The global drinks industry is facing its toughest period in decades as it emerges from a ‘multi-year hangover’ following pandemic-fuelled expansion and shifting consumer habits, as well as ongoing geopolitical change and uncertainties.
Nervous drinks companies are slashing training budgets, pulling back on internal development and scaling back hiring or implementing freezes.
But according to drinks recruitment specialist Nicola McRedmond of DrinkAbility, there is still opportunity in the sector for those with the ‘fighting spirit and fresh thinking’ that the industry needs.
With that emerging workforce in mind, McRedmond has launched DrinkAbility Coach, a personal development and coaching offering designed to help drinks professionals build long-term careers in the industry.
“We’ve got an industry full of smart and passionate people, but many are having to navigate a challenging market for the first time and may be uncertain about the next steps in their career – whether that’s where to go next, or how to get there,” said McRedmond.
“Recycling the same CVs into the same jobs isn’t going to cut it anymore. Businesses need new skills, fresh perspectives and resilient teams. And individuals need to know how to stand out, step up and own their future.”
The DrinkAbility Coach service promises to provide a series of ‘affordable workshops, one-to-one clinics and leadership programmes’ to help drinks professionals at every level ‘sharpen their edge and stand out in the market’.
The launch comes following growth for DrinkAbility, which claims to have placed 48% more candidates in the first half of 2025 compared to last year – bucking wider market recruitment trends.
Much of this growth has, said the firm, been fuelled by Scotland’s independent distilleries and drinks companies who make up over 70% of new briefs and are continuing to invest in people while larger organisations pull back.
Diversity has also been a defining feature of DrinkAbility’s growth, noted Redmond. In 2024, almost 80% of candidates placed were women – a 95% increase from when shed started the business in 2018 – with many stepping into leadership roles which have been historically dominated by men.
McRedmond suggested that while bigger players retrench, independent distillers and producers are investing in people who will build their teams for the future ahead.
“Independents are looking for candidates who can bring something new to the table – they know that fighting spirit and fresh thinking will win out when markets tighten and consumer behaviour changes.
“The drinks industry loves to say diversity matters but those who are actually hiring diverse teams are the ones who will come out of this downturn on top.
“The next challenge will be in keeping this new wave of talent engaged, supported and loyal.”
