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
NewsNik Naks extends snacking lineup with ‘conical’ Twisters duo
Nice ’n’ Spicy and Tangy ’n’ Cheesy flavours will hit Sainsbury’s stores this week
NewsSuntory CEO resigns over purchase of ‘potentially illegal supplement’
Reports in local press in Tokyo said police were investigating supplements sent to Takeshi Niinami’s home may have contained a cannabis component
NewsDistillers descend on Parliament to demand spirits duty freeze
Successive duty increases have driven inflation, stymied investment and halted sales of ’a once-booming’ sector, suppliers say
NewsDuppy Share launches £1m crowdfunding campaign to fuel global growth
Funds will be used to fuel growth in global markets and launch new products
NewsParty Rings adds cake inspired by ring-shaped iced biscuit
It comes after owner Fox’s Burton’s Companies rolled out a new look for Party Rings earlier this year
NewsLipton Teas and Infusions appoints Heineken veteran as CEO
The new hire will take charge on 1 October
NewsWaitrose hands first retail listing to The Kernel brewery in beer and cider shake-up
A total of 81 SKUs will land with the retailer between 1 September and 13 October
NewsSerious Pig ‘on track’ for profitable 2025 after doubling revenue in H1
Serious Pig is aiming to exceed £5m in revenues this year
NewsJohnnie Walker adds ‘sweeter’ Black Ruby blended whisky
To amplify the ’fruity notes’ in Black Ruby, the Johnnie Walker distilling team experimented with a longer-than-usual fermentation time.
NewsPernod Ricard shares rise on earnings forecast beat
The earnings beat sent shares in Pernod Ricard up as much as 8% in early trading
NewsFSA launches consultation on proposals to authorise first CBD food products
The consultation is now open and will run for 12 weeks until 20 November
NewsLow calorie RTD brand This Is Skinny gets off-trade debut
Each cocktail contains fewer than 65 calories per can as well as no added sugar
NewsJura restage sees 12 Year Old become flagship whisky
Jura’s decision was taken after consumer testing revealed a preference for an older whisky
NewsAldi to launch own-label Guinness rival Mulligan’s Stout
It will roll out across the retailer’s estate from 8 September
NewsNichols backs Vimto sub-brand Wonderfuel with £1m push
Wonderfuel is listed in retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Booths
NewsCo-op to launch beer from Palestinian microbrewery Taybeh Brewing Co
The beer will be stocked in 1,600 Co-op stores from 10 September
NewsHip Pop switches up leadership with new CEO appointment
The new hire replaces Graham Beales who has decided to move on after a two-year stint as Hip Pop CEO
NewsBrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie joins James Watt in quitting Scottish beer business
Dickie’s departure marked ’the end of an extraordinary chapter for BrewDog’, the brewer said in a statement.
NewsBabyfood suppliers given 18 months to cut sugar and salt levels
Suppliers have also been told to tackle misleading marketing claims that make babyfoods appear healthier than they are
Comment & OpinionThe Guinness boom may be over, but its remarkable resurgence is still worth toasting
After a remarkable post-Covid growth tear, Guinness’ year-on-year growth figures in the past six and three months make for far less positive reading. But the long term trend is clear