Australia’s liquor retail industry is an incredibly diverse landscape, from pioneering new trends to upholding time-honoured traditions. But beyond the brands and products, it is the individuals within this industry whose passion and dedication create such a dynamic market.
In each instalment of our ‘Five minutes with…’ series, National Liquor News puts the spotlight on a key figure in the industry, sharing a glimpse into their personality and the experiences that underpin their achievements.
Each fortnight, we will dive into the professional accomplishments and unique perspectives of our industry’s dynamic leaders, uncovering their personal stories of success.
This week we sat down with Justin Taylor, Company Director & Senior International Sales Manager at Taylors Wines.
Advice for retailers:
NLN: What are you enjoying drinking lately?
JT: Our Taylors St Andrews Chardonnay. We’ve done a lot of work with high-quality French oak with this wine so it’s more Burgundian in style – it’s a beautiful glass of wine.
NLN: What key trends in the alcohol industry should retailers focus on in the next few years?
JT: Working to welcome the next generation of wine drinkers through product and packaging development that will attract them – just like what we’re doing with The Aromantiques range.
NLN: How can suppliers and retailers better collaborate using data to drive growth?
JT: We need to stay in a two-way conversation to work together to share data and pick out trends to ensure we deliver the best results.
NLN: How can suppliers help retailers manage inventory and adjust to changing demand, especially with new products?
JT: If your partnership between supplier and retailer is strong through sharing data, forecasting together and being transparent with each other, good inventory management will result.
NLN: How long have you been with Taylors Wines, and can you share a bit about your career journey so far?
JT: I officially joined Taylors Wines in 1997. I started off working as a sales rep in the Western Suburbs of Sydney, before I was promoted to National Sales Manager in Australia in 2000. The next eight years that followed were so exciting to watch as the family business just grew and grew! We worked really hard and it paid off to see the Taylors domestic market share double, along with our team and the range of wines being offered.
In 2005, I was appointed a Director of Taylors Wines and in 2014 I was also made a Director of Taylor Brown, a 50/50 joint venture sales and distribution company between Taylors Wines & Brown Brothers of Milawa in New Zealand.
My time at Taylors then took me to the US, where in 2008 I relocated there to become U.S. & Canadian Market Manager. I moved back to Australia in 2012 to take on the title as Export Manager to focus on all five of the Taylors and Wakefield Wines major export markets – U.S, UK, China, Canada and New Zealand.
NLN: What are some of the key milestones or lessons in your career that have shaped your understanding of the industry?
JT: Starting off my career on the road was a fantastic introduction to the wine industry. I went from spending a decade in media at the likes of Channel Nine, to being on the road in the thick of the local New South Wales trade which was an eye-opening experience and gave me all the important insights I needed early on.
Spending eight years as sales manager brought me into the national trade where I worked with independents all the way up to the larger companies such as Woolworths and Coles. I worked with people such as Tony Leon (Dan Murphy’s) and Steve Donohue (ex-Endeavour) during that time. We were all at the start of our careers and learning together – we went through a lot over the years! I learnt a lot during that period which I was able to implement over in North America and across the United States, Canada and even Brazil. I felt very fortunate to get the opportunity to not only work and learn in the Australian market but take that knowledge and use it abroad.
Another period in my career that has provided me with resilience has been the ups and downs of the Chinese market. I’ve experienced those big sales spikes, followed by the sudden drop through the pandemic and tariffs. More recently we’ve gone back to China to relaunch the brand and at the same time reestablish those relationships we worked so hard to build previously. It’s been an important learning experience to go through those high and low periods.
NLN: How do you ensure Taylors Wines stays ahead of industry trends and changes?
JT: Stay close to your consumer, but closer to your customer to ensure you’re on trend and in touch with what they are in search of. I also believe staying true to your DNA as a winery is very important. Here at Taylors we represent some of the best premium wines in Australia and we’re so proud of that and are always prioritising it when we communicate our story. It’s about staying true to yourself and also relevant to the customer.
NLN: What are your ambitions for the year ahead at Taylors Wines? What keeps you inspired?
JT: My ambition for the year ahead at Taylors Wines is about reestablishing our presence in China which is a very exciting opportunity to have. I’m also looking forward to our work in pivoting towards other Asian markets this year.
The legacy of my father and grandfather is what keeps me constantly inspired. To be connected to Taylors through my DNA inspires me to always be at my best. It’s like a self-driven engine that sits inside of you because you think of the risks that your father and grandfather have taken and you feel so indebted to them and it pushes you to do everything you can.
NLN: Outside of work, what hobbies do you have, or how do you enjoy your spare time?
JT: I’m always trying to be the best father I can to my four children, and the best husband to my wife of 25 years. I’m a big food and wine guy, so being around the table with my closest friends and family is absolutely my happy place – not sure I can classify this as a hobby but I do love it.
I love watching rugby! I am no longer playing that’s for sure! I love the friendship and mateship that often comes with the experience of the rugby through watching the Waratahs or Roosters play. I am also a big Swans fan when it comes to AFL, too.