Independent producers win big after customers have their say

Image: Josef Chromy winemaker Jeremy Dineen

Customers have voted and the verdict is in on what local drinks they want to see more of on BWS shelves, with 18 independent suppliers now getting more ranging.

Nearly 300 independent winemakers, brewers and distillers across the country threw their products in the ring in the BWS Local Luvva campaign, which called for customers to vote on the local drinks they want to see more of in stores, including Josef Chromy Wines, which was named Fan Favourite in the wine category for Tasmania.

“Our local Tasmanian community are our biggest supporters, and Local Luvva has been about sharing what our locals already know – that Tasmanian wines rival the best from anywhere in the world,” said Josef Chromy winemaker Jeremy Dineen.

Dineen explained that 2020 has been a “mixed bag” for Josef Chromy Wines, with pandemic restrictions and closed borders having an impact on the cellar door and restaurant, while sales have increased with customers enjoying wines at the comfort of their homes.

“We will all be changed by the events of this year, but thanks to the support of our local community and our loyal customers, we are fortunate to be able to continue to do what we love,” he added.

Almost 50,000 customers had their say during an online voting period, and 18 Fan Favourites have now been crowned across the country with 3 winners named in every state* in the categories wine, spirit/pre-mix and beer/cider.

“This has been a great opportunity for customers to tell us what they want to see in our stores and on our shelves and to support their local heroes. We are now working with the 18 winners on how to best expand their range within our store network,” said BWS local manager Richard Mok.

As part of the Local Luvva campaign, BWS has promoted its range of local products from independent suppliers in stores, online as well as through a massive campaign that included over 600 billboards and digital screens across the country.

In the last six months and during the campaign, BWS has seen an increase of 15 percent of sales of local, independent products.

“This campaign has been all about celebrating our local heroes and trying to encourage more customers to become lovers of local products. Now that we’ve seen more customers than ever try local, we hope they have found new homegrown favourites,” Mok said.

The winners will in addition to ranging – or ranging in more stores across the country, if already ranged within BWS – receive marketing and advertising support from BWS.

All the winners in the Local Luvva campaign

NSW

  • Wine: Nueva Sangria and Audrey Wilkinson
  • Beer/Cider: Akasha Brewing Company
  • Spirit/Premix: Lust Liquor

VIC

  • Wine: 6 ft 6 Wines
  • Beer/Cider: 3 Ravens
  • Spirit/Premix:Billson’s

SA

  • Wine:Paracombe Wines
  • Beer/Cider: Little Bang Brewing Company
  • Spirit/Premix: Never Never Distillery Co

QLD

  • Wine: No entries (additional winner in category chosen in NSW)
  • Beer/Cider: Aether Brewing
  • Spirit/Premix: Botanic Australis

TAS

  • Wine: Pepik Wines
  • Beer/Cider: Plenty Cider
  • Spirit/Premix: Hellfire Bluff Distillery

WA

  • Wine: Ferngrove Wines
  • Beer/Cider: Wilson Brewing Company
  • Spirit/Premix: Illegal Tender Rum Co

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