The Drinks Trust
| Formation | 1886 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Robert Gray |
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Legal status | Charity |
| Purpose | Charity dedicated to the drinks and hospitality workforce |
| Location | |
Region served | England, Wales and Northern Ireland |
| Services | Wellbeing, financial and practical support |
| Leader | Nicola Burston |
| Funding | Donations and charity events |
| Website | www |
Formerly called | The Benevolent (The drinks industry charity) and The Wine & Spirit Trades' Benevolent Society |
The Drinks Trust, formerly the The Benevolent, is a British registered charity that provides practical, emotional and financial support to people who work or have worked in the UK drinks industry, and their families.[1][2]
History
The charity was founded in 1886 following the publication of a letter written by Robert Gray, a City of London wine merchant, to the Chairman of The Wine and Spirit Association proposing the formation of a Benevolent Society for the current and previous long-term employees of the wine and spirit trade facing hardship.
The charity supports people from all areas of the drinks industry including those involved in the production, distribution, marketing, import, export and sales of alcohol in both the on trade and off trade of the UK market. The charity operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Members of the drinks industry in Scotland are supported by The Benevolent's sister charity The Ben.[3][4]
In 2020, the charity changed its name from The Benevolent to The Drinks Trust as part of a significant change to its services to include wellbeing services, addiction and alcohol consumption services and an increase in therapy grants.[5][6]
References
- ^ "Nicola Burston on building a stronger future for the drinks industry". The Drinks Business. May 8, 2025.
- ^ "Tour of the Douro raises £30k for The Benevolent". Harpers Wine & Spirit. August 2, 2013.
- ^ "Trade bodies unite for diversity and inclusion programme". Harpers Wine & Spirit. March 27, 2024.
- ^ "The Benevolent announces three new trustees". The Drinks Business. August 2, 2013.
- ^ "The Benevolent becomes The Drinks Trust". Drinks Retailing News. March 13, 2020.
- ^ "The Buyer 'Raises a Glass To' Ross Carter & The Drinks Trust". The Buyer. August 12, 2020.