By Deborah Jackson and Andy Young
The managing director of Diageo Australia, David Smith, has told the National Liquor News Annual Industry Leaders Forum, that the company’s premium core brands will be the focus for 2016.
Speaking to the Industry Leaders Forum, which makes up the February edition of National Liquor News, Smith also described Captain Morgan as “the real shining star for our business”.
“The focus for Diageo Australia in 2016 will continue to be on our premium core brands including Bundaberg Rum, Smirnoff vodka, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky, as well as the real shining star for our business, Captain Morgan,” Smith said.
“As the largest spirits business in Australia, Diageo Australia is proud of its broad portfolio of celebrated brands which are enjoyed by consumers across the country. The portfolio features Australia’s number one and number two rums, Bundaberg Rum and Captain Morgan, Smirnoff vodka, as well as the world’s number one performing spirit, Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky. These leading brands within the broad Diageo portfolio provide our off premise customers with the ability to cater for a range of consumer interests, and at the same time, grow their business.”
Smith added: “Our other major focus in 2016 is around occasion, rather than age group, and creating the best experiences in drinks. With three quarters of the population drinking at home or in lower tempo occasions, we see a huge opportunity for spirits-based drinks which have not traditionally played in this space. This is also a huge opportunity for our customers in the off premise, and so we look forward to growing our businesses together as partners with this trend.”
For more from Smith, including what he sees as some of the challenges facing Diageo and what he believes will be some of the coming trends for 2016, read the February edition of National Liquor News. The Annual Industry Leaders Forum features interviews with many leaders in the Australian Liquor industry across retailers, producers and associations.