James Beeson
James is The Grocer’s drinks editor. He writes about NPD, M&A, government legislation, marketing campaigns and new hires within alcohol, soft drinks, packaged water and hot beverages.
Before joining The Grocer in 2023, James was the deputy editor at Just Drinks. He began his career in journalism at The Morning Advertiser in 2017, and has also freelanced for titles including The Brewers Journal, Brewer & Distiller International and Ferment magazine.
His drink of choice is a French Negroni with a splash of PX Sherry.
Contact info
- Tel:
- 01293 610305
- Email:
- james.beeson@thegrocer.co.uk
NewsNestlé in £28m investment to boost instant coffee sachet capacity
Nestlé Dalston has been producing Nescafé Frothy Coffee products since 1962
NewsBruichladdich launches ‘world’s first’ quadruple distilled single malt whisky
Just 2,400 bottles of Bruichladdich’s new tipple have launched via DTC
NewsEnglish winery Bolney to launch debut TV ad
The spot will air across ITV, C4 and Sky and VOD from 24 November.
Comment & OpinionWhat, no gin? EU ruling will force low & no brands to get creative
In a landmark ruling, the EU’s Court of Justice has ruled that non-alcoholic drinks cannot ride off the coattails of gin’s established reputation
NewsNon-alcoholic drinks cannot be called gin, EU court rules
The EU ruling is likely to affect any UK suppliers exporting to the bloc
NewsBolle unveils ‘world’s first’ lees-aged non-alcoholic wine
The wine spends nine months sur lie, allowing it to develop ’a distinctive brioche character’
NewsJam Shed takes to TV in £2m push featuring wine influencer Tom Gilbey
Gilbey last year labelled Jam Shed ‘the most disgusting wine I’ve ever put in my mouth’
NewsCaribbean rum Canerock lands Sainsbury’s listing
The 40% abv tipple is designed to be supped neat, over ice or in a mule cocktail
NewsPatak’s and Blue Dragon partner with Tesco for world food NPD spree
A total of 18 new products from Blue Dragon and 13 from Patak’s will roll into stores from mid-November
NewsAlcohol suppliers expecting duty hike in upcoming budget
Major alcohol trade groups headed to Parliament to lobby exchequer secretary Dan Tomlinson yesterday
NewsSol unveils ‘heritage’ inspired rebrand after off-trade sales slide
The new-look Sol lager will roll out across global markets in the coming months
NewsNon-alcoholic beer brand Mash Gang seals grocery debut with Waitrose
Mash Gang is part of the non-alcoholic beverage group DioniLife
NewsDiageo pledges up to £5m to restore Scotland’s peatlands
Peat is a crucial component in many scotch whiskies, giving them a distinctive smoky aroma and taste
NewsGarage Barcelona launches €200k crowdfunding campaign for UK grocery push
The supplier was approached by a major multiple this summer
NewsFoster’s strength slashed to 3.4% abv amid persistent sales declines
The move comes with Foster’s sales in double-digit decline in the off-trade
NewsNichols ends CFO hunt by hiring former Sainsbury’s and Asda executive
The new hire will join the soft drinks supplier in April 2026 from THG
NewsBritish-Indian vodka brand Desi Daru seals grocery debut
The challenger brand’s Alphonso Mango Vodka has landed in 140 Waitrose stores nationwide
NewsKopparberg adds to Sweet Vintage roster with flavoured duo
The NPD would ‘build on the success’ of Sweet Vintage Apple and Pear
Comment & OpinionCan Diageo’s new CEO ‘Drastic Dave’ repeat Tesco turnaround trick?
Dave Lewis brings a heavy-hitting reputation to the top job at Diageo. Can he fix the ailing drinks giant?
NewsDiageo to sharpen focus on RTDs as spirits softness persists
Pre-batched cocktails could help Diageo meet evolving consumer need states including a desire to consume less alcohol and fewer calories, interim CEO Nik Jhangiani said