Post-Show Reflections — Australia's Best Drinks are Made in Australia
This article is extended version of a post I wrote for social media, but I had to cut it aggressively to fit within the character limits. Read and share if you appreciate the message.
The Good Food & Wine Show Sydney wrapped on Sunday evening (two days ago), and I’m feeling full-hearted, still in that post-show state of mind.
A sincere 'thank you' to every person who stopped by our shabby chic Coco Loco Hard Seltzer cubby and shared a couple of sips with me. I hope each of you felt genuinely welcome, because you were. I’m grateful to those who listened while I waxed lyrical about our business and our Australian-made alcoholic coconut water bevvie. Apologies if you missed lunch or a celebrity chef appearance because I was mid-story — sharing our purpose, our mission, our tale of two beginnings, and all the little side conversations in between.
As big and overwhelming as these large-scale events can be, once you're through the organised chaos, I’m always reminded of the incredible value in connecting with customers face to face. Over the weekend, hundreds of people tasted Coco Loco. A dozen or so were repeat customers, but for most, it was their first time trying brewed coconut water — and even fewer knew alcoholic coconut water was a thing.
I was able to lean into my brand strategy background, gathering deep feedback, analysing reactions, jotting down comments in my notebook, probing for the not-so-good, and really listening to what every taster had to say.
Coco Loco is driven by a mission that demands better drinks for everyone in Australia
We make Coco Loco because we believe people deserve to drink better — alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike. Better made, better quality, better for you, and consciously crafted with community and the planet in mind. Showcasing the ingenuity of Australian producers and the calibre of what’s made here.
As I was reminded in Melbourne a few weeks back, and again this weekend in Sydney, we're lucky to be building our own business and creating a better product in Australia, alongside a supportive community of producers. Founders who face into headwinds and keep grinding, foregoing sleep, sustenance, and sanity to get it done. Because it matters. Better matters.
These are purpose-driven people who give their all, often sacrificing time away from their families, to create, shape and transform their category. They raise the bar and never compromise their integrity, personal or product, for a quick win or faster return.
A massive thanks to my friends and show neighbours who got me through the weekend.
Stefan (and Peta!) at Solbevi who brought non-stop good energy, and generously loaded my stock onto his pallet so I didn’t have to pay through the nose to send a five cases back to Melbourne. Bloody legend — genuinely a supporter of other small businesses. Run out and buy their award-winning Limoncello Spritz from any Dan Murphy's, BWS or preferably your local, independent bottle-o.
Michael — the founder and owner of Mode. In my opinion, this Australian-made, high quality RTD is the best vodka-based hard seltzer I've ever had (and I've had a few). Mode apply true craft in a category that's full of cheap knock-offs and you can taste the difference.
Suman from Bright Night Gin — both of us running solo all weekend and doing welfare checks on the regular.
If you're still reading, thank you. And do us a solid — in whatever way you can, please show your support for small a Aussie business that's bringing something better to you, your community, or consumers more broadly. You can support these businesses by sharing their socials, writing a review on Google or their website, spreading the word among friends, buying their product online, or campaigning a retailer to carry their brand.
Through our actions and consumer choices, we can change the landscape of products made available to us. And remember, your favourite brands are most likely always available direct-to-you online.