Independent Liquor Group (ILG) has emerged from the June quarter with strong trading momentum across all key liquor categories, with wine and spirits leading the charge.
Delivering his trading and marketing update at the 2025 ILG Study Tour in Spain and Portugal, Trading Manager Tony Oliverio, said the cooperative not only kept pace with the wider market but outperformed it in several areas.
According to Oliverio, the broader liquor industry rebounded in the quarter, with value growth of 5.6 per cent. Against that backdrop, ILG delivered a 9.3 per cent increase.
“Across the board we’ve seen really pleasing results, but what’s most important is that ILG has outperformed the market in almost every category,” he said. “That’s a credit to the support of our members, our supplier partners, and the sales team who’ve helped deliver the programs on the ground.”
Beer finished in line with the market, recording 6.3 per cent growth. Oliverio noted that demand is being driven by easy-drinking and contemporary styles such as Hahn Super Dry and Carlton Dry, with block packs and products priced under $50 delivering particularly strong results. Premium beer also returned to growth, with Corona, Guinness, Kirin and Heineken Silver all contributing to positive momentum.
Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages were another strong performer, also rising by 6.6 per cent for the quarter. Lighter RTDs continue to grow ahead of darker styles, although core dark brands remain an important part of the mix. Innovation is a key growth driver, with Hard Rated and Kirin among the standout performers. A new wave of pre-batch cocktails is emerging within the category, led by Espolòn and Captain Morgan. Oliverio told members that new product development is reshaping the segment and will remain a focus in the year ahead.
Spirits were a standout category for ILG, achieving 9.5 per cent growth compared to just two per cent for the wider market. Tequila led the way with a 13.4 per cent uplift, cementing its position as the fastest-growing spirit category. Bourbon grew by 3.6 per cent and vodka by 4.1 per cent, while Scotch and whisky recorded an impressive 19.5 per cent increase. One-litre bottles and smaller formats continue to resonate strongly with consumers seeking value in a cost-conscious environment.
Wine delivered the most striking result, with ILG recording 22.7 per cent growth compared to 5.8 per cent for the market. Oliverio credited the performance to a clear strategic focus within the business.
“We’ve put a lot of work into wine over the past year, and we’re really starting to see the results,” he said, acknowledging the contribution of the ILG wine team, led by Jesper Kjaersgaard.
Consumer trends are shifting towards lighter-bodied, fresher styles, while spritz-style beverages and sparkling cocktails are gaining traction with younger drinkers. Although heavier reds like Shiraz remain significant, accounting for around half the market, they are losing share as tastes evolve.
Cider was the only category to post a decline, falling by 6.4 per cent against market growth of 2.1 per cent. Despite this, Oliverio said opportunities remained to stabilise and rebuild the category through innovation and tailored promotions.
Oliverio also highlighted the growing role of snacks as an incremental category, offering cross-merchandising opportunities and additional value for ILG members.
Looking ahead, he said innovation and affordability would remain central themes across liquor. Smaller pack formats, products priced under $50, and value-driven one-litre spirits are all areas of strength.
“Spritz culture is influencing everything from sparkling cocktails to wine,” Oliverio explained. “Consumers are looking for distinct grape varieties, lighter styles, and affordability, but they’re also willing to premiumise when the product is right.”
Throughout the presentation, Oliverio invited supplier representatives to join category panels and address member questions. Discussion topics ranged from the future of pack formats in beer and RTDs to finding solutions for limited shelf space in independent stores. A recurring theme was the need for independents to differentiate themselves through exclusive promotions, new pack formats and unique product allocations.
Closing his update, Oliverio thanked ILG’s members and suppliers for their contribution to a successful year.
“The numbers show that we’re not just keeping pace with the market – we’re leading in key categories like wine and spirits,” he said. “That positions ILG members for growth, and with the right supplier programs and continued innovation, we can deliver even more in the year ahead.”