140 Years of Standing Together

THE IMAGE PROVIDED IS AI-GENERATED AND IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES. THE INDIVIDUAL DEPICTED DOES NOT REPRESENT THE BENEFICIARIES WE HELPED IN THE 1920s

During the 1920s and 1930s, life could be uncertain for people working in the wine, spirits and wider drinks trade. Illness, unemployment, old age or other difficulties could quickly leave workers and their families struggling. In response, the trade developed its own system of support through the Benevolent Society, which would become part of the history of today’s Drinks Trust.

At the heart of the Society’s work was a simple idea: people in the drinks trade should look after one another. Money was raised from individuals and companies across the industry and used to support colleagues and former colleagues who had fallen on hard times.

The Society considered individual cases of hardship and, when funds allowed, provided financial assistance. Its objectives included regular benefit payments and grants for those facing temporary hardship, helping people affected by poverty, illness or other circumstances.

The demand for this support was significant, with people bringing cases of need to the Benevolent Society and asking for assistance. At times, however, there were not enough funds to help everyone, making fundraising essential to the Society’s ability to provide support.

Fundraising was central to its work. The trade supported annual banquets, auctions, raffles, sponsored walks and donations, turning social events and industry generosity into practical help for those in need.

This created a form of trade-based welfare: people working in the drinks industry helped raise money, which was then used to support colleagues and former colleagues when they could no longer support themselves.

The surviving documents reveal a strong sense of community. The Benevolent Society was building a fund to help real people facing difficult circumstances, providing an early safety net for those connected with the wine and spirits’ trade. Its work reflected a principle that remains central to the Drinks Trust today: the drinks industry coming together to support its people when times are difficult. 

Celebrating 140 years of the Drinks Trust is an opportunity to recognise a legacy built on community, compassion and coming together to support people through difficult times. From the Benevolent Society’s early efforts to provide a safety net for those connected with the wine and spirits trade, to The Drinks Trust today, the principle remains the same: supporting our people when they need it most. The Face It Together campaign brings this enduring legacy to life, reminding us that while challenges may change, no one in our industry should have to face them alone.

At a time when our industry continues to navigate significant challenges, this campaign serves as both a tribute to 140 years of resilience and a powerful call for unity, reminding us all that we are stronger when we face it together. This campaign invites the drinks industry to celebrate, collaborate, and contribute to its industry charity. 

The drinks industry plays a vital role in bringing people together. BUT cost pressures on our industry continue to rise and this year, businesses will be forced to take further measures to reduce outgoings. This will have a devastating impact on the people who work in our industry, whose financial situations have already been worsened by the difficult economic times of recent years.

This year, as we celebrate the anniversary of our foundation, The Drinks Trust is renewing its commitment to making a meaningful difference to people in need across the drinks industry. Our goal is to extend the reach of our support services to even more individuals who need them most. To achieve this, we are calling on the entire drinks community to unite behind its dedicated trade charity.  Your involvement is not just support, it’s a celebration of the talent, passion, and resilience that define our industry.

Together Through Every Challenge, Since 1886.