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
- News
Vocation eyes impulse and convenience in bid to boost beer sales
The brewer’s sales have stalled amid cost of living pressures and evolving consumer tastes
- News
C&C Group urged to consider sale by activist investor
Engine Capital described the Dublin-headquartered drinks group as a ‘perennial underperformer’
- Analysis and Features
Why has Carlsberg tabled a £3bn bid for Britvic, and why was it knocked back?
The Danish brewer’s bid has set Britvic shares racing. But who stands to benefit most from a potential pairing?
- News
Nesquik in recipe u-turn after shoppers complain of unappealing ‘sludge’
The brand swapped out maltodextrin for rice flavour, but the move has been unpopular with shoppers
- News
Hip Pop hires Britvic sales executive to complete senior leadership team
The team is headed up by Hip Pop CEO Graham Beales
- Analysis and Features
Britain’s Biggest Alcohol Brands 2024: how drinks brands are embracing moderation
Consumers are seeking to drink more mindfully and regulation now favours lower abvs, too. How are brands reacting?
- News
Eisberg doubles alcohol-free wine capacity
The new unit has been installed at a cost of €1.1m (£930,000)
- News
Hooch enlists Happy Mondays’ Bez for lemon-infused pale ale launch
The Happy Mondays member will appear at a launch party in Leeds next month
- News
Peroni unveils summer marketing drive as Capri sales soar
Stile Capri has been a standout performer for Peroni in the past year
- News
Radnor Hills CEO calls on Wales to drop glass from DRS
Watkins urged the Welsh government to facilitate alignment with other DRS proposals across the UK
- News
Lavazza adds trio of ‘authentic Italian’ iced coffee RTD cans
The drinks are made with 100% arabica coffee and semi-skimmed milk
- News
Moth launches summer OOH push and seals new grocery listings
Moth has landed grocery listings in three new retailers in recent weeks
- News
Burnt Faith brandy seals supermarket debut with Tesco
Burnt Faith is the UK’s first dedicated brandy house
- News
Guinness becomes official beer of the Premier League
The deal will run for four years from the 2024/25 season
- News
BrewDog founder and former CEO James Watt backs Living Things soda
Watt would help scale the business and open export opportunities, Living Things said
- News
Jonny Wilkinson’s drinks brand to relaunch under One Living name
It is the second-largest kombucha brand in UK retail
- News
Campaigners hail Labour plans to ban energy drinks to under 16s
Sales of drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre would be restricted under Labour’s proposals
- News
BrewDog global business development director Neil Simpson steps down
Simpson had been with BrewDog since 2012
- Range Preview
M&S refreshes own-label spirits offer
The retailer has listed 15 new products across vodka, gin, rum, liqueurs and RTD cocktails
- Comment and Opinion
Diageo’s ‘Flavour Forecast’ shows how AI can shape future booze NPD
Diageo’s new AI-powered report could help give it the edge against its smaller, more nimble rivals