If you are a brand, it's very important for you to understand what a wine distributor is really looking for from a supplier and how they operate.

In this video, Sid Patel, CEO of USA Trade Tasting and Beverage Trade Network takes you inside one of Chicago’s top wine wholesalers and chats with Ian Louisignau, Director of Sales and Portfolio Manager at Maverick Wine Company.

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.

“If a brand succeeds in the market, everyone will win. Everyone must continue to win for a brand to succeed at all times. That involves the consumer, retailer, distributors, importers and producers”, Sid Patel.

If you are an importer or a distributor, here are a few important things to look for in a new supplier:

1. State count

2. Retail penetration of the brand per state

3. SKU count

4. Pallet configuration and minimum orders

5. Pick-up location and costs.

6. In Market Sales Rep

7. $ per case Support contribution

8. Case Volume Goal

9. Top-line advertising and awareness

10. Marketing budget

11. Supplier mindset on win: win

12. Access to chains

13. Point of sale and packaging mentality.

Here is the entire video conversation on how wine distributors really work.

USATT 2024: May 22-23, 2024: Connecting the drinks industry in Chicago.

Get ready for a truly exceptional experience at USATT 2024 on May 22-23, 2024! The USATT 2024 event promises to be the paramount gathering for the beverage industry, offering a plethora of exciting mini-events designed to enrich your industry knowledge, tantalize your taste buds, and provide unique networking opportunities for brand growth and visibility.

The USATT Conference will feature an impressive roster of 30 speakers, spanning two days. Prepare to meet and savor the delights of exciting brands from the USA and around the world on the expo floor. Dive into an array of 24 intimate sit-down tastings, each hosted by passionate winemakers, skilled distillers, and expert importers.

If you are looking to save some money, secure your tickets with the early bird pricing before the deadline of January 31, 2024.