After enduring nearly four years of exorbitant tariffs with China, Australian winemakers are picking up the pieces and willing some stability into the global marketplace.
The United States had other plans.
The proposed 10% baseline tariff on all Aussie goods, including wine and spirits, landed another devastating blow on the recovering industry. Combined with historic shifts in consumer behaviour in-store and at the bar, Australian liquor brands are facing some of the most unrelenting shockwaves throughout the consumer goods landscape.
However, limitations present opportunities for those willing to prioritise flexibility, embrace technology and adapt to new challenges. Agile brands need a technology-first partner with solutions that seamlessly integrate into existing workflows while quickly adjusting to rapidly changing times.
A partner for progress
StayinFront’s Retail Optimization Platform (ROP) is the ultimate technology partner for the Australian liquor industry. ROP is an end-to-end solution that supports a range of seamlessly integrated applications that leverage data-driven insights and AI to amplify sales, on-premise and off-premise.
Assess, adapt & act
Australian liquor brands need an effective way to evaluate the best opportunities for growth, uncover potential gaps and leverage in-store actions to drive greater sales. Here are three key steps liquor brands can follow to drive growth:
1. Assess – Image recognition (IR) has revolutionised shelf compliance. IR ensures products are placed according to planograms to maximise their selling position while identifying any discrepancies. By analysing shelf space allocation and tracking competitor placements, companies gain actionable insights to enhance their in-store strategies. With IR, reps can leverage immediate reporting, allowing for actions that highlight and fix compliance issues. Teams can also facilitate automated stock audits, reducing manual errors and providing companies with an accurate read of their personalised Perfect Store KPIs.
2. Adapt – Clinging to old ways of working is the easiest way for brands to suffer major losses in 2025’s turbulent marketplace. Flexibility is paramount. With AI-driven features like StayinFront RDI Predictive Analytics®, teams can efficiently manage resources to generate greater overall productivity, increasing sales across modern and traditional trade channels. AI-powered customer segmentation facilitates personalised marketing campaigns that boost engagement and loyalty. Opportunity scoring ensures resources are directed towards the most promising leads, maximising sales effectiveness.
3. Act – An effective retail optimisation solution must cater to both on-premise and off-premise channels. ROP integrates advanced technology that automates time-consuming repetitive tasks, allowing reps to focus on enhancing customer experiences and implementing data-driven decision-making. Effective range optimisation is also crucial for meeting customer demand and maximising sales potential. Data analytics evaluate product performance, identify underperforming products and uncover potential market gaps. Tailored assortments for the different sales channels ensure optimal product mixes, while AI-driven dynamic pricing strategies balance profitability and competitiveness.
Achieving growth
While the odds may be stacked against the Australian liquor industry, for the agile brands ready to assess, adapt and act, “spirits” are lifting, both figuratively and off the shelves. As the industry evolves and shifts based on recent economic challenges, brands that embrace technology will lead the way and achieve sustained growth.
Know more. Do more. Sell more.
Discover how StayinFront’s award-winning Retail Optimization Platform leverages data-driven insights and AI to propel sales growth across the Australian liquor industry. Contact a StayinFront representative to learn more.
StayinFront is a Platinum Partner of the Drinks Association.