Pantalones Organic Tequila’s Post

We are delighted to reveal that Australian Vintage is an award winner in the 2023 Just Drinks Excellence Awards in the environmental category for emissions targets, and in the product launches category in the areas of non-alcoholic beverages and RTD - cocktails.   Sam Duke, Head of Awards at GlobalData says, "The company was recognised in the environmental category after it unveiled its ESG roadmap including an ambitious net-zero carbon emission target across the company’s entire value chain by 2040. In the near term the company is aiming to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 and cut its Scope 3 emissions by 52%.   In the Product Launches category recognition is given to the company’s launch of three new RTD cocktails under its new brand Mr Stubbs, the launch of two spirits, a citrus flavoured vodka and gins created using rescued grape spirits, under brand Rescued Spirit, and brand Tempus Two’s launch of three wine-infused gins.   The company also ventured further into non-alcoholic beverages through the launch of zero-alcohol wine range Not Guilty.” #justdrinks #excellence #awards #wineindustry #drinksindustry #newproduct #environment

As the world’s first drinks accelerator for start-up spirits brands, these are the headlines we love to see. 👉 Spirits have overtaken wine for the first time in 30 years in a survey released by The Consumption Habits poll by Gallup. It’s important that this shift has been recorded as a milestone moment. Over the last decade, we’ve seen consumers demand: 💥 More choice - from flavours and makers, to price points and occasions. 💥 Authenticity - across brand storytelling, production, provenance and representation of drinkers. 💥 Moderation - low-alcohol serves becoming available and elevated in style to match the occasion. 💥 Education - breaking down barriers for drinkers to understand how to use and enjoy spirits. And in many ways, the spirits industry has responded 👏 and must continue to evolve - let’s keep going! https://lnkd.in/ehMmmX5g

A worthwhile read: https://lnkd.in/eBhJF2UY “There is a clear demand for brands that are authentically owned and culturally resonant. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking products that not only deliver high quality but also maintain genuine ties to the communities they represent. This shift towards authenticity has created a pivotal opportunity for a company like ours. With Uncle Nearest’s extensive national distribution network and our deep commitment to heritage and authenticity, we are perfectly positioned to meet this growing demand. By entering the vodka market, we’re not just expanding our portfolio, we’re responding to a consumer call for transparent, culturally connected brands.” #Blackwomeninbusiness #scaling #growth

Delve into the latest global wine industry trends in a report by IWSR, a leading drinks research firm, who share 7 key trends shaping the wine world in 2024. Insights include 1) that the no-alcohol wine volume consumption continues to grow, up +7% in 2023, but struggles due to negative perceptions around quality, taste, and availability, and 2) evidence continues to show that premium brands are joining the alternative packaging trend in support of sustainability. It's definitely worth a read. https://lnkd.in/esN2J8_Y

This week I attended and spoke at the Spirits Strategies & Innovation Conference in London. Similar themes, trends, and challenges to last week's beer conference, but with many interesting differences. Thanks Arena International Events Group for the opportunity to sponsor and contribute to both events. Common takeaways: 1. Non-alc is just getting started. Consumer demand and availability is growing, and it supports macro trends of premiumisation and health/wellness. But please stop using “No” and “Low” interchangeably, they are entirely different categories says Ben Branson. 2. Global giants vs indies. Indies questioned the quality and lower (predatory?) price points of Globals, while acknowledging that Globals build awareness, open up shelf space, and “normalise” the category. 3. Brands are concerned about the “Cost of Living Crisis” impact on discretionary consumer spending yet there remains a sizable gap between what consumers say and what they do. “Treating oneself” and “considered luxury” is on the rise. I learned a new acronym this week – COLC. 🤔 4. Experiences are king and a great way to recruit new consumers. Loved this simple advice to brands from Steve Osborne: “Ignite the story with the assets.” Unique to spirits: 1. One word summed up the conference: “simplification”. Simplification in consumer messaging, innovation, packaging, and serves. But how much innovation is too much for consumers or trade to digest? 2. Beer execs fretted last week about spirits taking share and reaching younger drinkers. Spirits execs don't see beer as a threat. Notable exception: non-alc beer has 7x household penetration vs non-alc spirits! Non-alc beer leads due to more realistic taste and by winning in ritualistic occasions. 3. Premiumisation is key, but spirits are better than beer at convincing consumers to trade up via great storytelling, “elevating the classics,” and establishing the “home premise”. 4. Spirits are more optimistic about their ability to capture consumer attention. I highlighted that spirits are harnessing the power of experiential marketing by going beyond “liquid to lips” sampling to increasing “share of consumer engagement” and how AnyRoad helps brands optimise these efforts. 5. Brand switching or trading down is less prominent in spirits vs other consumer segments. Important trends: 1. The intersection of category and brand – examples shared from RTD, non-alc, frozen cocktails (Xin and Voltaire). 2. Future impact of functional products like CBD-infused or vitamin-fortified alcohol, but this segment needs regulatory support. 3. Don’t sleep on emerging or re-emerging categories like Cognac, Calvados, Armagnac, and non-traditional whiskies said The Whisky Exchange's Dawn Davies. 4. Consumers demand transparency from brands. 5. Despite impressive growth, non-alc has an identity crisis – the industry is sorting out the best quality and still trying to figure out what to call itself! #brandexperience #experientialmarketing #spirits

This article highlights several concerns about the approach of the wine industry in marketing and confusing consumers and distancing new diverse possible customers in welcoming them to the party! We’re doing it wrong

Just read yesterday's Marketing Brew newsletter, and the opening line really caught my eye: "And Welch’s, known for making jelly and grape juice, is the latest brand to enter the canned cocktail market. Now, we must unfortunately wait for the inevitable collab with Jif." 🥂 This got me thinking about the many other brands that have given their everyday drink a nighttime alter ego. It's fascinating to see these brands "grow up" with their consumer base. A few that come to mind are: ☀️SunnyD 🍋Simply Spiked ☕Dunkin Spiked It's intriguing to consider which company will be next to see its aging consumer base and create something that still appeals to and caters to the consumers evolving tastes. Cheers to innovation and the ever-changing landscape of consumer preferences! 🚀🍹 #Marketing #BrandGrowth #ConsumerTrends

My two cents? I'd make a big bet on non-alc RTDs while perfecting the taste and shelf-stability of the non-alc spirits themselves. The best of the non-alc RTDs, like Lyre's Spirit Co's G&T, whisky & coke, etc., St. Agrestis' Phony Negroni and Everleaf Drinks | B Corp's recent collaboration with Tayēr + Elementary are indistinguishable from their alcoholic brethren, just as Athletic Brewing Co.'s beers are identical to alcoholic beers. In fact, good non-alc RTDs often taste better than 5% abv canned G&Ts and the like; spirit & mixer products canned at 5% are doing so to be eligible for listing at the likes of Walmart, not for taste. A G&T (or whisky & coke, or Dark 'n' Stormy) made with a 40% abv base spirit should be around 8%, not 5. A good non-alc G&T like Lyre's is as good, if not better. Most bottled negronis are actually around the correct abv - 27% abv or so - but taste-wise St Agrestis' Phony Negroni is about 92% indistinguishable from the real thing, so you have a valid alternative to booze. Going big on non-alc RTDs would buy the firms time to perfect the flavours and shelf-stability of non-alc spirits. Thoughts? https://lnkd.in/ecXDznk7

100% with Mr. Duff on all these points. They’re only going to get better too. I’d add in that over the next few years and as cannabis is scheduled down, the green wave will come and consumption models will shift even further in new waypoints as tech and science improve (not something that Lyre’s is looking at- my own viewpoint and estimation). And we have to, as parts and members the hospitality industry, look at shifting our spaces to fit new models and do our best to help people feel welcome and feel seen, and most importantly- feel safe. As I like to reflect on the lineage of beverage history, it’s really not that far off from the 1820s and the invention of and retooling of the column still and how that apparatus was the tech that brought modern consumption to life. Couple that to how bars have to change and evolve to fit new expectations in the spaces that we occupy and there are a ton of data to lean into. #nonalcoholic #cocktails #makeitalyres #consumptionmodels #inclusivehospitality

Thought of the day Brewing Success in a Sea of Grapes. In our industry we are constantly navigating Challenges in the Expanding Wine Market, I have touched on some of these topics previously and I had some more thoughts. In an era where the world of wine is as diverse and complex as the vineyards themselves, brands are navigating a sea of challenges in an ever-expanding market. As wine enthusiasts explore new territories and flavors, wine brands must rise to the occasion to stand out in the crowd. With the wine market witnessing exponential growth, the hurdles have intensified – a subject we delve into while spotlighting the innovative journey of Barista Wine's "Coffee Pinotage." Market Growth and Clutter: The wine market is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with an influx of new brands entering the scene at an astonishing pace. According to industry experts, global wine consumption is expected to reach over 30 billion liters by end 2023 (according to Wine Intelligence). This surge in demand has led to a landscape that is increasingly cluttered, presenting challenges for both established and emerging brands alike. The Case of Barista Wine's "Coffee Pinotage” Amid this dynamic environment, some brands are embracing disruption to carve out their niche. Take, for instance, Barista Wine's a bold creation, distinctively different, the "Coffee Pinotage." Blending the worlds of wine and the aromas coffee, this innovative offering has shaken up traditional conventions and gained attention for its uniqueness. Making the work of wine less intimidating for the consumer and giving them a quality wine that talks to them on so many levels & opening up the work of wine in a whole new way. Creating a Category Disruptor: By introducing a category disruptor like "Coffee Pinotage," Barista Wine showcases how thinking outside the bottle can be a game-changer. A representative from the company stated, "In a market that's constantly evolving, being a category disruptor not only captures attention but also drives conversations. It's about more than just taste; it's about sparking curiosity." Building Brand Reliability and Awareness: When crafting a narrative around a wine brand, building reliability and awareness are paramount. As consumers are inundated with choices, consistency and authenticity stand out. A marketing expert highlighted, "A brand's story should resonate with its audience. It's about creating a connection that goes beyond the label – it's about sharing values." RC I want to end this Thought of the day with this : “In a world of grapes, sometimes you need to find a new vinyard. Innovation is the compass guiding modern wine branding.”