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
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Fruit beers are enjoying a surge in popularity in the UK
NewsHeineken to focus on five brands in key markets
Heineken CEO Dolf van den Brink admitted performance was ’not where we would like it to be’
NewsWe expected more from Costa Coffee, Coca-Cola CEO admits
CEO James Quincey said coffee remained ‘a super attractive category’ but admitted Costa was ‘not where we want it to be’
NewsBrewDog Distilling Co MD exits by mutual agreement
Steven Kersley had decided to leave the Scottish business ’following mutual discussions’ BrewDog said
NewsBeluga Vodka makes UK grocery return under new ownership
The brand was unceremoniously pulled from the UK in 2022
NewsWise Bartender launches DTC platform for mid-strength drinks
Some 55% of consumers are eager to explore mid-strength, according to KAM research
NewsCasillero del Diablo tempts shoppers with sweeter Jammy Red Devil wine
The ‘jammy red’ segment was now worth £200m in retail sales value, Casillero del Diablo supplier Viña Concha y Toro said
NewsHeineken beer volumes sag amid ‘challenging’ quarter
Chiefly responsible for the declines were performances in Europe and the Americas
NewsPerry is ‘dead’ declares cidermaker Westons
Westons rebadged its perry as a pear cider in February 2024 and hasn’t looked back
NewsMolson Coors to cut 400 jobs in ‘Americas’ restructuring
The move will result in a 9% reduction in headcount in the region
NewsRadnor Fruits teams up with Disney for Lilo & Stitch drinks
The drinks contain 50% Radnor Hills spring water, 50% fruit juice and no added sugar
![Paul_CEO_PR_Headshots_Oct25-4[16]](https://dmrqkbkq8el9i.cloudfront.net/Pictures/100x67/3/9/1/374391_paul_ceo_pr_headshots_oct25416_760540_crop.jpg)
NewsWoodforde’s Brewery hires BWS veteran as CEO
The new hire was most recently managing director at 6 O’clock Gin
NewsCBD brand Goodrays follows Trip into broader functional drinks
Cans in Zesty Lime & Kiwi and Wild Berry Mix have launched via DTC and in Waitrose and Morrisons
NewsWaitrose lists ‘world’s first’ instant coffee in 100% cardboard recyclable packaging
Presto has spent two years developing its new instant range of coffee
NewsBeatBox lands in the UK via distribution tie up with Red Star Brands
BeatBox is the bestselling single container RTD in US convenience outlets
NewsFootball partnerships help Nemiroff buck wider spirits category malaise
Off-trade sales of Nemiroff vodka have climbed 24% to £6.3m in the past year
NewsAu Vodka extends into alcohol-free with 0% abv Blue Raspberry
The carbonated soft drink was ’perfect for both parties or chilled nights in,’ according to Au
NewsAriel advert featuring Peter Crouch banned for ‘unverifiable’ comparisons with competitor brands
The advertisement for Ariel’s ‘The Big One’ laundry pods – seen on 24 April 2025 – featured a man looking confused while looking at a number of ‘laundry additives’
NewsPepsi follows Doritos with limited-edition gingerbread cola launch
The launch will be supported by in-store activation and sampling
NewsHeineken announces global head office restructure affecting 400 roles
Further details are set to be revealed at Heineken’s Capital Markets event in Seville on 23 October.