Smithy’s, Australian beer brand, has added five new beers to its collection, marking the first time all classic beer styles have been brought together under a single Australian brand. Read more
Proof Drinks Australia launches new alcohol brands to market
Proof Drinks Australia has arrived this month, specialising in the importation, sales and marketing of premium drinks brands from around the globe. It will introduce beverages to the market in the APAC region from July 2021. Read more
Positive prospects of flavoured drinks sector through 2028
A report titled ‘Flavor Carriers Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013–2017 and Forecast 2018–2028’, suggests that the flavor carriers market reached nearly $197 billion in 2018 in terms of value, and is forecasted to reach $2.63 billion by the end of 2028. The global flavor carriers market is expected to grow at the CAGR of 3.0 per cent in terms of value from the estimated year (2018) to the forecast year (2028).
Convenience food products and dairy industry projected to substantially boost the growth of the flavor carriers market
Convenience food products are the prominent consumed foodstuffs in the food industry. These include cheese, butter, snack products, packaged food, and others. These are the daily need products which are available as ready to eat products without further preparation which contain flavor carriers as ingredients to enhance the taste, texture, color and durability of products.
Changing food habits and busy lifestyle are the reason which are driving the market of convenience food products. These products have increasing demand on every day basis, it is forecasted that convenience food market have high growth in upcoming years which is surging the market of flavor carriers.
With numerous flavor emulsion types, the flavor carriers market is expected to gain market share steadily
Health conscious consumers demand healthy and natural products, which generally are generally recognized as safe by food regulatory authority. To enhance the taste and durability of healthy and natural food products, manufacturers are using flavor emulsion in these products, which is creating huge market opportunities for the flavor carriers market. Numerous flavor emulsions are available in the flavor carriers market and serve industries such as bakery, fruit, and alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages industry.
The demand for alcoholic beverages is rising worldwide and in the alcoholic beverages sector, flavor carriers are at an initial phase of market growth. Companies are focusing on future technological advancement & innovations in this industry to use flavors in different products. Non-alcoholic fruit and flavored beverages including carbonated beverages, soft drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices demand the highest number of flavors, fruit flavors, and flavor emulsions. This leads to an increase in demand for flavor carriers.
The flavor emulsion segment is estimated to hold a 74.6 per cent market share by value in the flavor carriers market by the end of 2018, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7 per cent in terms of value from the estimated year (2018) to the forecast year (2028).
Europe and Asia Pacific are prominent regions for the flavor carriers market
Europe and Asia Pacific regions are expected to hold promising opportunities in terms of value increase and reach $157 Mn and $326 Mn with CAGR of 2.2 per cent and 4.2 per cent respectively by the year 2028. European countries are a, who always set new trends in the food and beverages market. Hence, the region is expected to have high demand for flavor carriers.
India and China are highly populated countries. The increasing per capita income and spending power of consumers is driving the market for convenience and packaged food and ready to drink beverages in this region, which is further fueling the flavor carriers market.
Australian supermarkets continue to dominate alcohol market
The trend towards supermarket domination of the alcohol retail sector continued apace over the year to September, with Woolworths Group-owned outlets picking up 250,000 customers and hotel bottle-shops losing virtually the same amount, at 240,000, according to the latest survey data from Roy Morgan.
Woolworths Group and Coles Group continue to dominate the market-share league table, with 5.83 million and 2.41 million customers respectively.
That gives Woolworths Group market penetration of 61.8 per cent and market share in dollar terms of 52.1 per cent.
By comparison, Coles Group has market penetration of 25.5 per cent and market share of 15.4 per cent.
READ: Woolworths wholesale food agreement gives customers more choice
Woolworths Group brands Dan Murphy’s and BWS both increased their customer bases over the 12 months to September, by 4.0 per cent and 9.3 per cent respectively.
Coles Group’s brands saw more mixed results – Liquorland customer numbers declined by 13.1 per cent over the year, with 1st Choice Liquor virtually unchanged and Vintage Cellars growing its customer base by 18.5 per cent.
These are the latest figures from the Roy Morgan Alcohol Retail Currency Report, based on data collected via in-depth, personal interviews conducted face-to-face with more than 50,000 Australians per annum in their own homes, including more than 7,000 who had purchased packaged alcohol within four weeks of being interviewed.
Hotel bottle-shops have continued to lose customers. The research shows a number of drivers of buying behaviour in this market, including proximity to other shops, low prices, an easily browseable range and good special offers.
Roy Morgan’s Single Source survey data can help retailers across the sector understand who their customers are and where they live, work and shop.
The Alcohol Retail Currency Report looks at long and short-term trends for the market size and share (in dollars), customer numbers and cross visitation and overall purchase channel types as well as looking in-depth at major supermarket retailers.
Independent breweries are growing the beverage industry across Australia
Independent breweries are growing the beverage industry across Australia with new facilities and partnerships.
Australian independent brewery, Tribe Breweries, has taken on Mornington Peninsula Brewery through a partnership structure.
Matt Bebe, co-founder and CEO at Mornington, will become a shareholder in Tribe as a result of the partnership and will remain at the helm to lead the Mornington team.
All employees of Mornington will continue in their current roles as the brewery looks to grow its reach both domestically and internationally.
READ: Aussie blockchain startup BlockGrain to pilot barley-to-beer tracking
The partnership will increase Mornington’s brewing capacity and allow the launching of new brews more rapidly.
Bebe said Mornington reached a point where it had to make some strategic decisions about its future.
“Joining Tribe is a great decision for Mornington as we can have our cake and eat it too; continue to be both local and independent while also part of a larger collective group that can provide benefits across the board,” said Bebe.
Anton Szpitalak, co-founder and CEO of Tribe Breweries said Tribe aspired to become Australia’s number one independent brewer and it was firmly committed to working with artisans to realise their dreams.
“Mornington fits perfectly into that vision and with the brewery joining the tribe we take a big step forward on our journey,” said Szpitalak.
Later this year, Tribe Breweries’ much anticipated state-of-the-art $35 million craft beverage production facility will open in Goulburn.
Meanwhile, Brick Lane Brewing Co. has launched a new brewery in Dandenong.
Brick Lane will offer other breweries an opportunity to use its state-of-the-art brewhouse to create their own beers.
Head Brewer Jon Seltin said the company wanted to give breweries the opportunity to bring their wonderful beers to a wider national and international audience.
“We are excited about working with some of the wonderful, talented and creative brewers out there to get more of their beers out there into the world,” said Seltin.
Brick Lane has incorporated several energy reduction, recovery and storage technologies into the Dandenong brewery, including a highly efficient vapour condenser which reclaims energy from steam produced during the brewing process.
Brick Lane will employ 60 workers in its brewhouse, producing 10,000 bottles and 15,000 cans per hour – a capacity of more than 100,000 pints of beer every day.
Urban Alley Brewery has started production in a new centre in Melbourne’s docklands.
It is located next to a brew-pub that is opening its doors in September 2018 and has a capacity of 700 people.
The 25-hectare-litre brewhouse is set to produce 2 million litres per year.
Urban Alley Brewery is also using biodegradable six pack rings (E6PR), which are made from spent grain.
Survey seeks to identify best practice in direct-to-consumer wine sales
Wine companies are being encouraged to participate in Wine Australia’s inaugural Cellar door and direct-to-consumer survey to help develop best practice customer engagement.
Wine Australia chief executive officer Andreas Clark said that, in 2017, the small winemaker production and sales survey found that direct-to-consumer sales channels accounted for 43 per cent of total sales revenue for Australia’s 2000+ small winemakers, with cellar door the strongest growing channel.
“Wine businesses were found to be making significant investments in tourism-related offerings and developing a range of alternatives to traditional cellar door tastings,” said Clark.
However, there was very little in-depth information available on direct-to-consumer total sales, cellar door visits, conversion rates, wine club retention rates and other benchmark statistics that helped wineries develop strategies and assess their performance in these profitable and growing channels, he said.
READ: Twenty Five Doors helps small wineries build market share
“This survey delivers on an initiative of Wine Industry Suppliers Australia (WISA) and will be used to develop a series of key benchmarks and statistics to assist wineries in the development of best practice wine tourism,” he said.
“It’s important for producers to benchmark themselves to improve overall performance, make informed business decisions and manage factors that affect consumers’ demand, loyalty and preference for their wine brand. This survey will provide meaningful and actionable insights for wine producers throughout Australia and will be an essential tool when building long-term sales strategies,” said Clark.
WISA executive officer Matt Moate said the research was imperative to define the capability gaps in Australian direct-to-consumer wine sales.
“The supply sector will be able to utilise this data to deliver opportunities to accelerate producers’ knowledge and skills resulting in a new level of competitiveness in this space,” said Moate.
The survey incorporates and expands on Wine Australia’s annual small winemaker production and sales survey and respected social research company Harrison Research will undertake the inaugural 2018 survey on behalf of Wine Australia.
Wine companies will receive a link to the survey in mid-August.
The survey will be anonymous, with the information presented in a report that will be published using aggregated, de-identified data.
The report will be released at WISA’s inaugural wine industry impact conference in Adelaide on the 18th of October.
Victoria’s wine industry gets a $2 million boost from the government
Victoria’s wine industry has received a $2 million boost from the government through the third round of the wine growth fund.
Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard, represented minister for agriculture and regional development, Jaala Pulford, on the 30th of July, to announce the extra funding and expanded guidelines for the fund.
Howard said the wine industry contributed more than $7.6 billion to the economy.
“[It] employs more than 13,000 people in grape growing, wine making, cellar door sales and hospitality operations – that’s why we’re investing in its future.”
READ: Four of the five largest markets for Australian wine exports have grown in value
The fund aims to develop and sustainably grow the wine industry in Victoria by providing innovative growers, organisations and projects with money to build both domestic and international markets.
It supports activities including marketing, exporting, tourism and business development.
Funding guidelines have been altered so infrastructure projects that attract significant investment and create new jobs are eligible for grants of up to $100,000.
The first two rounds of the fund supported 106 projects worth nearly $2 million in Victoria.
These projects have created new jobs in the wine industry, generated an increase in visitation to Victoria’s wineries, and increased sales and exports of Victorian wines.
Pulford said the government was proud to announce a third round of this program.
“Victorian winemakers produce beautiful wines for every occasion, taste and price and we’re supporting them on the world stage and closer to home.”
Applications are open to businesses or organisations from all wine regions in Victoria directly involved in the wine industry, including the growing, making and marketing of wine.
Sydney Royal’s Grape, Grain & Graze Festival to ignite wine-lovers’ taste buds
People can keep warm in this winter with the Grape, Grain and Graze wine festival in Sydney.
The festival, formerly known as the Sydney Royal Wine Experience, will showcase hundreds of wines.
But it’s not only for wine lovers. There will be Sydney Royal award-winning beers and ciders as well.
Experts will be on site to explain why these beverages are considered the cream of the crop.
READ: First sweet wine symposium held at Margaret River, Australia
All this with Sydney Royal award–winning food and music to match.
Each of the 2300 wines are judged in the annual KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show just days earlier. Ticketholders can then make their own judgements.
Industry judges will be on hand to answer questions and guide people’s palates around the stunning array of drinks on offer.
Sydney Royal Wine committee chairwoman Sally Evans said nowhere else in Australia would people be given this sort of opportunity to taste a vast array of award-winning wines, beers, ciders and produce.
“This is a once a year experience, offering extraordinary value for money, which brings the public into direct contact with the very best Australia has to offer from the land. These producers take extreme pride in what they create, and for the public to be able to enjoy these offerings on such a grand scale and all in the one location is a real treat,” said Evans.
“Whether you are seeking a fun afternoon out with your girlfriends, your partner or a group of mates, our team at Sydney Royal has every base covered for you,” she said.
The event will be held on the 11th of August at Sydney Olympic Park.
Dalefold Wines’ licence suspended for exporting unapproved products
Australian company Dalefold Wines has had its licence to export grape products from Australia suspended.
The Board of Wine Australia suspended the licence in late-July after discovering the company was exporting grape products that were not approved by Wine Australia.
While the suspension remains in place, Dalefold Wines may not export wine from Australia.
Wine Australia is seeking further information from Dalefold Wines before deciding the length of the suspension and considering whether the licence should be cancelled.
READ: Wine Australia to invest $67.8m in ambitious agenda for coming year
Wine Australia last cancelled a licence in the 2015-16 financial year.
Wine Australia found out that Dalefold Wines exported three grape products from Australia for which an export certificate was not in force.
By doing so, Dalefold Wines contravened section 44 of the Wine Australia Act 2013 and the Wine Australia Regulations 2018.
The company also engaged in activity that aimed to leverage from the reputation of another wine brand in China through causing consumer confusion.
This was done to the extent that it could affect the export trade in all grape products from Australia by diminishing consumer confidence in the integrity and authenticity of Australian grape products in China.
It could also cause harm to the reputation of all Australian grape products, relations with importers, current promotional strategies or the marketability of Australian grape products relative to competitors.
Changes to the Wine Australia Regulations 2018 earlier this year mean that other exporters may not export wine on behalf of Dalefold Wines now that its licence has been suspended.
Wine Australia acts to protect the reputation of Australian wine by regulating export shipments, conducting audits of wine producers and ensuring the truthfulness of claims made on Australian wine labels in both the domestic and export markets.
There are currently 2298 active licensed exporters.
Wine cannot be exported from Australia without an export licence issued by Wine Australia, which has the power to suspend or cancel licenses when necessary.
International focus for Australian cider
A $500,000 plan to market Australian craft cider* overseas will be the hot topic of conversation at today’s Cider Australia AGM, preceding the 2018 Cider Industry Conference and CiderFest in Batlow, NSW.
The Australian Government is investing $500,000 in the craft cider industry to build a brand proposition and marketing strategy aimed at boosting exports, as part of the $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package (the $50m Package).
Leading the conversation to develop a brand proposition and shape a go-to-market strategy for Australian craft cider will be Cider Australia President, Sam Reid, and internationally experienced brand strategist, Guy Taylor, engaged by Wine Australia and Cider Australia to develop a strategy that can be leveraged by Australian cider producers.
“Thanks to the $50m Package, we have a great opportunity to build a strong brand proposition that’s unique to Australia and meaningful in chosen markets,” said Reid.
“The aim of the funding is to build a coherent brand proposition and go-to-market strategy that reflects the quality of ciders produced and marketed in Australia.
“Already our work with Wine Australia has given us access to data and learnings on cider markets around the globe.”
Insights from the Australian craft cider industry will be crucial in shaping this work. In the months preceding the AGM, Guy has been reaching out to craft cider producers to get their ideas and opinions on the craft cider industry.
A further step in the $500,000 plan is to develop a ‘toolkit’ to assist producers in understanding prospective export markets and navigating the rules and complexities associated with exporting to those markets. The Australian wine sector has developed an international reputation and exports 61 per cent of its production. The Australian craft cider industry also has the potential to achieve growth through building export markets.
* ‘Australian craft cider’ is cider produced in Australia using fresh Australian fruit ingredients.
Adelaide Hills Distillery wins at 2018 San Francisco Spirits Awards
Adelaide Hills Distillery secured multiple wins at the 2018 San Francisco Spirits Awards, with a Double Gold for ‘The Italian’ – Australian Aperitif, Gold Award for Something Wild Beverages Collaboration, Green Ant Gin; and a Silver for 78 Degrees gin.
The awards are only a glimpse at the ongoing commitment the business has made to deliver unique quality experiences in the craft spirits world while showcasing its dedication to environment and customers alike.
From this commitment, Adelaide Hills Distillery has been on a journey to bring one of the world’s most unique spirit experiences to its customers through the construction of a purpose-built distillery and ‘distillery’ door (cellar door) based in the Adelaide Hills. The goal for this was simple in concept: build one of the world’s most environmental and sustainable facilities whilst pursuing and increasing the quality of its beverages.
“The construction and commissioning of this world class facility allows Adelaide Hills Distillery to continue to grow while balancing higher production volumes with consistent quality and reducing our impact on the environment. We are now well poised to deliver our award-winning spirits in Australia and overseas,” said Sacha La Forgia.
AHD are celebrating this achievement of launching the distillery with the release of new bottles and packaging. Part of this fresh new packaging is to further cement our Australian identity. Gunnery will now be known as ‘Gunnery Australian Spiced’ highlighting it core of unique Australian spices.
The distillery will also make the contentious move to drop the name ‘The Italian’ from its San Francisco Spirit Awards winning “Best Aperitif”. This has been renamed ‘Bitter Orange – Australian Aperitif’ to ensure its consumers understand the quality and depth of Australian ingredients that are mindfully sourced to sustainably make this award-winning liqueur.
Budget to see craft beer tax cut
Craft brewers and distillers will no longer pay additional tax, allowing them to compete on fairer terms with large beverage companies.
Treasure Scott Morrison said in a statement that the Turnbull Government will increase the amount beverage companies can claim back on their excise and extend the concessional draught beer excise rate to smaller kegs, typically used by craft brewers.
The alcohol excise refund scheme cap will increase from $30,000 a year to $100,000, from 1 July 2019 for all brewers and distillers.
This additional tax relief, on top of the Government’s legislated tax cuts for small and medium businesses, will allow craft brewers and distillers to compete on fairer terms with large beverage companies.
Currently, draught beer sold in kegs exceeding 48 litres is taxed at lower rates compared with beer sold in smaller kegs. This is unfair for smaller brewery businesses. Extending the concessional draught beer excise rates to kegs of 8 litres or more will level the playing field for craft brewers, which typically use smaller sized kegs, to distribute their beer to pubs, clubs and restaurants.
There are around 380 craft brewers in Australia located across each State and Territory, employing the equivalent of almost 2,400 people. These brewers are predominantly small businesses and could benefit both from the increase to the excise refund cap and extended access to the concessional draught beer excise rate.
There are also over 100 domestic distillers, supporting around 1,600 jobs that could benefit from the changes.
$7.4 million investment boost for international wine tourism
Wine regions across Australia stand to benefit from a $7.4 million investment boost for 21 international wine tourism projects, including $2.8 million from the International Wine Tourism Competitive Grants Program – a component of the Australian Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package.
Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, said the response to the competitive grants program had been positive, with regional communities banding together to submit exciting wine tourism projects for their districts.
‘Our regions have really embraced the opportunity to expand and enhance Australia’s diverse and unique wine tourism experiences.
‘It’s about growing the reputation of Australia’s food, wine and tourism experiences.
‘Together with targeted marketing campaigns in China and the USA, the grants are creating a platform for the commercial success of our local brands and investing back into local jobs’, she said.
Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Andreas Clark said the 21 successful wine tourism projects will diversify our wine tourism offering and create a lasting impression of Australian wine, in terms of visitor enjoyment and satisfaction.
‘It is important for the growth and success of our wine regions that we deepen engagement with international tourists and these successful projects will help attract more visitors to experience Australia’s wine offering’, he said.
Tribal Breweries growing with Thai joint venture and local craft beer acquitsion
Tribe Breweries has announced a marked growth in its branded portfolio. Expanding into the international craft beer market, a joint venture has been established with local Thai partners BB&B, to create a new beer brand – Chao Siam, whilst locally, the company has acquired leading gluten free craft beer brand Wilde Gluten Free.
Through Tribe’s partnership with BB&B, the company has created a nationally distributed Thai beer with a range that has been specifically developed for the local Thai market, including a Wit Bier and an IPA. BB&B are one of the oldest and largest Thai premium alcohol importers and distributors. Tribe has been able to tap into their market expertise and vast distribution channels.
Stefan Szpitalak, Head of International Markets and Co-Founder of Tribe Breweries says, “Working with local artisans to create great brews that speak directly to their audience is what Tribe is all about. Branching out of the Australian market with new brands and sharing our craft beer journey throughout South East Asia is an exciting milestone for us.”
Of the creation of Chao Siam, Tribe and BB&B engaged with local Thai University students to help create the brand, making Chao Siam a truly unique Thai-Australian collaboration.
Pongchalem of BB&B says, “Chao Siam means ‘Thai People’, and with so many foreign brands in our market place, we are so proud to work on a project that has been created for and with our people.”
Thai drinkers in many ways are just beginning their craft beer journey, and Tribe’s partnership will enable them to shape the Thai craft beer market.
Stefan continues, “I grew up in Thailand and then went on to spread my time equally there and in Australia. I spent years exploring the vast culture, even becoming a monk as a rite of passage. My personal connection to Thailand is very meaningful to me and our company. Seeing this project come to fruition has been a dream of mine ever since we launched Tribe Breweries.”
With the founders of Tribe Breweries having a deep history and personal association with Asia, the team are looking to increase their footprint in key Asian markets and help forge craft beer penetration in the region. Tribe are already achieving their international expansion plans, with a strong export presence that has grown 500% in 1 year. They currently export to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, China and South Korea, with Vietnam and half a dozen additional markets to be online by the end of CY18.
Expanding their branded portfolio and building upon their current success, Tribe Breweries has also announced their acquisition of nationally distributed Wilde Gluten Free. Over 5 years ago, founders of Wilde, Chris and Narelle Gordon, developed a gluten free recipe with Tribe’s team. Since then, Tribe has helped them grow exponentially to become one of the top gluten free beers in Australia.
Tribe has acquired Wilde to elevate the brand’s positioning and presence in the market. They will continue to make Wilde at the Smeaton Grange facility and hope to grow the distribution of the brand both nationally, through their strong relationships with independents and other retailers, and internationally through its channels and export track to the Asian market.
Spirits from the USA head to Australia
The Distilled Spirits Council of the US, the national trade association representing leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States, has just confirmed that it will participate in the 2018 Drinks Industry Show.
Event Director David Paterson, of organiser Exhibitions & Trade Fairs, said, “This is exceptionally exciting news. The Distilled Spirits Council will showcase iconic American Whiskeys such as Jim Beam Bourbon, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Bulleit Bourbon, among others.”
“On top of that, this latest announcement means the Council will be bringing, and exhibiting, a number of distilleries from America that are looking to break into the Australian market. It is a fantastic opportunity for Australians to taste new, boutique American product, offering a unique opportunity for buyers to be the first to taste many in Australia.”
To give the extended numbers of American exhibitors an appropriate platform, the 2018 Drinks Industry Show will have a dedicated American Pavilion on the show floor, with several distillers having a stand. These include:
Corsair Artisan Distillery: founded in 2008, Corsair “sets its marks where it all started”, becoming the first craft distillery in Nashville since prohibition. Its innovative, adventurous spirits have won more than 800 medals at national and international spirits competitions.
House Spirits Distillery: this pioneer of America’s craft-distilling resurgence believes in being distilling’s equivalent to “minimalist cooking”, making its spirits from scratch and crafting each of its award-winning products with an intense and passionate pursuit of perfection, using the best natural ingredients, treating them with care, and allowing them to express their unique character.
Red Eye Louie’s Vodquila: is a special blend of ultra premium vodka and imported super premium tequila. The vodka is made from multiple grains and distilled six times, while the Tequila is made from pure blue agave plants and distilled in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Vodquila’s super clean taste and rich aroma is achieved by blending these bases in small vats, macerated together at a high temperature to achieve a perfect blend.
As well as meeting and engaging on the show floor, buyers can look forward to an exclusive master class on day two, hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. and showcasing the very best in American spirits. Places will be issued first come, first served, so get in early to avoid missing out.
David Paterson said, “Whiskey and bourbon sales continue to rise in Australia. Research has shown Australians drink around 19 million glasses of whiskey a month, which is some three million more glasses than in 2009. In 2006, Australians aged over 65 were the most likely to drink whiskey, and those 18-34 were least likely, but now, the proportion of drinkers of these beverages in the younger group has been steadily growing, year on year. This makes the Distilled Spirits Council’s decision to exhibit at the 2018 Drinks Industry Show very timely.”
Robert Maron, Director of International Affairs, Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., said, “The American whiskey sector is dynamic and includes internationally recognised brands and new distillers. There is an American whiskey for every palate; from a sweet Bourbon Whiskey with hints of caramel, to a smooth Tennessee Whiskey with charcoal notes, to an American Rye Whiskey with a spicy and peppery finish.
“Within each category, there is an American Whiskey for every adult consumer’s taste preference and price point. Last year, U.S. spirits exports to Australia were valued at $127 million, up 12 per cent as compared with 2016, and in 2017 American Whiskey accounted for approximately 80 per cent of the total in terms of value. So, clearly there is an interest in American spirits and the American Whiskey, making Australia an ideal market for our new distillers to explore.”
Wine most popular, but beer most drunk by Australians
The Roy Morgan Alcohol Currency Report has found that 69.3 per cent of Australians aged 18 and over drink alcohol in an average four-week period.
According to the report, of all Australians 18+ years old, 44.5 per cent consume wine, 39.1 per cent consume beer, 27.5 per cent consume spirits, and 13.6 per cent consume cider.
When looking at drinkers by gender, men are the predominant consumers of alcohol, with 74 per cent consuming alcohol in an average four- week period, compared to 65 per cent of women.
Women had the highest incidence of wine consumption, with nearly 50 per cent of all women drinking wine in an average 4 weeks compared to 39 per cent of men. Wine skews to older drinkers, with the highest incidence among 50+ and 35-49 year olds.
In contrast, beer is consumed by 59 per cent of men in an average 4 weeks, compared to only 20 per cent of women. Beer is fairly constant across age, increasing slightly from 18-49, but declines for the 50+ age group.
Cider is fairly evenly split between the genders with a slight skew towards women, but it is heavily skewed to younger Australians compared to old, with 27 per cent of 18-24 year olds consuming cider in an average four weeks compared to 7.8 per cent of 50+.
Alcohol Consumption Incidence – % and estimated number of Australians who have consumed each type of alcohol in an average 4 week period.
Alcohol Consumption Incidence – per cent and estimated number of Australians who have consumed each type of alcohol in an average 4 week period.
Beer maintains largest share of throat
In Australia, 128.8 million glasses of alcohol were consumed by 11.6 million drinkers in an average seven-day period in 2017.
Beer has the highest Share of Throat across Australia, accounting for 44 per cent of all alcohol volume consumed by drinkers, compared to wine at 32 per cent. And while cider has experienced an increase in popularity over the last decade, it still represents only 3.3 per cent of all alcoholic volume.
“While wine is the most popular choice of alcoholic drink among Australians, it’s interesting to note the largest volume of alcohol is beer, representing 44 per cent of all alcohol in a 12 month period. There has been a decline in alcohol consumption among men, who in the last five years have gone from 76.5 per cent consuming alcohol to 73.9 per cent in an average four week period,” said Michele Levine, CEO, Roy Morgan.
“This is contrasted by the rise of women consuming alcohol, which has increased from 64.1 per cent to 64.8 per cent. Young people have also declined in alcohol consumption, with 18-24 year olds decreasing from 71.8 per cent alcohol consumption to 68.1 per cent in an average four weeks. This is compared to 50+, who have increased from 69.4 per cent to 70.2 per cent.”
Alcohol Share of Throat
American bourbon and vodka coming to Australia
American distiller MGP Ingredients has announced plans to partner with Swift + Moore Beverages Australia to represent TILL American Wheat Vodka and George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This is the first international market expansion for TILL Vodka and George Remus and follows a continued wave of distribution growth for both brands.
“We are thrilled to partner with Swift + Moore Australia to meet consumer demand for TILL Vodka and George Remus in our first international venture,” said Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP Ingredients. “As a heartland distiller with a growing customer base, we are extremely proud that the recognition of our brand quality has achieved global recognition. We look forward to teaming up with Swift + Moore for long-term success.”
This announcement follows significant distribution gains for both TILL Vodka and George Remus, highlighted by double-digit growth over the past year. Both brands are crafted by the expert distillers at MGP Ingredients. TILL is produced from locally grown Kansas wheat, distilled for refinement through a proprietary process by the team in Atchison, Kansas. George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is crafted from MGP’s aged bourbon reserves, located in its 171-year old Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery, one of the oldest and most historic spirits facilities in the country.
“Swift + Moore Australia is committed to delivering products with exceptional quality, authenticity and taste to our customers,” said Michael McShane, Managing Director of Swift + Moore. “There are many similarities between Australia and the U.S. in our mutual appreciation of the best craft spirits, and we’re excited to join forces with MGP Ingredients to launch TILL Vodka and George Remus Bourbon in our country. We look forward to developing creative cocktail education, training programs and consumer events that allow for an enduring discovery of these brands.”
Bear Essentials Fruit Sliders
Made purely from natural Queensland fruit, Bear Essentials Fruit Sliders are the only products of their kind in Australia.
Unlike many other products on the market, they are not flavoured products but contain just fruit. They are fully natural with no preservatives, no added cane sugar and importantly with no added sulphites. In addition, they have been fully pasteurized.
Containing 8 per cent alcohol, or 1.7 standard drinks per 275 ml bottle, these products are naturally refreshing, and makes a great choice for summer.
Bear Essentials Fruit Sliders are available in two flavours, Pineapple and Mandarin.
Rare American whiskeys land in Australia
The 2018 Antique Collection of American whiskeys has landed in Australia, from the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Representing a cross-section of rare American Whiskeys, the Antique Collection spans a wide range of limited edition whiskeys of various ages, proofs and styles – some of which are revered as the best in the world and only available to supporters of the distillery’s signature Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey.
Recently named as ‘Distiller of the Year’ at the Icons of Whisky America awards 2018, the Buffalo Trace Distillery, based in the heart of bourbon country Kentucky, has been dedicated to crafting traditionally aged whiskeys for well over 200 years. Only five years ago, the distillery claimed its biggest accolade to date, being named as a National Historic Landmark.
The Antique Collection comprises of 18 rare products including the highly pursued Pappy Van Winkle 23YO, the iconic William Larue Weller and the Weller 12YO.
Every bourbon in the range encapsulates the innovative methods implemented by each of the previous five master distillers, reflecting their individual styles. With the extreme aging process behind some of the whiskeys, it’s uncommon for any of the distillers to taste the result of their work, instead leaving a recognisable legacy that is appreciated by younger generations.
Buffalo Trace Brand Manager at SouthTrade International, James Johnstone, explains how the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is regarded as the most exciting time of the year for Buffalo Trace, as it highlights the legacy of many decades of distilling genius.
“Hailing from the most award-winning distillery and as a heavily awarded range itself, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection’s demand always outweighs supply globally. It’s great to see that Australia has had so many bottles come through the allocation this year, which we only hope will grow in the future so that more whiskey aficionados are able to enjoy these incredible drops,” he said.
The collection is available in limited numbers across both on and off premise venues within Australia.
Glass bottle redesigned with confidence using clear SLA 3D printing
Orora earns client buy-in on new beer bottle design using colour-matched 3D printed appearance models with identical heft and hue of glass.
Packaging redesigns are a serious undertaking. On the marketing side, changes are visual and emotional; on the manufacturing side, changes cost money. Before making the investment to overhaul its glass bottle tooling systems, the maker of Australia’s James Boag’s Premium Lager needed to know an update to its bottle would not be change for change’s sake. It needed to be sure the new bottle would look good and be well received by customers. Ideally, this confidence would come before spending major time and capital on the project.
As the supplier of Boag’s bottles, Orora had skin in the game to validate the design quickly and accurately. Orora’s Innovation & Design team put wheels into motion by contacting 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing, a long-time partner, to develop a state-of-the-art 3D printed prototype. Keeping Boag’s existing supply chain processes top of mind, a new-look bottle was designed to comply with the manufacturing infrastructure already in place to help avoid expensive and time-consuming changes.
3D printing a lookalike for glass
To get Boag’s buy-in on the new design, a credible appearance model was needed for evaluation. To be convincing, the 3D printed models needed to have the same clarity and hue as glass as well as the same in-hand heft. 3D Systems’ On Demand Manufacturing experts accounted for weight disparities by adjusting the interior wall thickness of the design file based on the density of the selected stereolithography (SLA) resin, and then got to work on color-matching to achieve the iconic green of the classic Boag bottle.
Using 3D Systems’ leading SLA 3D printing technology and VisiJet® SL Clear resin, 3D Systems’ On Demand Manufacturing experts printed four SLA prototypes. “Successful lab testing of 3D Systems’ clear materials verify they are the best solution for transparent 3D prints,” said Dr. Don Titterington, Vice President of Materials R&D, 3D Systems. “Used in a variety of demanding applications, clear materials deliver high-performing, cost-effective choices for functional, transparent prototypes.”
Once printed, the bottles were put through an in-house finishing protocol to bring them to final product quality. This included wet and dry sanding, applying a surface tint, and a final clear coat to deliver a glass-like sheen. With just a few simple steps, clear SLA prints can be transformed with incredible results. According to 3D Systems’ Tracy Beard, general manager for On Demand Manufacturing’s facility in Lawrenceburg, TN, thousands of clear parts are produced each week in the Lawrenceburg facility alone. “The materials are versatile enough to be quickly finished and tinted for perfect prototypes,” Beard says.
Fast feedback for fast progress
The appearance models were ready within a week, allowing Orora and Boag to quickly transition the new design to customer trials and gauge the public’s reaction. They filled the 3D printed bottles with liquid, outfitted them with a label and cap, and put them in a shop for monitoring. Feedback from these in-store trials indicated that the new design was a hit, clearing the new design for production.
“The new James Boag’s Lager bottle has set a standard within Orora for the way packaging design and 3D prototyping can come together seamlessly with short notice,” said Orora’s Innovation & Design team. “It’s the sort of technology innovation that’s giving us a critical edge when it comes to developing best-practice bottling design and manufacturing solutions for our customers.”