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:
- [email protected]
InterviewsRussell Bisset: how Northern Monk is keeping the faith
Northern Monk is defying the gloom to keep growing in craft. Its founder talks crowdfunding, competing with BrewDog and creating a local brand with national appeal
Analysis & FeaturesWhat do new sugar tax thresholds mean for drinks suppliers?
The soft drinks sugar levy threshold has been lowered, leaving suppliers feeling victimised. What impact will the changes have?
NewsCaptain Morgan unveils ‘beer-inspired’ Muck Pit RTD
The 4% abv tipple is made from Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold, ‘brewed mango’ and ‘a dash of hop flavours’
NewsCampari misses sales forecasts on ‘soft’ first quarter trading
Revenues at the Aperol supplier declined by 4.2% to €665.6m in the three months ended 31 March
NewsTariff fears prompt Molson Coors to lower sales and earning forecasts
Molson Coors sales in the three months ended 31 March fell by 11.3% on a reported basis
NewsAG Barr boosts commercial team with three new hires
The new hires will report into COO Dino Labbate
NewsEden Mill seals nationwide retail debut for Golf Gin
The listing is the supplier’s first-ever nationwide listing with a major multiple
NewsJubel switches to regenerative barley via Wildfarmed tie-up
The move promises to set a ‘new standard for sustainable brewing’
NewsAB InBev profits smash forecasts despite soft volumes
AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, reported a 7.9% increase in operating profit in the three months ended 31 March
Comment & OpinionCan Monkey mascot provide a pick-me-up for sales of PG Tips?
PG Tips has brought back its famous knitted mascot less than a year after his retirement. Will the move revive the brand’s fortunes?
NewsPG Tips hits reset by bringing back Monkey mascot
Monkey appears alongside British actor and Rivals star Emily Atack
NewsServed expands RTD lineup with four new cocktails
The new cocktails come with Served having grown value by 476% in the past year
![[yellow tail] Shiraz in new packaging in table setting. Credit Chris Pearce](https://dmrqkbkq8el9i.cloudfront.net/Pictures/100x67/5/4/0/357540_yellowtailshirazinnewpackagingintablesetting.creditchrispearce_519850.jpg)
NewsYellow Tail owner seeks to reassure shoppers over counterfeit bottles
Casella Family Brands Europe’s supply chain was ‘extremely robust’, said the supplier
NewsDays rolls out refreshed alcohol-free lager recipe
The beer is brewed in the UK using German hops and yeast
NewsYouTube stars Willne and James Marriott debut Rodd’s iced coffee
Three dairy-free SKUs will roll into Sainsbury’s stores on 30 April
NewsEl Rayo adds RTD made with tequila and tonic
The tipple has launched on Amazon and via the brand’s own website
NewsCoors joins ‘drinkflation’ movement as abv drops to 3.4%
The move has coincided with a £6m brand investment to revitalise sales
NewsWhite Claw continues exploration beyond seltzer with tequila RTD duo
The 5% abv RTDs contain 100% agave blanco tequila from Mexico with real fruit juice and sparkling water
NewsGood & Proper Tea raises £850k to fuel foodservice and retail growth
Half the funds came from existing investors in Good & Proper Tea
NewsRare quarterly earnings miss sees PepsiCo shares fall flat
Shares in PepsiCo have now slumped by over 20% in the past year.