Retail News CRM

Tag: Whisky

  • Vodka Reaches Record Share in India as White Spirits Surge

    Vodka Reaches Record Share in India as White Spirits Surge

    Vodka has taken a record share of India’s liquor market as demographic shifts push drinkers toward white spirits.

    Purchases by younger consumers and women are driving the category, altering demand patterns in a sector historically dominated by commercial whisky.

    Shift toward white spirits

    Distillers are adjusting their product mixes to capture changing consumer tastes across retail stores and bars. Radico Khaitan expanded its vodka operations over the past five years to secure stronger positions in urban retail channels. The change pulls volume away from entry-level brown spirits into clear, mixable drinks.

    Premiumisation drives portfolio overhaul

    Spirits makers are overhauling existing product lines to protect operating margins against rising bottling and raw material costs. Radico Khaitan upgraded its whisky portfolio into higher price bands, cutting its exposure to mass-market commodity liquor. Liquor retailers across India are allocating more shelf space to premium white spirits as manufacturers phase out unprofitable lower-tier labels.

    Investors and distributors now await next quarter’s sales filings to assess how volume gains in premium vodka balance margin declines in mass-market spirit lines.

  • Chris Hemsworth Buys Stake in Archie Rose Distilling Co

    Chris Hemsworth Buys Stake in Archie Rose Distilling Co

    Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has acquired an equity stake in Archie Rose Distilling Co, partnering with founder Will Edwards to finance an international retail rollout.

    The Sydney-based spirits producer plans to use the capital injection to enter the United States later this year while introducing three new whiskies across Asia and New Zealand.

    Global push from Sydney

    Hemsworth will work directly on product development at the distillery alongside his co-ownership role. The collaboration focuses on blending three distinct whiskies tailored for regional export markets.

    Archie Rose has built its business on botanical gins, single malts, and rye whiskies in Australia. Securing high-profile backing reflects a broader push by independent Australian craft distillers to secure distribution shelf space in high-margin Asian retail channels and premium hospitality venues.

    Whisky demand in Asia

    Regional consumers across Southeast Asia and East Asia continue to trade up into premium and craft brown spirits. Independent distillers often struggle against established global liquor conglomerates for retail distribution in major commercial hubs without significant marketing support.

    The company plans to complete its initial US market entry before rolling out the three Hemsworth-backed whisky releases to Asian retail partners in the coming months.

  • Lark Distilling Sales Rise 15% to $18 Million on Asia and Travel Retail Push

    Lark Distilling Sales Rise 15% to $18 Million on Asia and Travel Retail Push

    Tasmanian single malt whisky maker Lark Distilling Co lifted annual net sales 15.1 per cent to $18 million for the year ended June 30.

    Export expansion and global travel retail channels drove the performance, offsetting softer broader consumer spending in mature domestic bottle shops.

    Export Demand Drives Gains

    International sales jumped 69 per cent to $1.8 million during the 12-month period. Global travel retail delivered $2.2 million in sales, representing an increase of 43 per cent over the prior year.

    Lark now distributes its spirits across 10 Asian markets. Regional airport duty-free counters and specialty spirits retailers served as the primary entry points for the Tasmanian brand as it built overseas distribution volume.

    Regional Premium Spirits Shift

    Australian craft distillers are increasingly targeting Asia-Pacific travel corridors to find higher margin buyers for aged stock. Demand for premium brown spirits across North and Southeast Asia has created an opening for niche single malts outside traditional Scottish and Japanese categories.

    Distributors will track whether Lark can sustain double-digit overseas momentum as additional export inventory arrives across its newer Asian accounts in the coming quarters.

  • ThunderDonks New Twist: Launches Bold Campfire Coffee Whisky Blend, Igniting Flavoured Whisky Trend

    ThunderDonks New Twist: Launches Bold Campfire Coffee Whisky Blend, Igniting Flavoured Whisky Trend

    New Zealand whisky maker, ThunderDonk, has recently introduced its latest blend, Campfire Coffee. This unique combination of Colombian coffee beans and aged single malt whisky is the latest in ThunderDonk’s innovative offerings.

    ThunderDonk’s journey began last year in New Zealand, where the brand was crafted by the team at Scapegrace Distilling. Since its inception, its Spiced Maple and Salted Caramel flavours have made quite an impression, selling over 5,000 cases across both New Zealand and Australia within a year.

    A Unique Blend

    The Campfire Coffee blend pairs rich Colombian coffee beans with toasted coconut flakes and a finely aged single malt whisky from New Zealand. This results in a flavour profile that features strong espresso notes, an undercurrent of toasted coconut, and a pleasant, tropical sweetness.

    ThunderDonk’s Managing Director, Mark Neal, expressed enthusiasm about this unusual combination. “Whisky and coffee may seem like an unexpected pairing, but that’s exactly the surprise we’re aiming for,” he said. “Campfire Coffee is the perfect accompaniment for those late-night conversations around the fire. It offers a bold, smooth, coffee-driven flavour, making it ideal for cocktails, a chilled shot, or to be savoured neat.”

    Availability and Market Trends

    The new Campfire Coffee blend is now available across the nation and comes in three sizes: 700ml, 200ml, and 50ml. The whisky is bottled at an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 33%.

    The introduction of this new flavour aligns with current market trends, as flavoured whisky is experiencing a significant surge in popularity. This segment of the whisky market is expanding at a pace that is 50% faster than traditional whisky, making it the fastest-growing segment globally.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new flavour that ThunderDonk has launched?
    The New Zealand whisky brand, ThunderDonk, has launched a new flavour named Campfire Coffee, blending Colombian coffee beans with aged single malt whisky.

    What makes the Campfire Coffee blend unique?
    The blend is unique due to its combination of rich Colombian coffee beans, toasted coconut flakes, and aged New Zealand single malt whisky. It offers a bold and smooth coffee-led flavour.

    What is the trend in the whisky market?
    Flavoured whisky is the fastest-growing segment in the global whisky market, growing 50% faster than traditional whisky.

  • Blue Sky Drinks Acquires Top Shelf International Assets, Ushering In New Era For Australian Beverage Industry

    Blue Sky Drinks Acquires Top Shelf International Assets, Ushering In New Era For Australian Beverage Industry

    Blue Sky Drinks has recently expanded its portfolio by purchasing the assets of Top Shelf International Holdings. These acquisitions include local spirits such as Ned Australian Whisky and Grainshaker, as well as the ready-to-drink (RTD) firm, Gravity Drinks Co.

    Background of Gravity Drinks Co

    Established in 2022, Gravity Drinks Co owes its success to the combined efforts of Mick Spencer, Liam Battye, and a team of professional athletes. The company has effectively penetrated the domestic market, establishing a solid customer base with support from key industry partners including Endeavour Group, Coles Liquor, and various independent venues.

    Changes in Leadership

    The acquisition comes with a leadership reshuffle. Mick Spencer will now serve as the executive chair of Blue Sky, while Greg Mitchell will take on the roles of CFO and COO. Other key appointments include David Ward as GM of sales and marketing, and Liam Battye as head of operations.

    Additionally, Ray Noble, a seasoned executive with leadership experience at Beam Suntory and a past MD role at Sazerac Australia, will join the board as a non-executive director.

    A New Chapter for Blue Sky Drinks

    Reflecting on this latest acquisition, Mick Spencer expressed optimism. He said, “By merging Gravity with some of Australia’s leading spirits and RTD brands, we are creating a different type of beverage company. One that is proudly Australian-owned and -made, and is poised for a bright future.”

    He added that the company now has stronger financial support, more ambitious goals, and a renewed commitment to prioritizing customers, suppliers, and the continued success of its brands.

    Continued Partnerships

    Blue Sky Drinks plans to retain its manufacturing partnership with beverage producer IDL. The company will also continue distributing its products through its extensive network of over 5,000 independent retailers, venues, and partners, including Endeavour Group and Coles Liquor.

    Commenting on the company’s future prospects, Ray Noble said, “The Blue Sky portfolio of Ned, Grainshaker, Act of Treason, Golden Bickie and Gravity combines local craftsmanship with fresh, modern energy that is ready to be harnessed.”

    He added that the new team possesses the expertise, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to elevate these brands to greater heights, expressing his excitement to be part of this journey.

    The completion of the transaction is projected to take place in four weeks. During this period, suppliers and customers seeking additional information should contact Blue Sky Drinks Co or the administrators of Top Shelf International, McGrathNicol.

    Questions & Answers

    Who are the new leaders at Blue Sky Drinks following the acquisition?
    Mick Spencer is the new executive chair, Greg Mitchell is the CFO and COO, David Ward is the GM of sales and marketing, Liam Battye is the head of operations, and Ray Noble is joining the board as a non-executive director.

    What assets has Blue Sky Drinks acquired from Top Shelf International Holdings?
    Blue Sky Drinks has acquired local spirit brands Ned Australian Whisky and Grainshaker, as well as the RTD company, Gravity Drinks Co.

    What are Blue Sky Drinks’ plans post-acquisition?
    Blue Sky Drinks will continue production with beverage manufacturer IDL and maintain distribution through more than 5000 independent retailers, venues, and partners. The company also aims to take its brands to the next level with the new team’s expertise, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit.

  • Whisky-Backed Securities Trading Goes Live in Singapore

    Whisky-Backed Securities Trading Goes Live in Singapore

    Hg Exchange went live this week with whisky-based asset-backed securities trading, becoming Southeast Asia’s first bourse with the offering.

    Five whisky-linked securities were actively traded through the blockchain-based bourse for the first time yesterday, according to a statement, with total volumes valued at 700,000 British pounds ($956,000).

    Hg Exchange’s (HGX) is a private bourse that features not only whisky-linked securities but also other financial securities such as private equity, venture capital funds, and real estate.

    Its founding partners include Asia-focused financial firms PhillipCapital and PrimePartners alongside private tech platform Fundnel and blockchain platform Zilliqa.

    Demand from Asia in fine whiskeys has grown in recent years concurrently with persistent wealth accumulation. There was a most notable surge in the region during the mid-2010s after the release of the Japanese television series Massan, then a popular drama about a whisky distiller, sparking widespread demand.

    The strongest returns yielded from HGX’s first trading day was from the Port Ellen which saw over 30 percent gains yesterday.

    We are delighted by the positive reaction to this whisky-based asset-backed securities from accredited investors in Singapore, across Asia and around the world, said Gerald Ong, deputy chairman and executive director of PrimePartners Corporate Finance Holdings.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Bacardi builds Dewar’s presence in Malaysia with pop-up Whisky Emporium

    Bacardi builds Dewar’s presence in Malaysia with pop-up Whisky Emporium

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail is aiming to build the presence of Dewar’s whisky in Malaysia with a two-month shopper engagement activation at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

    The pop-up John Dewar & Sons Fine Whisky Emporium features the travel retail launch of Craigellachie Speyside single malt in two age variants: 13yo and a travel retail-exclusive 19yo.

    Bacardi said the campaign is timed to maximise the extended holiday and gifting season in December and January covering Christmas, New Year 2017 and Chinese New Year.

    The pop-up is located in front of the Zon Duty Free Arrival Store run by Duty Free Zone (DFZ) in partnership with Heinemann Asia Pacific. Travellers can sample a variety of Dewar’s single malts and blends, including Dewar’s 15yo and 18yo, Aberfeldy 18yo, Glen Deveron 20yo, Royal Brackla 16yo and Craigellachie 13yo and 19yo.

    Customers who spend over RM288 (US$65) will receive a complimentary trolley bag.

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail Regional Director Asia Pacific and Middle East Africa Vinay Golikeri commented: “Kuala Lumpur International Airport is an important location for us as a brand building opportunity for Dewar’s with its passenger profile focused on emerging market travellers, especially the Chinese and Indian traveller.

    Dewar's KLIA Feb 2017 1

    “Covering both the December/January holiday season and Chinese New Year, we are engaging the additional surge of passengers travelling at this time with our Dewar’s single malt portfolio, which offers an intriguing range of whisky options perfect for gifting or for self-treats to add to a personal collection.”

    Dewar's KLIA Feb 2017 4

    Heinemann Asia Pacific Brand Activity Manager June Ong added: “The Dewar’s Emporium is a perfect attraction front of store at this time of year and our customers love it. The presentation of the Dewar’s range from the artisan wooden trolley encourages closer examination and the retail ambassadors are doing an excellent job in helping shoppers explore the offer for themselves. We are particularly keen to encourage this level of connection with our customers as it gives them a memorable experience in our store.”