Strategic Marketing Adviser for Wine, Hospitality & Tourism

Holly Formosa with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling and looking at the camera, wearing a white dress, standing against a plain light gray background.

Photography by Kristoffer Paulsen

I’m Holly Formosa, a strategic marketing consultant and business adviser helping founders, brand leaders, and directors in food, wine, and tourism make smarter marketing and growth decisions.

Through my 4-Step Growth Process — insights, workshops, strategy, and a Kickstarter phase where I embed within teams — I help businesses gain clarity, build stronger positioning, and turn strategy into sustainable action.

Learn about the 4-Step Growth Process →
Start with a Free Strategy Chat

As Featured In

BeaScene Magazine logo with the words "BeaScene" in large black letters and "Magazine" in smaller black letters on a light grey background.
Black umbrella icon next to the word Mumbrella in bold black letters on a light background.
Logo of Wine Communicators of Australia with text 'Wine Communicators of Australia, Professionals Working in Wine'.
The words 'M' and 'P' stacked vertically, with 'M' at the top and 'P' at the bottom, both in black font on a light background.
The word 'crunch' written in black cursive font on a beige background.
38.png

Cultivating Brands, Growing Success

If your business is ready for its next stage of growth but you need clarity, structure, and an experienced marketing adviser in your corner then you’re in the right place.

I work with founders and business leaders to define positioning, develop growth strategies and in some cases (when required) overhaul marketing operations.

Whether you’re launching a new business, refreshing a legacy brand, or just need some support in recalibrating after rapid growth, my approach combines industry insight with hands-on collaboration to help you move forward with confidence.

Learn more about consulting partnerships →

Holly Formosa’s 4-Step Growth Process

  • 1. Insights

    Illustration of a person examining data charts on a computer screen with a magnifying glass, including bar graphs and pie charts.

  • 2. Workshops

    Three people working together on a project, with one holding a clipboard, another using a fan, and a third pointing at a board with papers and lights above.

  • 3. Strategy Development

    A person with glasses and brown hair sitting at a desk with a laptop, a notebook, and a potted plant in the background.

  • 4. Kickstarter

    Two people discussing growth and progress, with an upward arrow, gears, and a briefcase, symbolizing innovation and success.
Learn More

Client Success Stories

Case studies showcasing how I’ve helped brands just like you achieve their goals through smart marketing strategies.

Explore the Growth Insights Hub

If you’ve ever wished you had a marketing adviser in your corner, this is it.

I’ve pulled together the practical tools, videos and frameworks I use every day with my consulting clients, and made them free for early members.

Join before 31 December 2025 and you’ll keep lifetime access, on me.

Access Now →

Conversations from The Growth Edit

Featured
A Glass Half Full Look at Victorian Wine with Dan Sims
A Glass Half Full Look at Victorian Wine with Dan Sims

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Sims, founder of Pinot Palooza, Revel, and Chair of Wine Victoria. We talk about the challenges facing Victorian producers, from oversupply and shifting drinking habits to a tough global market, and where the opportunities lie. From flavour innovation and new packaging to a fresh generation of wine leaders, Dan makes a strong case for collaboration, positivity, and storytelling over spreadsheets.

In this episode of Growth Insights, Holly Formosa sits down with Dan Sims, Chair of Wine Victoria and founder of Pinot Palooza and Revel, to talk about the state of Victorian wine today and where it’s headed next.

Episode Highlights:

  • The biggest commercial pressures facing producers right now – oversupply, changing drinking habits, and a competitive global market.

  • Why collaboration is essential and how initiatives like Drink Victorian are connecting wineries, distillers, brewers, and trade in new ways.

  • The opportunities in flavour innovation, alternative packaging (hello Bagnums), and lighter, fresher wine styles that suit today’s drinkers.

  • Dan’s optimistic take on young people and wine – and why the myth that “the next generation isn’t interested” simply isn’t true.

  • Practical advice for boutique producers thinking about exports, including the key questions to ask before taking the leap.

  • The leadership programs shaping the future of Victorian wine and why the next generation of industry leaders gives Dan so much confidence.

Throughout the conversation, Dan shares candid insights from decades in the industry, his belief in storytelling over spreadsheets, and why he’s unsubscribed from the “doom and gloom” headlines that dominate industry news.

“People are into wine – they’re just not into the people telling them they’re not. The opportunity is to make wine fit into their lives, not the other way around.” – Dan Sims

This episode is a must-watch for anyone working in or passionate about wine, offering a glass-half-full look at the challenges and exciting opportunities ahead for Victorian producers.

Watch or Listen now to hear Holly and Dan’s full conversation.

Read More →
AI Strategies for Food & Wine
AI Strategies for Food & Wine

In a world where technology is reshaping every industry, understanding how AI can revolutionise the food and wine sector is crucial.

Join us as we delve into a conversation with AI expert Julie Fenwick, who demystifies the complexities of AI and offers practical insights for operators. Discover how AI can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive business growth.

Summary

In this conversation, Holly Formosa and AI expert Julie Fenwick explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the food, wine, and hospitality sectors. They discuss practical applications of AI, from operational efficiencies to marketing strategies, while addressing common concerns about data privacy and maintaining a personal brand voice. Julie emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's capabilities, starting small, and using it as a collaborative partner to enhance business operations.

Takeaways

  • AI is not just a buzzword; it's a transformative tool.

  • Start small with AI by identifying pain points in your business.

  • AI can assist with bookkeeping, analysis, and planning tasks.

  • Use AI as a thought partner to enhance creativity.

  • Data privacy is crucial; avoid uploading sensitive information to free accounts.

  • Train AI to understand your brand's tone and voice.

  • Voice mode in AI can be a powerful tool for busy operators.

  • AI can help analyze customer feedback and reviews effectively.

  • The future of marketing will require a balance between AI and human connection.

  • Embrace AI to focus on high-value tasks and customer interactions.

Read More →
Listen on Apple Podcasts

“Holly is driven to the point of when the idea is seeded, it doesn’t just ferment, it takes seed and it grows.”

— Mykal Bartholomew, Co-Owner, Coda and Tonka Restaurants

Holly Formosa wearing a white top, sitting at a black table with her right elbow resting on it. She is resting her chin on her right hand, pointing her index finger to her temple, against a plain gray background.

Ready to grow revenue and attract new customers?

I’ll help you craft a marketing strategy that builds loyalty, boosts visibility and drives results.

Book a free 30-minute call—no pressure, just practical ideas.

Let's Talk

“Holly is the person you can trust with your business. She’ll give you a crystal-clear view of where you stand and help you make confident decisions about where you want to go.”

— Dervilla McGowan, Founder and Distiller at Anther