What SXSW London taught us about brand strategy, Gen Z, and the future of wine marketing.

17/06/2025 9 min

                    What SXSW London taught us about brand strategy, Gen Z, and the future of wine marketing.

Listen " What SXSW London taught us about brand strategy, Gen Z, and the future of wine marketing. "

Episode Synopsis


After a two-week break for SXSW London (and a secret London-based project!), Polly Hammond returns with a packed episode that looks at what’s happening outside the wine world — and what it means for wine brands trying to grow in a changing cultural and digital landscape.
In this episode:
What global CMOs are saying about marketing 2030 From Diageo and Unilever: the fundamentals still matter, moderation is a megatrend, influencer marketing demands trust, and AI isn’t just a content machine — it’s a strategic accelerator.
Smirnoff Ice turns 25 — and goes after Gen Z The RTD titan is launching its first global campaign with a bold tone, new formats, and occasion-first thinking. We break down what wine brands can learn about packaging innovation, irreverent branding, and how to grow without losing your identity.
VCCP’s loyalty report flips the script on retention New UK data shows that the best loyalty programs aren’t just about perks — they’re about belonging, identity, and emotional connection. We explore how wineries can evolve from churn management to true brand growth.
AI SEO is here — are you part of the answers? The rise of AI-powered search means traditional SEO rules no longer apply. We unpack the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and why showing up in ChatGPT and Perplexity matters just as much as Google rankings.
Need help with digital or AI SEO for your wine brand? Visit https://5forests.com to learn how we help wineries show up, stand out, and scale.
#WineMarketing #DigitalStrategy #AEO #WineDTC #GenZMarketing #SmirnoffIce #LoyaltyMarketing #AISEO #TheWineMarketersRadar #5forests #PollyHammond

More episodes of the podcast The Wine Marketers Radar