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
NewsGlobal Brands continues RTD push with Gather Gourmet Cocktails launch
The serves have rolled out via Amazon and DTC
NewsFourpure placed into voluntary administration to ‘protect brand’
It comes six months after the brewery entered into a company voluntary arrangement
NewsCleanCo reduces bottle weight in rebrand that sees abv drop to 0.0%
Previously CleanCo’s drinks had an abv of 0.4%
![NM FOUNDER HEADSHOTS - Tom Joy [ IMG_1759 ]](https://dmrqkbkq8el9i.cloudfront.net/Pictures/100x67/9/1/0/336910_nmfounderheadshotstomjoyimg_1759_408495.jpg)
NewsNorthern Monk returns to the crowd for £1m raise to support growth
Funds will be used to open a flagship Northern Monk venue in London
NewsMark Anthony Brands continues spirits push with Cloud House launch
The 31% abv tipple combines arabica coffee and rum aged in ex-bourbon casks
NewsAccolade Wines overhauls bag in box packaging to shift format ‘out of the naughty corner’
The packaging is more compact and lighter than previous bag in box wines from Accolade
NewsDalston’s Soda Co appoints new MD in bid for growth
Colton has a background in tech but spent time working at Innocent
NewsNc’nean claims ‘Scotland first’ with whisky bottle return scheme launch
Each bottle returned saves 280g of carbon, according to Nc’nean
NewsSt Austell Brewery moves into low & no-alcohol with Proper Job 0.5% launch
It is the first launch into a new category for the Cornish brewer since 2010
Comment & OpinionOld Jamaica ginger beer’s ‘retirement’ plans feel like a marketing gimmick
Old Jamaica ginger beer retirement is reminiscent of Heinz’s salad cream PR stunt
NewsVita Coco credits emerging ‘natural hydration’ trend for double digit sales growth
Sales of Vita Coco in the UK were up by 23% in 2023
NewsDiageo strikes deal for US non-alcoholic spirits market leader Ritual
Diageo took a minority stake in Ritual via its Distill Ventures incubator in 2020
NewsCaptain Morgan and Pepsi team up for rum-based RTD
The 5% premix is the first time PepsiCo has lent its flagship brand to a product containing alcohol
NewsHuel hit by marketing watchdog over Daily Greens health claims
It is far from the first time Huel has found itself on the wrong side of an ASA ruling
NewsOld Jamaica to be retired in a ‘blaze of glory’
It is not clear why the brand is to be retired, or when the drink will cease to be available
NewsCockburn’s gets lightweight bottle in major brand overhaul
The rebrand includes a reimaginging of the brand’s heritage logo
NewsThe Famous Grouse set to change hands as Edrington agrees sale to William Grant & Sons
The UK’s largest scotch whisky is on the move
NewsGoodrays and CleanCo team up to highlight CBD versatility in Waitrose
Goodrays will be merchandised in the alcohol aisle for the duration of the promotion
NewsInnis & Gunn founder rails against ‘mirage’ of continental beer marketing
Drinkers should instead consider beers with roots closer to home, founder Dougal Sharp said