The Grocer’s Post

Is Cognac getting more popular? No (at least, not yet). But the global BRANDS that happen to be in the cognac game are. It feels there has always been a misunderstanding about "Cognac": We hear the "Cognac" this, or the "Cognac market" that, read about a brand and assume it tells something about a category. I dont think this is accurate. There is a Hennessy market and a Remy market and a Courvoisier market etc... much like there is a Ford, Supreme or Krispy Kreme market. There is a market for global cognac BRANDS, individual markets based on specific brand recognition. The more successful/known they become, the less they tend to talk about the product and orient communication towards partnerships, experiences etc... From labeling to wording on the companies' website the BRAND is front center while the mention "cognac" seem to take the back seat. For every artisan distiller/brand owner/negotiant who has not achieved brand notoriety at scale, there is no "market" per se. It is an every day fight to tell a story, get anyone who accepts to taste the product to understand what is Cognac, demystify, get rid of the bagage the word comes with and do one's best to explain within that framework why one is different.

Having been in the industry for many years and as producer and distributor of one of the most iconic Vodka brands in the world I would have been one of the first to say that there was no room for a new to market Vodka brand. In this article Alex Oldroyd discusses the creation and incredible growth of AU vodka which has broken through in the UK and the US to create a truly exciting new to market premium brand. Sometimes lateral, mold breaking thinking and firm self belief is all that is needed to really change the game. https://lnkd.in/emvHtacX

🌐 Industry Insight: The ongoing trademark dispute between AB InBev and Constellation Brands over the Corona brand usage in hard seltzers highlights significant challenges in strategic brand management and market influence within the beverage industry. A landmark case that sets a precedent for how beverage categories are defined and managed. #BrandStrategy #MarketDynamics #BeverageIndustry Full article: https://lnkd.in/ewb3SGwz

The big boys of tequila continue to blaze a trail for smaller independent brands to benefit from. And whilst growth may be slowing slightly globally (influenced heavily by the US and Mexico), demand for the top ten global brands remains buoyant according to the latest league table from IWSR. Jose Cuervo remains in top spot, significantly ahead in terms of sales from Don Julio and Patron and the rest of the 1m case plus pack.   The UK market is looking pretty peachy too, after 12.5% year on year growth in the off-trade (thanks NeilsenIQ), online sales growth topping 16% and a whopping 50% growth in sales of tequila-based RTDs.   Simple serves – “tequila and tonic” have become a thing, particularly as consumers looked to expand their drinking repertoire from gin – the step from gin to tequila is not as challenging on the palette as some other spirits, and celeb interest has created further interest. Whilst tequila is becoming more firmly cemented in the UK’s off-trade market, it’s not yet reached the levels of consumer familiarity of the US. But, this is changing as can been seen by the explosion of brands in the UK. VIVIR Tequila El Sueño Tequila   https://lnkd.in/e5sKN33q

For a long time (Centuries probably) Scotch Whisky was a bit of an embarrassing secret. It mostly, still is! In Scotland, as most of the 'Scotch action' DIDN'T happen in Scotland for decades, a lot of it 'flew under the wire' and was largely undetected and under-reported. Because of this, it's been MASSIVELY undervalued, even though it was a 'dripping roast' for UK Coffers. I've been going on about this, for rather a long time! Scotch Whisky has been used as a bargaining tool before and, as recent machinations in India are demonstrating, it's being used, again. As even the most unenlightened Scotch fan knows, instant news and (a bit more) transparency is making people realise, it's a LOT bigger than what we have been told! As the Figure below demonstrates, the scale is mind-blowing but it's not really been something that Scotland could 'own', though. This is a UK Figure, not a Scottish one. Astounding. The JW Brand is less than HALF the 'Scotch Whisky Skin' and the whole sector is going ballistic and will probably DOUBLE in size, in just a few years. Jings! However, with myriad new Distilleries, World-Class Visitor attractions, and several of the World's best Scotch Whisky Bars, actually IN Scotland, it's changing. Scotch Whisky Tourism is now a 'thing' and Scotland CAN now make a few quid from it. At last. The problem is, nobody 'owns' Scotch Whisky, the brand. Several people are now trying to sieze the initiative here. There are all kinds of ways to 'monetize' (with a Zee) this. For Scotland. Who will succeed? Will we have a Scotch Whisky Minister? I HATE to say: "I told you so", but I did! #ScotchWhiskyTruths

For alcohol brand owners, negotiating with buyers – particularly in as space-limited a sales channel as global travel retail – can be daunting. Here are the key topics they should be talking about. #alcohol #beer #spirits #liquor #wine #travelretail The thoughts of Tim Young: https://lnkd.in/ev8VXqGb

Calling all #spirits brands! Are you ready to take the spirits industry by storm? The London Competitions is your ultimate platform for recognition, exposure, and market expansion. Here's why participating in this prestigious competition is a strategic move for your #Spirits brand: 🌍 International Spotlight: London is a global hub for spirits, and winning an award here means grabbing the attention of buyers, distributors, and consumers worldwide. Your brand will shine on the global stage. 🤝 Credibility and Trust: The London Spirits Competition is known for its rigorous judging process. Your spirits will be assessed by top experts, ensuring that only the highest-quality products receive accolades. Winning here solidifies your brand's reputation for excellence. 🛍 Consumer-Centric Evaluation: Unlike many competitions that focus solely on technical aspects, the London Spirits Competition evaluates entries based on their appeal to consumers. Judges consider factors such as taste, value for money, and packaging. This consumer-centric approach provides invaluable insights into how your brand resonates with your target audience. 💹 Enhanced Market Position: A medal or award from this competition is a powerful marketing tool. It sets your brand apart in a crowded market, giving you a distinct competitive edge. It's not just an award; it's a mark of quality and distinction that consumers and industry professionals recognize. 👨⚖️ Judging Criteria: Our esteemed panel of judges assesses spirits based on three key criteria: Quality: This is the heart of the evaluation. How exceptional is your spirit in terms of taste, aroma, and overall quality? Value: Judges consider whether your product offers value for money to consumers. Is it priced appropriately for its quality? Packaging: The first impression matters. Does your packaging stand out on the shelf and connect with consumers? Who are our judges? The LSC will be assessed and judged by a leading panel of top-level spirits buyers with current direct commercial buying responsibility. Meet Our Expert Judges: Our judging panel comprises industry leaders, including master distillers, brand ambassadors, mixologists, and retail buyers. PART - I : Paolo Perrini Sid Patel Diana Aladzic Ali Ali Celso Amor Forray András Matteo Aristei Daniele Azzaro Joseph Bailey Michele Becatti Andrea Carella Giusy Castaldo Enrico Chiappini Simone Ciambrone Francesco Colucci Antonio Del Monte Ivan Dixon Fabrizio Donno Oliver Eardley Bruno Fidone Michał Fink Bruno Gattino Tom Hollywood Claudio I. Minas Kotoulas Organized by : Beverage Trade Network Don't miss this golden opportunity to propel your spirits brand to new heights! Enter the London Spirits Competition today and set the course for global recognition and success. 🏆🌐 Super early bird offer ends on Sep 30th : https://lnkd.in/d6-NWY4Q #LondonSpiritsCompetition #SpiritsIndustry #Distilleries #SpiritsAwards

While rankings come and go, the latest #DrinksInternational 2024 Brands Report is a very satisfying way to start the year and build on our momentum. Pernod Ricard reaches #1 in the “Performance by Group” list, a global ranking among producers “whose brands thrived in the world’s best bars”.  What makes this annual survey unique to me is that it combines the bestselling brands and the top trending brands in 100 top bars across the world- in other words, the consumer’s top-of-mind spirits brands and the mixologist’s favorites. Not to mention that four of our spirits have been chosen by professionals to prepare their best classic cocktails, namely Beefeater (Negroni), Olmeca Altos (Paloma), Jameson (Irish Coffee) and Del Maguey (Mezcal margarita).   Beyond figures, these performances prove once again the strength of a premium portfolio that makes the most of both our global and blockbuster brands and of our specialty range. In a very disputed category such as gin, Beefeater is the bestselling brand, and Monkey 47 the top trending, once again.   Some great successes to elaborate on in the year(s) to come and that reflect the amazing work from our brand teams at all levels. 

Discover the Phenomenal Rise of Bumbu: How This Exquisite Rum Conquered the UK's Super-Premium Market! Dive into the story of taste, strategy, and success that's shaking up the spirits world. #BumbuRum #SuperPremiumSpirits #RumRevolution #SpiritsBusiness #LuxuryLifestyle #BarTrends #CraftRum #MixologyArt #RumConnoisseur #SovereignBrands

The global beverage market has witnessed a transformative evolution over the past few decades, with brand identity and narrative becoming pivotal to success. In this dynamic landscape, crafting a narrative that resonates worldwide and creating a brand that stands out amidst the crowd requires keen insight, strategic foresight, and a profound understanding of global consumer trends. This morning, at the esteemed Leading Entrepreneurs of the World (LEW) 2023 Conference, participants will have the unique opportunity to delve deep into this intriguing journey of "Building a Global Beverage Brand". The session, scheduled for 9:00 am to 9:30 am US ET, is poised to illuminate the intricacies involved in scaling a beverage brand to global prominence. Leading this exploration is Reza Mirza, the accomplished CEO of Icelandic Glacial. As the driving force behind one of the fastest-growing premium bottled water brands, Mirza possesses unparalleled expertise in crafting a compelling brand story, underpinned by authenticity and sustainability. His leadership at Icelandic Glacial has been characterized by innovation, meticulous market strategies, and a relentless commitment to environmental sustainability — attributes that have elevated the brand to its esteemed global position. Presented in association with BusinessWorld, this session promises to provide attendees with invaluable insights into the complex world of beverage branding. From understanding consumer behavior across diverse markets to leveraging brand narratives that resonate and create loyalty, Mirza is set to offer a comprehensive blueprint for those aspiring to make a mark in this highly competitive industry. For those intrigued by the alchemy of blending business acumen with branding brilliance, and for anyone looking to understand the anatomy of a successful global brand, this session with Reza Mirza is a must-attend. Join the discourse today and be part of a dialogue that transcends borders, cultures, and market challenges.