot of time outdoors; walking the

KYLIE: I think our greatest opportunity is to ensure

my horse and taking advantage of the amazing array of

consumers understand indie beer. We can do that by

food, wine, brewery and gin experiences on my doorstep. ■

dog in some of our amazing bushland, hanging out with

May 2020 | 29

Wine Australia

How has the domestic wine market been affected by COVID-19 so far?

Sandy Hathaway, Analyst, Wine Australia looks at some of the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australian wine and how businesses are adapting in this challenging environment.

Crucially, wine business activities including

are over-represented in on-premise sales, including

grapegrowing have been deemed essential by the

Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and some of the alternative

Australian Government. Aside from social distancing

varieties like Vermentino and Grüner Veltliner, as

during winemaking activities, vintage has been able

well as in premium reds and sparkling wines normally

to continue as usual.

associated with special celebrations.

The main changes so far have been on the way wine is sold.

A massive shift to e-commerce has been the most dramatic change to occur so far. With cellar doors and

The most obvious impact in Australia has been the

on-premise outlets closed, and consumers making

effective elimination of the on-premise channel since

fewer trips to ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers, both

22 March 2020, when all licensed on-premise outlets

consumers and producers have little choice but to

were required to close.

focus on the online channel.

Early indications are that there has been

In the USA, Nielsen has reported increases of

substitution of on-premise sales with off-premise

300–400 per cent per week in online sales of alcoholic

sales, as consumers switch to buying wine to

beverages during March/April. By comparison,

consume at home instead of in cafes or restaurants.

e-commerce sales across all departments tracked

In the week ending 22 March 2020, wine sales in the

by Nielsen were up 41 per cent in the most recent

off-trade increased by 39 per cent compared with

week. Anecdotal evidence indicates that this trend is

the same week 12 months ago, according to IRI

occurring in Australia as well.

MarketEdge. Given that on-premise sales account

Wine businesses are adapting in response to the

for approximately 20 per cent of total wine sales in

new conditions. Short-term adaptations include

Australia, a 20 per cent increase is a minimum to

virtual/online tastings, partnering with restaurants

maintain normal sales levels overall. It is likely that

for home delivery and using their business resources

part of the increase in off-premise sales reflects some

to do good – e.g. making hand sanitiser. Now is also

stocking up in the early days of uncertainty around

a good time for reviewing product portfolios and

the extent of restrictions to come and may not

business models, renovating the cellar door and (most

be sustained.

importantly) ramping up their online presence and

The switch to off-premise consumption is likely to cause a reduction in share for the wine varieties that 30 | National Liquor News

digital communications.

This information was accurate as of 20 April 2020.

“It is likely that part of the increase in off-premise sales reflects some stocking up in the early days of uncertainty around the extent of restrictions to come and may not be sustained.”

Sandy Hathaway

■

Analyst Wine Australia

Brand Activation

Essential support during unprecedented times

COVID-19 has led us all into the unknown and the off-premise liquor trade is no exception writes Stephen Wilson, Category & Insights Manager, Strike Force.

A lack of certainty resulted in temporary purchasing

they enter a liquor store.

limits being introduced to ensure that there was

Here is an excellent example of executional

minimal disruption to the supply chain as experienced

excellence that has come to the fore, even deep into

in the supermarket sector.

the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is no question that the food and beverage

Highly visible display activation was carried out

industry, including off-premise retailers, has been

in a major liquor retailer for a wine company by a

under a great deal of stress.

leading merchandising team over a short period of time

In-store activation to ensure shelves are full and orders are in the system are critical to maintaining well stocked stores to avoid lost sales, this is paramount to retailers during these unprecedented times.

significantly enhancing brand presence and providing a bit of theatre to draw shoppers to the brand.

The numbers were highly impressive with more than 70 displays, both large and small, being built

Brand activators and merchandisers supporting

generating significant stock weight on displays of

retailers and suppliers to maintain their brand

approximately 6,000 units and more than 1,400

presence has been, and will continue to be, just as

wobblers were placed.

critical as we move further along the journey to a post COVID-19 world.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison called out merchandising services as “essential” and vital to supporting retailing in general.

High velocity categories, in particular, need close attention and regular maintenance from brand activators with a ‘business as usual’ approach.

Easier said than done with availability for some major brands patchy with stock weight fluctuations occurring.

“Brand activators and merchandisers supporting retailers and suppliers to maintain their brand presence has been, and will continue to be, just as critical as we move further along the journey to a post COVID-19 world.”

Despite the social distancing measures that have

This is where the initiative and creativity of brand

become part of everyday life, brand activators and

activators and merchandisers has repeatedly come to the

merchandisers are visible day-in and day-out in

fore with innovative solutions executed to ensure that

liquor stores, stocking shelves, filling up cool rooms,

shoppers still have a suitable solution to their shopping

Stephen Wilson

unpacking deliveries and building displays.

mission e.g. focus on different pack sizes or substitutable

Category and Insights Manager Strike Force

Suppliers’ brands continue to be available with

choices until the missing SKU is back in-store.

leading merchandising teams of choice providing

In closing we owe gratitude of debt to all brand

services and carrying out activities to give as much

activators and merchandisers who continue to support

certainty as possible to shoppers that they will have

our retailers, suppliers and shoppers in these trying times.

continued access to their favourite beverage when

Stay safe!

■

May 2020 | 31

Vintage 2020

How will vintage 2020 fare?

Battling climate change, prolonged drought, unpredictable weather, and catastrophic bushfires, Australia’s 2020 vintage has already had a hard run, as Brydie Allen discovers.

There’s no way that we’ll forget the year 2020 anytime

season and we expect lower tonnes overall, the quality

soon, so far it has been punctuated by jumps from

of the fruit is exceptional and there will be outstanding

disaster to disaster.

wines from Vintage 2020.”

Throughout the devastation of this first quarter of the year, the wine industry’s focus was also on the

Impacts of bushfires

imminent 2020 vintage, and harvest has just now

The 2019-2020 bushfire season was one of our worst yet,

wrapped up. Despite challenges, the quality of wine

burning long and hard for months on end and affecting

that the country is known for won’t be impacted,

multiple wine regions. Some vines perished in flames,

according to Wine Australia.

some suffered heat damage, while others dealt with

“Vintage 2020 will be remembered for many

differing levels of smoke taint in the grapes.

reasons. Given Australia’s sheer size and the wide

In the Adelaide Hills, it was said that up to a third

spread of our regions, it’s difficult to sum a vintage up

of vineyards had been lost. Meanwhile in Canberra,

with a single broad stroke,” Wine Australia CEO

the NSW Southern Highlands and the Hunter Valley,

Andreas Clark told National Liquor News.

some producers lost differing but significant portions of

“While it has been a difficult end to the growing 32 | National Liquor News

their yield and were unsure about the remaining grapes.

“The Australian wine community is well-known for coming together to support each other in times of need and this year, in particular, it has demonstrated this.”

Andreas Clark CEO Wine Australia

Vintage 2020

As Angus Barnes, Executive Officer of NSW

Stephen Pannell, Winemaker and owner of

winemakers make a wine, it will be a good wine.

S.C. Pannell Wines said: “Below average winter

The Hunter has a strong reputation to uphold and

rainfall backed up by good water management and

we all want to make sure we continue that.”

accessibility with a heap of rain in February so far

Tony Battaglene, Chief Executive at Australian Grape and Wine, said that this is true with

Australia said the coronavirus crisis did not impact harvest,

good,” said Pannell.

The resilience of the industry is also helping

only pursue a 2020 vintage if they can maintain their

cope with the challenges of this year’s vintage.

usual standards.

Clark said: “The Australian wine community is

“Producers are choosing not to pick to preserve

well-known for coming together to support each

the quality of wine they sell and this is very important

other in times of need and this year, in particular,

to note that wine quality in Australia will remain at its

it has demonstrated this.”

in a number of regions,” Battaglene said.

Thankfully, Wine

has resulted in moderate crops, but the fruit looks

winemakers across the whole country, which will

normal high standards despite the impact of smoke

Pandemic problems

vineyard health has produced positive outcomes.

Wine, told National Liquor News, “If the Hunter’s

“We’ve seen an outpouring of support both internationally and at home. To highlight just a few:

The latest research from the Australian Wine

some in our community have donated grapes to

Research Institute also confirms that smoke taint

affected wineries, other wineries have reported large

isn’t necessarily a death sentence for a vintage, with

numbers of volunteers arriving to help rehabilitate

Scientist Dr Julie Colbert noting: “not all hope is lost

vineyards, and there have been fundraising

when it comes to smoke affected fruit.”

initiatives for impacted communities at restaurants, cafes, liquor stores and wineries around the world.”

Small wins

We can be assured there will be an Australian

Australian viticulture is renowned for its proactive

2020 vintage to stock shelves, and it will be one that

climate change responses, and that has greatly

symbolises a particularly difficult time for us all. As

benefited the 2020 vintage. For McLaren Vale,

always though, it will have the exceptional quality

a region that was spared by flame damage, good

that Aussie wines are known for.

■

Ashton Hills vineyard

and producers were able to complete the 2020 vintage.

However, the pandemic has affected the industry in other ways – tourism is at a standstill, cellar doors are mainly closed, and a hard hit economy has lowered the average household budget.

These all combine to compound the challenges faced by producers before vintage harvest. It’s more important than ever to support local wineries where you can.

May 2020 | 33

Retailing Aperitivo

Retailing Aperitivo Aperitif products give consumers the chance to mark social and celebratory occasions at home during the pandemic.

Tips for retailing success • Raise awareness about the Aperitivo occasion.

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world,

Aperitivo occasion. Aperitif products meet

• Co-merchandise products that fit the

our lives have changed dramatically. And

some of the biggest ongoing drinks trends,

Aperitivo occasion (e.g. Aperol with

with most Australians following stay home

especially in the home, like mindfulness,

Prosecco and soda).

guidelines, millions of consumers are searching

moderation and drinking less but ‘better.’

for ways to adjust to the ‘new normal.’

The category was already enjoying

• Build shopper knowledge about product versatility.

• Inspire consumers with cocktail recipes.

Increasingly experimental consumer

growth pre-pandemic, something that is

behaviour is evident in a rising uptake of

expected to continue throughout the current

new ways to virtually connect, testing out

challenging atmosphere according to one

it will continue to do so. Campari’s Aperitif

how to grab a drink with friends while

of the country’s biggest champions of the

portfolio will keep driving the category

maintaining social distancing.

Aperitivo occasion, Campari Australia.

growth and will embed the Aperitivo

Euromonitor noted this potential before

Simon Durrant, Managing Director

the pandemic even began, and said: “The

of Campari Australia, said: “Within the

intersection of technology and home

glass spirits category, the Aperitif segment

Engaging consumers

entertainment will provide opportunities for

continues to perform well, despite the

Key to the success of any liquor trend is

new occasions, rituals, educational initiatives

challenging market conditions, including

being accessible for the lifestyles of a range

and radical experimentation, ranging from

the recent bushfires and floods over the key

of consumers. For shoppers new to the

homebrewing to mixology and beyond.”

summer months and the current restrictions

Aperitif category, simplicity is key to their

due to COVID-19.

engagement and building this understanding.

A big player from the on-premise scene

occasion in Australian drinking culture.”

with great potential to translate into success

“Notwithstanding this environment, the

“Aperitivo perfectly complements the

for retailers during the pandemic, is the

Aperitif segment has continued to grow and

Australian culture. Yet, many Australians are

34 | National Liquor News

Retailing Aperitivo

Aperitivo or Aperitif?

“Australia is just beginning a tradition that has been around for centuries in Europe. The word Aperitivo, comes from Latin, meaning ‘to open’, as in, open the door to friends, open conversations around the table, and open the appetite.

“In Italy, this social occasion, enjoyed between lunch and dinner, is commonly known as Aperitivo.

In the Australian retail landscape, you will see both Aperitif and Aperitivo used interchangeably.

Whilst Aperitivo refers to the social

still discovering Aperitifs and the impressive

the retail Aperitif category gives consumers

brands and drinks within the category.

a chance to explore Aperitivo at home.

Therefore, they will be looking for simple

Making it convenient for customers to

and accessible advice on how to make the

experiment with these drinks without the

perfect aperitif drink,” Durrant said.

help of bartenders will see the best success.

As with any category, educating shoppers

Durrant said the range of Aperitif

is vital to helping them explore the category.

products in Australia makes the category

And the way that you go about this can

perfectly positioned to help new and

also make a huge difference. According

existing consumers navigate at home

to Nielsen’s 2020 predictions for the off-

Aperitivo moments.

premise, products that demonstrate they fit

“Consumers’ palates are evolving as they

into a consumer’s lifestyle pique interest and

acquire a taste for bitter-sweet and herbal

help drive growth in the category.

flavours. The category landscape continues

The Nielsen predictions included

to expand, and many ‘ready to drink’ options

that: “Retailers will continue to focus

and sparkling wine-based aperitif products

on convenience, through tactics like

feature on retailers’ shelves,” Durrant said.

prepared cocktail displays, regardless of

“The increase in product range fits with

the alcohol base.”

Without the ability to go out to venues and mark celebratory or social occasions,

Australians’ growing focus on health and wellness, and growing demand for lighter, more refreshing, low alcohol offerings.”

■

occasion, Aperitif is used when referring to the drink or category.

“Aperitivo is a natural fit with Australian culture. It’s unclear whether this is due to our glorious weather, stunning scenery, love of social gatherings over food and drinks, or sophisticated food and cocktail pairings which have become a highlight in bars and restaurants.

The reasons are endless.

“Aperitivo is a ritual – an Aperitif enjoyed in the conviviality of a social occasion which is always accompanied by food. And an Aperitif can’t just be any old drink.

Strongly alcoholic or overly sweet drinks dull the appetite, whereas bitter, lower proof drinks stimulate the taste buds.” - Campari Australia

May 2020 | 35

The Brew Review With autumn in full swing, our tasting panel sat down to try some amazing beers and ciders.

The Panel Josh Quantrill

Andrew Robson

NSW Sales Manager, Capital Brewing Co.

Head Brewer, Lord Nelson Brewing

Rosemary Lilburne-Fini

Matt Shiner

Craft Beer & Cider Specialist, Camperdown Cellars

Manager, Red Bottle Alexandria

Craig Hawtin-Butcher

Gus Mills

Marketing Manager, Intermedia

Account Manager, Willie the Boatman

Jamie Webb-Smith

Mitch Wirth

Brewer, Yulli’s Brews

Brewer, Sauce Brewing

Jill Kneipp

Andrew Meli

Beverage Operations Manager, The Oxford Tavern, Petersham

Head Brewer, Batch Brewing

Tom Davies

O AS N

A L

SE

Head Brewer, Yulli’s Brews

Liam Pereira Venue and Events Manager, Batch Brewing

36 | National Liquor News

FO

CUS

What’s our Seasonal Focus?

As it’s autumn and the harvest’s in, we’re focusing on ciders and perries

Beer Tasting

Frenchies Tropical Brut IPA ABV: 6.5% Style: Brut IPA This is a super example of the style – big hops and a crisp, dry finish.

A very clear and bright beer with a slight copper tinge, this beer brings great, vibrant hop aromas to bear – mango and lemon. The big hop character continues through onto the palate, with subtle passionfruit and peach balanced by a medium malt body. It’s crisp and complex, and the lengthy, bitter, dry finish is simply perfect for a brut IPA.

Moo Brew NEIPA ABV: 6.2% Style: NEIPA While this beer doesn’t have quite the thick haziness that we have come to expect from NEIPAs, the rest of it is classic New England. The nose is thoroughly tropical, with coconut notes backed up with light citrus. The mouthfeel is great, with some bitterness in the body and big flavours in the palate. Well balanced hops mingle with more tropical and coconut hops to make this a well rounded NEIPA. Moobrew.com.au

Frenchiesbistroand brewery.com.au

Red Hill A Crazy American Lost in Belgium ABV: 7.5% Style: Belgian strong ale This beer combines the hoppiness of an American beer with some fun yeasty Belgian elements as well. A slight haze filters through this strawcoloured beer, while the delightful nose brings the yeasty, wild brightness of a saison, accompanied by cloves and bananas.

On the palate, citrus notes balance with candy sweetness, while booziness and bananas combine to make a well balanced triumph that has a dry but full mouthfeel.

Urban Dark ABV: 5.4% Style: English brown ale This is a light brown ale with a tan head. The nose is nutty and sweet, with toffee and caramel coming forward nicely. Taking a sip brings more of the same, with the malty flavours of hazelnut, toffee, caramel and bread all perfectly balanced on the palate.

There is good depth and mouthfeel to the beer, which ends on a lovely light finish. A great example of the style from Urban Alley.

Urbanalley.com.au

Hope Brewery Imperial Mango Sour ABV: 7% Style: Sour This is a very interesting sour. The ABV is unusually high, which gives the beer some serious weight and warmth. It also has a lower carbonation. Nevertheless, for such a high ABV, this is a balanced beer, with big fruity notes punching through on the nose – lemon and lime, pineapple and passionfruit more prevalent than the mango. The palate delivers the same fruit salad of flavours, with some alcohol warmth and plenty of tartness at the back.

Hopetaphouse.com.au

Redhillbrewery.com.au

Nomad Freshie Fruitbowl Gose ABV: 4.5% Style: Gose Passonfruit is the principal fruit in this fruitbowl gose. The big passionfruit aromas on the nose are really nice and really stand out in this slighty hazy offering from Nomad. Taking a sip brings an acidity that’s not too high and a full, decent body, making this a real all-rounder of a beer. A cracking drop.

Nomadbrewingco.com. au

Urban Alley Blush ABV: 5.3% Style: Raspberry wheat ale A simply beautiful colour greets you from this slightly hazy beer. The raspberry dominates the nose, but remains mild rather than overpowering. Similarly, on the palate things are soft and well balanced.

There’s a nice tartness from the raspberries along with some light jammy fruit notes too. The soft mouthfeel has good balance too, making for a solid, wheat ale that is very enjoyable without being too filling.

Urbanalley.com.au

Slab Brewing Fool’s Gold

Aether Brewing Chaotic Good

ABV: 5% Style: Vienna lager

ABV: 3.3% Style: Pilsner

These Kiwi brewers don’t deal in your standad 375ml cans. Everything comes in a massive 440ml ‘canimal’. This lager pours a light amber colour with plenty of bubbles. There’s an earthiness on the nose, along with some spicy hints as well. The spiciness continues through onto the palate where it is accompanied by some well balanced sweetness.

The beer is full-bodied yet sessionable and is very enjoyable. It’s almost like an ale recipe was brewed using lager yeast.

This is a really pleasant and well balanced beer.

Golden in colour and with good retention of its head, this low ABV pilsner brings plenty of punchy hops to the nose, along with some elements of white wine and some light malt touches. It’s got great carbonation and a lovely light mouthfeel, while the palate enjoys a lovely clean hop character, backed up by some light malt. The finish is classic pilsner.

Slabbrewing.co.nz As published in Beer and Brewer Autumn 2020

Aetherbrewing.com.au

Wayward Passionfruit and Yuzu Berliner Weisse ABV: 3.8% Style: Berliner weisse Pale straw in colour with a slight haze, this beer is not just a really enjoyable and crushable beer – it could work fantastically as a mixer for gin too! Bright fruit aromas of lemon drops, orange blossom come through on the nose with a little light acidity and some grassiness to boot.

The palate is delicious and complex. There’s good, bright carbonation here, with herbal notes complementing lemon sorbet and a fruity apricot character.

Wayward.com.au May 2020 | 37

Wine Tasting Review

The Pinot Noir Tasting The National Liquor News tasting panel looked a little different this month with our wonderful panellists tasting a selection of Pinot Noir wines from the socially distant safety of their own homes. Here they have selected the highest scoring wines across three price brackets.

Panels Picks

The Panel ➤

➤

➤

➤

➤

➤

➤

A ndy Young, Editor, The Shout & Bars and Clubs C raig Hawtin-Butcher, Marketing Manager, Food and Beverage Media G eoff Bollom, Retailer, Fennell Bay Cellars A ndrew Stubbs, Manager, Vine Wine T om Czerski, Purchasing Manager, NSW Golf Club A ndy Dean, Co-founder, The Tasting Glass (thetastingglass.com.au) D eb Jackson, Editor, National Liquor News & World of Wine

The System 95-100 Classic: an exceptional wine 90-94 Outstanding: a wine of remarkable character 85-89 Very good: a wine with impressive qualities

38 | National Liquor News

Brokenwood

Brancott Estate

Zilzie Regional

Pinot Noir

Letter Series

Collection

Pinot Noir Region: Beechworth VIN: 2019 LUC: $23.03 Distributed by: Samuel Smith & Son

“Lovely elegant red cherries underpinned with bacon fattiness. A wonderfully structured old world style with dark cherries and a core of beautiful sweetness before the structural grippy yet approachable tannin. Pinot is often described as an iron fist in a velvet glove and this is in that territory.” – Andrew Stubbs

Region: Marlborough

Pinot Noir Region: Adelaide Hills

VIN: 2017 LUC: $18.54

VIN: 2019 LUC: $11.28

Distributed by: Pernod

Distributed by: Fesq

Ricard

and Company (VIC/ NSW/QLD/ACT); Options

“Smooth as velvet. Fine structured tannins. Red fruits with a hint of oak. Good long finish.” – Geoff Bollom

Wine Merchants (SA/NT); Distinctive Wines & Spirits (WA); Swallow Liquor Merchants (TAS)

“Gently savoury but mouthwateringly juicy at the same time. Full of raspberries and cherries with a soft spicy finish.

Don’t stop me at just one glass of this.” – Andy Dean

Wine Tasting Review

LUC $20 and over Giesen Limited

De Bortoli The Estate

Edition Organic

Vineyard Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Region: Yarra Valley

Region: Marlborough

VIN: 2018 LUC: $27.95

VIN: 2015 LUC: $21.50

Distributed by: De Bortoli

Distributed by: Oatley Fine Wine Merchants

“Nutty, intense and complex nose. Leads to a sophisticated and silky palate of ripe cherries and stunning florals, with almost perfectly balanced acidity and tannins. Superb organic Pinot.” – Andy Dean

“Superbly elegant wine. Clean mineral and fruit, alongside mushroom earthy tones and a nice taste of the vanilla oak.

Very well balanced at this age.”

– Andy Dean

Poole’s Rock

Taylors Jaraman

Premiere Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Region: Adelaide Hills

Region: Yarra Valley

VIN: 2017 LUC: $25

VIN: 2017 LUC: $22.04

Distributed by: Agnew Wines

Distributed by: Taylors Wines

“Bursting with cranberries in the palate. Super refreshing acidity balanced with some fine peppery spice and a hint of vanilla. Yum.” – Andy Dean

“A gentle nose enticing with plummy notes. Very drinkable, smooth, and silky. Subtle flavours well balanced with soft tannins. Fruity, with a minty elegant finish.” – Andy Dean

“New world Pinot just continues to impress and improve year on year, move over Burgundy! This has been a top-notch bunch of delicious wines.

Winemakers at the top of their game playing with such a delicate and fussy grape.”

Andy Dean, Co-founder, The Tasting Glass

Food Pairing “Rabbit or Guinea fowl – light red meats and game.”

– Craig Hawtin-Butcher “Salmon steaks (skin on of course) or Roast duck.”

– Geoff Bollom

Ara Resolute

Riorret Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir Region: Marlborough

Region: Yarra Valley

VIN: 2015 LUC: $30.10

VIN: 2018 LUC: $45

Distributed by: Oatley Fine

Distributed by: De Bortoli

Wine Merchants

“Complexity in the Resolute is developing well with age and will continue to improve. Herby and silky tannins in the palate alongside the standout bad boy boysenberries. Very tasty.”

– Andy Dean

“Vibrant cherry, forest floor, olive tapenade aromas. A powerful Pinot with good structure vibrant fruit with great length.” – Tom Czerski

“For me, a slightly chilled Pinot Noir can almost beat a Gewurtz or Pinot Gris in a Thai restaurant. Cooling but also gently spicy at the same time, a fabulous match.” – Andy Dean “Pork tenderloins.”

– Andy Young “With such flexibility and often appeal from red and white wine lovers alike, Pinot can be well paired with anything from robust BBQ flavours, to a delicate salad.” – Andy Dean

May 2020 | 39

Wine Tasting

LUC $13-$20

“Established regions were far and away indictive of Pinot Noir character and as is so often the case price was a good indicator of quality.”

Andrew Stubbs

De Bortoli Villages

Tamburlaine Point

Pinot Noir

65 Pinot Noir

Region: Yarra Valley

Region: Orange

VIN: 2018 LUC: $16.95

VIN: 2019 LUC: $15.67

Distributed by: De Bortoli

Distributed by: Tamburlaine

“A delight to look at in vibrant ruby, and equally as delicious as it looks. A spicy and fine berry bouquet, a palate full of silky tannins, young red fruit and a hint of Turkish delight (a personal favourite flavour). Would age well if you can keep your hands off long enough to cellar.” – Andy Dean

Organic Wines

“Smooth and silky, this slides around the mouth with ease, nothing too intense here but it works. Gently balances young strawberries and cranberries with some earthy spicy notes, and a pleasant finish (if a little short lived).” – Andy Dean

Manager, Vine Wine

Editor’s Picks ➤

➤

➤

➤

2 019 Brokenwood Indigo Vineyard Pinot Noir, Beechworth, LUC $41.71 (Samuel Smith & Son) 2 017 Brockenchack Wines Hare Hunter Pinot Noir, Eden Valley, LUC $22.44 (AIWW QLD; Select Cellars - NSW; Brockchack Wines - Rest of Aus) 2 018 Rob Dolan White Label Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, LUC $19.89 (Nelson Wine Co.) 2 018 Streicker Bridgland Block Pinot Noir, Margaret River, LUC $22.58 (The Wine Gang - WA; Single Vineyard Sellers - VIC/ NSW/QLD/TAS; Clairault Streicker Wines - Northern Rivers, NSW/SA/All other enquiries)

40 | National Liquor News

Audrey Series

Silkwood Estate The

Pinot Noir

Walcott Pinot Noir

Region: Orange

Region: Pemberton

VIN: 2018 LUC: $14.03

VIN: 2017 LUC: $16.13

Distributed by: Agnew Wines

Distributed by: Single

“Light bodied with tangy strawberry and savoury cherry flavours, leading to a herby finish. Very fresh and easy going. Cool this a little and quaff on a hot summers arvo.”

– Andy Dean

Vineyard Sellers

“Bang! Hits you straight away on the nose with red cherry and a tiny hint of mint. The palate is then intriguingly contradictory with a touch of mushroom. Take some time with this wine it will develop and reward you.” – Andy Young

Taylors Estate

Ferngrove

Pinot Noir

Independence

Region: Adelaide Hills

Pinot Noir

VIN: 2018 LUC: $15.48

Region: Great Southern

Distributed by: Taylors Wines

VIN: 2019 LUC: $15.05

“Oak up front with dark berries opening up. The wine delivers good depth for a Pinot, with the oak giving a nice sweet spice, balanced by an earthy hue.”

– Andy Young

Distributed by: Ferngrove Wine Co

“Fresh on the nose, this hits the mouth with a bit of tobacco spice, and although I’m a nonsmoker it is remarkably pleasant.

With its fairly robust tannins it would marry well with BBQ or chargrilled meats.” – Andy Dean

Wine Type

LUC Under $13 Ara Single Estate

Ara Single Estate

Pinot Noir

Pinot Rose

Region: Marlborough

Region: Marlborough

VIN: 2019 LUC: $12.90

VIN: 2019 LUC: $12.90

Distributed by: Oatley Fine

Distributed by: Oatley Fine

Wine Merchants

Wine Merchants

“Pronounced nose with spicy, complex aromas. Grippy tannins, but well balanced with soft, savoury red fruit flavours and mouth-watering acidity.”

– Andy Dean

“Fresh red grapefruit on the nose to really get the taste buds going.

Definite touch of watermelon and sweetness coming through, but still dry for a delightful Pinot rosé.” – Andy Young

Pinot Gris Stats ➤

➤

➤

19 Crimes Pinot Noir

Brancott Estate Terroir Series Region: Marlborough

Region: South East Australia

VIN: 2017 LUC: $12.04

VIN: 2018 LUC: $11.40

Distributed by: Pernod

Distributed by: Treasury Wine

Ricard

Estates

“Dark brambly earthy with nuances of dark plums, Christmas cake and spices. The palate displayed persistence and length. The only negative was it was rather punchy in a new world style. Quite good structure, held all the fruit together while simplistic, would definitely be a crowd pleaser.” – Andrew Stubbs

“Rich strawberry nose, juicy.

That fruit comes through on the palate and is nicely balanced with some oak spice. An approachable Pinot from start to finish.” – Andy Young

Silkwood Estate

Harewood Estate

The Bowers

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Region: Denmark

Region: Pemberton

VIN: 2019 LUC: $12.90

VIN: 2019 LUC: $12.90

Distributed by: Single

Distributed by: Single

Vineyard Sellers

Vineyard Sellers

“I like this nose, fruity with soft truffle. The fruit comes immediately on the palate and is balanced with light mushroom tones, for a wellbalanced wine with good nose and palate.” – Andy Young

“Dark cherry aromas with slight wet blossom, before clove comes through on the palate with cherry and a good firm mouthfeel for a wine that’s enticing and enjoyable.” – Andy Young

➤

P inot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world and is the mother of mutations including Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.

Pinot Noir grapes are naturally high in acidity and are some of the hardest to grow, with very thin skin and tight bunches that are more susceptible to disease.

T erroir can cause great variation in Pinot Noir wines because different environments impact the degree of ripeness.

T he wines are best enjoyed when young, within four to five years of the vintage.

“The fruit is really talking over oak, which means some great noses in many of these wines.

Some of the wines may still be a little young, but many of these will be amazing wines soon, so the future is very bright for Pinot Noir.”

Andy Young Editor, The Shout & Bars and Clubs

May 2020 | 41

Brewing

Brewers excise tax cries fall on deaf ears

Australian brewers are struggling to keep their heads above water. With almost two thirds still reeling from bushfires, droughts and flood, COVID-19 might just be the last straw, as Gifford Lee reports.

Brewers are continuing to plead their case on

As it stands, Australian breweries will be

short term excise tax reform and predict more

paying the hefty excise tax bill on current

financial hardship is coming without it. But,

keg stock despite the fact many of it will

for now, Governments aren’t hearing the call.

need to be disposed.

and flood, and COVID-19 could be their last straw.

“We certainly hope that Treasury will look at specific assistance for small

The Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy

Capital Brewing’s Co-founder Laurence

brewers. Two thirds of these brewers are

told a Senate committee charged with

Kain said without short term excise tax

located in rural and regional Australia and

the economic response to the COVID-19

reform he may not be able to rehire the

these locally-owned family businesses are

pandemic he didn’t foresee any further

staff he currently has on stand-down – even

suffering badly after a summer of bushfire,

assistance coming the way of brewers.

when venues re-open nationally.

floods and now Coronavirus,” Philip said.

His comments came despite an

“While JobKeeper has been massive for

“We certainly appreciate the swift action

Independent Brewers Association (IBA)

us… we are staring down the barrel of a

State and Federal Governments have taken

survey of its members, which found their

huge excise tax hole. A big debt like that is

to help keep small businesses alive, but these

sales had sunk by nearly 70 per cent on

not going to help us, or our staff, get back on

programs may not be enough to keep these

average and almost all were now in a “loss-

our feet when all of this is over,” Kain said.

breweries open.

making position”.

“We are set to be hit with the same excise

“All we’re asking for is a short term break

Kennedy said while current stimulus

tax bill as the big multi-nationals will be.

in excise which will help small breweries

packages and other allowances may need

Currently, we feel like we are just trying to hold

make it through this crisis and emerge

to be adjusted over time, he added: “But new

on and the bigger challenges are still to come.”

stronger on the other side.”

challenges will have emerged. Some jobs and

IBA Chair Pete Philip said two thirds of

businesses will have been lost permanently.”

breweries were still reeling from bushfire

42 | National Liquor News

■

This is an abridged version of an article that originally appeared in Beer & Brewer.

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