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
NewsKeystone Brewing sold to Saltaire Brewery owner Paramount Retail Group
It comes after Keystone filed notice of intent to appoint administrators last year
NewsShoppers cut back on booze amid affordability fears, data shows
Just over one in five (22%) of consumers are cutting back to support health and fitness goals
NewsNichols grows energy drinks focus with Vimto Tropical Cooler
Vimto Energy Tropical Cooler Zero has rolled into Spar stores in plain 500ml (rsp: £1.59) and price-marked pack (£1.19) cans
NewsSlingsby Gin owner set for administration
The business is currently being marketed for sale as a going concern
NewsUeshima shrinks packs by a fifth amid ‘unprecedented’ coffee inflation
Despite being 20% smaller, the 200g packs retail at the same price as their predecessors
NewsFunctional alcohol-free challenger Impossibrew seals retail debut with Ocado
Impossibrew’s beers contain a patent-pending ‘social blend’ of nootropics and adaptogens
NewsBelvoir Farm looks to woo Gen Alpha with new Fruitz soft drink
Fruitz drinks are made from 100% natural ingredients and contain no added sugar or sweeteners
NewsStore openings and B2B growth help Majestic record ‘best ever’ Christmas
Sales at Majestic climbed by 0.9% over the five weeks to 29 December
NewsPernod Ricard names senior brand unit heads as restructure takes shape
The company has actioned plans to split its brands into two main divisions
NewsBodie*z launches protein hydration powders aimed at GLP-1 users
The powders are designed to tap into ‘a growing shift away from heavy, dairy-based supplements’
NewsFunkin and Beavertown founders back non-alc challenger Brulo in £1m raise
Funkin founder Alex Carlton has also joined as a non-executive director
NewsStoli vodka owner set for liquidation
Stoli said ongoing disputes with the Russian state over the ownership and control of its flagship Stoli vodka brand had ‘intensified sharply’ following its condemnation of the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022
NewsMolson Coors revives Caffrey’s in bid to muscle in on stout boom
The 3.4% abv brew will roll out across the on-trade from this month
NewsUnder-18s low & no-alcohol drinks ban proposal ‘doesn’t stand up to scrutiny’
Ministers are currently considering measures to regulate access to alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits to under-18s
NewsEnglish whisky supplier Fielden sold to brand development agency GHF drinks
GHF said it would look to relaunch Fielden in the on-trade and selected off-trade channels in early 2026
NewsDunkin’ launches UK retail coffee range
Sales, marketing and distribution is being overseen by family-run distribution business RH Amar
NewsRheal Superfoods adds hydration sachets for ‘exhausted’ women
The launch would be supported by a campaign ‘built around real women who do it all – and deserve to refill their cup’ said Rheal
NewsCharity condemns Heineken 0.0 Tube stunt over accessibility concerns
The brewer has changed the name of the Bakerloo line on platform signage.
NewsWaitrose adds trio of own-label whiskies produced by Ian Macleod Distillers
The whiskies are priced from £25 per 70cl bottle
NewsDiageo EABL stake sale ‘should proceed uninterrupted’ Kenyan high court rules
The legal case would now be heard on 20 January, the court said