This week, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) handed out the 2015 National Awards for Excellence to members of the hospitality and accommodation industry. Atop a glow of highlights was the induction of New South Wales hotel industry stalwart, Bevan Douglas, into the Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame. The induction recognised Mr. Douglas and his family’s contribution to the city of Tamworth. Over the last 2…

Asahi Premium Beverages has announced two internal senior moves concerning Andrew Amarant and Michael Ritoli, who will now be tasked with readying the business for expansion outside of Australia. Previously General Manager – National Accounts, Mr. Amarant will take on the role of General Manager – International – a new role that will report into Chief Commercial Officer – Alcohol ANZ Scott Hadley and util…

From October 6, Suntory Wine International (Suntory) will begin distributing Yalumba and Oxford Landing Estates brands in Japan. Up until now, Jeroboam has been distributing both brands in Japan. Under the new partnership between both companies, the Yalumba and Oxford Landing Estates brands will be distributed by Suntory Liquors Ltd to both restaurants and retail outlets throughout the country. “We are ve…

Proximo Spirits/Jose Cuervo International brands (JCI) has ended its partnership with Think Spirits in Australia. The split will see major brands including Jose Cuervo, 1800 Tequila, Gran Centenario Tequila, Agavero Liqueur and The Kracken Black Spiced Rum leave Think Spirits’ portfolio. Proximo/JCI and Think Spirits partnered back in 2011 and secured the rights to the Jose Cuervo portfolio from Diageo in…

Ex-McWilliam’s Wines employee, Bernadette Knight has reached new heights, joining Champagne brand, Armand De Brignac as Global Chief Marketing Officer in New York this week. A native of Australia, Knight’s experience spans more than a decade in the luxury wine and spirits industry, working with champagne brands such as Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart and Taittinger. Most recently the U.S Director for Hennes…

Accolade Wines has sold its 50% shareholding in Matthew Clark to Conviviality Retail Plc. in the UK for £100 million. Conviviality is one of the UK’s largest franchised off-licence and convenience chains. Matthew Clark – the UK’s largest independent drinks distributor – is a joint venture between Accolade Wines and Punch Taverns. The deal will therefore also see Punch Taverns sell its shareholdings to Con…

17 businesses, including the Australian Hotels Association, Australian Retailers Association, Master Grocers Association and the National Farmers’ Federation have rallied together to make an amendment to the Competition and Consumer Act. Representing more than 500,000 businesses and three million employees, the 17 are hoping to see a change to Section 46 of the Act that they say, will make for healthier c…

Between 8 September–13 October, the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) will be hosting a series of free events for industry stakeholders to attend and discuss ways in which the industry can help to reduce alcohol-related harm. The ‘Information Exchange’ half-day events will provide the opportunity for licensees, liquor accord groups, local council representatives, police, government compliance o…

Jim Beam & Lion – Beer, Spirits & Wine Last night, Australia’s leading beverage suppliers, distributors and retailers congregated at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to celebrate the night of nights – the Australian drinks Awards. Andrew Daddo welcomes attendees to the 2015 Australian drinks Awards Atop the plethora of high achievers who took away awards on the evening, were the much-anticipated…

Schweppes Australia and Asahi Premium Beverages are now distributing the popular water brand, VOSS Water of Norway. The new, exclusive distribution agreement covers both Australia and New Zealand. Popular with consumers for its unique glass bottle and Norwegian artesian spring water, VOSS has experienced rapid growth in Australia, and VOSS Group CEO Jack Belsito hopes the new distribution agreement will h…