In the June issue of National Liquor News, we caught up with Jeremy Goodale, General Manager VIC/TAS at Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM), to chat trends and future plans for his region.
NLN: How has 2019 been performing in Victoria and Tasmania so far?
Jeremy: Without question the brilliant weather has really aided sales throughout the early part of 2019. In Victoria, January through to April we have been blessed. With the challenge of comparing the differing months of Easter this year versus last year putting March and April together I feel like we are in a good place as we approach winter.
NLN: What makes your state unique market wise?
Jeremy: First, from an independents perspective we have nearly all indie banners represented in Victoria. With a strong presence of IGA stores in Victoria, it helps ALM Southern States have a large share of the ALM business.
Secondly, the Victorian on-premise market is thriving. The explosion of suburban licensed restaurants and bars along with the many amazing hospitality precincts that Melbourne offers makes us spoilt for choice. And Melbourne is so well known as the leaders and innovators in the small bar scene, including having some of the most talented bar staff in the industry.
To keep pace with the growth, ALM Southern States has launched some innovative solutions for the on-premise customers to support the trends that are evident.
NLN: Are there any specific trends you’re seeing?
Jeremy: There seems to be a real rush to provide an at-home delivery service for consumers. Just at the moment there hasn’t been one that has landed the perfect solution, but it won’t be long before it becomes a part of the consumer’s alcohol buying repertoire.
I see the next evolution of the local liquor store to be where the best of the best retailers create smaller format super premium stores that allow shoppers the opportunity to sample, explore and discover.
While we are currently enjoying the boom of premium gin, in particular Australian craft gin, I am looking forward to the next trend to come, which will be Australian craft whisky. We are so lucky to have so many brilliant distillers, winemakers and brewers in Australia, I have no doubt the imminent whisky boom will be world class.
NLN: What are the top performers for your state across all categories?
Jeremy: Gin and craft beer are the standouts, with products like Stone & Wood, Prickly Moses, Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire leading the charge.
Canadian Club is experiencing another year of double digit growth, and higher ABV RTDs are also in growth, led by Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s, Wild Turkey and Woodstock. Mumm Champagne is the standout sparkling and Squealing Pig Rosé has been really successful since launch.
NLN: Are there any state specific initiatives that you are planning for this year?
Jeremy: Yes, there are. ALM Victoria will be launching a new on-premise platform that is currently in development phase, which we are really excited about and will add some genuine value for our current and new customers.
You will see a very different way in which we communicate to our customers with impactful call to action offers from our supplier partners.
We have added some digital capability to our business to support how our retailers navigate social media and alternate advertising mediums, and with a strong focus on growing our wine share we are partnering with our on- and off-premise customers to offer some unique products and strategies to help grow sales and margins.
Finally, with a new Warehouse Manager, Transport Manager and Logistics Manager there is some creative thinking on the best way to service our existing and growing customer base utilising the biggest range of products available from any wholesaler in the state.
Exciting times ahead.