Beverage Trade Network

The American Association of Wine Economists has just published the latest issue of the Journal of Wine Economics, and it has a special focus: reporting the results of a workshop held by the Alliance for Research on Wine and Hospitality in late 2022. The editors of the special issue note that “the articles selected . . . illustrate the intricacy of the wine industry.” This includes “exploring the intersections of producers, retailers, managers, and consumers within the wine sector.” The researchers employed “a wide range of quantitative research methods using detailed data from the industry as well as from experiments.” The articles explore a number of different topics, including restaurant wine lists, consumer wine ratings, predicting fine wine prices, and gender bias in wine purchasing by consumers. The special issue articles, therefore, offer a detailed examination of various aspects of the wine industry, shedding light on its multifaceted nature, which will be of great interest to those involved in the on-trade and sommeliers as well as wine producers and distributors. 

Here's a checklist on making a on-premise chain call, no matter the size of the chain. The key to making on-premise retail calls is preparation and planning. A good salesperson knows time is limited to chain buyers. It is important that your goals and objectives are clear in your mind prior to making the call. Be prepared to overcome objections and convince the customer your products are best suited for their needs. Here is a checklist on making an on-premise chain call—no matter the size of the Chain:

It all starts with understanding the broader changes that are taking place within the retail wine landscape.

⛴️🍷Wholesalers and distributors in the Wine and Spirits industry are a critical part of the supply chain. They are responsible for connecting suppliers with a wider audience of customers. As a wholesaler and distributor, one is operating with a massive amount of SKUs, which comes with its own set of challenges in running a business at such a scale. In this exciting new episode, Sid Patel takes you on a tour of Maverick Wine Company, where he chats with the Director of Sales & Portfolio Manager, Ian Louisignau. Ian lays out their role in the wine and spirits world, how they operate, what kind of suppliers they are looking for, and how suppliers can partner with them. 🔗Watch the video - https://lnkd.in/dwyzb-WK

I can tell everyone it’s the best drink in the world, but for actual judges who spend their life in alcohol to call it the best ‘Liqueur in the World’ is something else! This has definitely put a smile on my face for a Thursday morning. I encourage you to have a read of the article through the link below. It talks about our journey, secret, and vision - which is the most important thing! But the most rewarding outcome from this is that the judges and the team at USA Ratings also identified our difference in product, innovation, and vision from their tasting. And they believe in it!! Here is to becoming the next Aperol 💪🏻 Sid Patel | Beverage Trade Network https://lnkd.in/gDVr2Ru9

Inside the USA Trade Tasting Experience! At USA Trade Tasting, we’re not just another trade show – we’re where business growth begins. As Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and USA Trade Tasting, shares, “Our goal is to provide actionable insights to help you grow your business.” From masterclasses led by sommeliers, national beverage directors, and top buyers, to sit-down tastings directly with winemakers and distillers, USATT is packed with valuable, real-world knowledge. Hear from exhibitors like Bespoken Spirits Inc., Chateau Beauportail, and Prima Pavé, sharing their unique products and innovations. Whether you're a startup or an established brand, this is your chance to learn, network, and avoid costly mistakes. Lisa Black, MBA | Kate Danaj Join us at USATT 2025 and experience it firsthand. Don’t miss out on connecting with importers, distributors, and key buyers across the U.S. — this is your platform to shine! 👉 Ready to grow your brand? Visit usatradetasting.com to secure your spot in May 2025! #USATT #TradeShow #BeverageIndustry #WineAndSpirits #BusinessGrowth #Networking #Importers #Distributors

✨ The London Spirits Competitions is excited to unveil the third group of Regional and Category Ambassadors for the 2025 edition. ✔️ This program is intended to enlighten both consumers and industry professionals about different regions and categories, while also showcasing the winners on a global stage. The goal is to position the London Competitions as a premier international standard, offering winners substantial worldwide recognition. ✔️ These ambassadors will support top category winners, boosting their market credibility and visibility, and providing trade education about the specific regions and categories. Webinar Details: Angelo Martinelli I Topic: Expanding German Spirits in the UK Market I RSVP - https://lnkd.in/dRcr6pRY Kim Hutchinson I Topic: How Gin Producers Can Work With importers I RSVP - https://lnkd.in/dtQN3-qk Sid Patel I Beverage Trade Network

❗ Ackley Brands' acquisition of Charles Smith Wines enhances its role in the Pacific Northwest, marking its fifth major purchase in Washington this year. 🍷 The August 8th deal includes popular brands such as Kung Fu Girl Riesling, The Velvet Devil Merlot, Band of Roses Rosé, and Boom Boom! Syrah, with a combined annual production of over 160,000 cases. This move strengthens Ackley’s influence in the on-premise wine trade, given Charles Smith Wines' strong market presence and appeal in restaurants and bars. Ackley Brands strategic growth, including previous acquisitions like Columbia Winery and Betz Family Winery, increases its production capacity and portfolio diversity. For on-premise operators, this acquisition offers an opportunity to feature well-known and reliable wines, potentially boosting sales and aligning with local sourcing trends. Ackley’s local production in Prosser, Washington, could further appeal to establishments emphasizing regional products. ✨ As Ackley Brands expands, it is positioned to support restaurants and bars with consistent supply, favorable pricing, and marketing support. On-premise operators should stay informed about Ackley's developments, as future acquisitions or new labels could impact the industry. 📢 For more insights on this acquisition and its implications for the on-premise wine trade, read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/dPRqwS-a . Get the latest business insights on sommelierbusiness.com 🗞 . . #wineindustry #onpremise #pacificnorthwest #wineacquisition #ackleybrands #charlessmithwines #winebusiness #winetrends #wineportfolio #restaurantwine #barwine #wineexpansion #localwines #wineproduction #winebrands Sommeliers Choice Awards Beverage Trade Network Sid Patel Malvika Patel Ankita O. Charlie Leary (李嘉立) PhD Wine Industry Network Wine News TV USA Ratings Wine News GR

Sommeliers Choice Awards editor chats with Cynthia Lohr and Steve Lohr on How J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Family-Run Model Leads in Sustainability and Quality. J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. The still family-run company grows, produces, and bottles a line of internationally recognized wines from more than 4,000 proprietary acres of Certified California Sustainable vineyards in Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations, Paso Robles, and the St. Helena AVA in Napa Valley. J. Lohr produces and markets wine in eight price tiers, costing between $13 and $100 per bottle. Founder Jerry Lohr chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco for his initial 280-acre vineyard plantings. With leadership from the Lohr family, Arroyo Seco was approved as an AVA within Monterey County in 1983. Jerry Lohr’s children long ago entered the business after working in other industries. Steve Lohr is now the company President and CEO and Cynthia Lohr is the Chief Brand Officer. Both believe in a broad definition of managing a sustainable company within the US wine industry. They speak of the three E’s of sustainable wine-growing operations. There is the environment, protecting natural resources. The second E is social equity within the company and the industry. Critically, the third is economics. As Steve Lohr stated in an interview with Progressive Grocer in 2022: “The economics is the part some forget about, but it is very important because if you can’t make a buck at what you are doing, you aren’t going to be around very long and that’s not sustainable.” Cynthia and Steve Lohr found time in their busy schedules to have a conversation with editor Charlie Leary. The three-spoke via Zoom in mid-August. Below is Part One of the interview. The Lohrs provided insights into the importance of the on-premise trade and sommeliers, their view of sustainability, the J. Lohr vertically-integrated business model, which has encouraged organic company growth, the sweet spot for wine prices, and the challenges currently facing wine businesses. J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines produces about 1.7 million cases annually. Their hour-long conversation has been edited for conciseness. Click on the below link to see the full interview. Isabel Brennan Jake Pascale Alexandra Marshall, MBA Jorie Salley Jennifer Clarke, CSW Rhonda Motil Steve D. Jessica Kollhoff Kasey Martin Beverage Trade Network Sommeliers Choice Awards Sommelier Business #winebusiness #winemaker #winery

🍷The concept of a defined wine region remains crucial for today’s sommelier, serving as a foundation for understanding, selecting, and presenting wines with authenticity and confidence. It reinforces the sommelier’s expertise, providing a rich narrative that elevates the customer experience and ensures quality. As the wine industry evolves, sommeliers must skillfully balance the heritage and prestige of established regions with the potential of emerging areas and innovative practices. 🔗 Article Link - https://lnkd.in/dzjQyc4e What are your thoughts on the relevance of wine regions and appellations, along with their regulatory frameworks, for today’s sommeliers? Share your views in the comments below!👇 Sommelier Business I Sid Patel