BevCast

In this episode of the Wine Whiskey Weed Podcast, Sid Patel is joined by Lulie Halstead, the founder of Wine Intelligence, to discuss the future of the wine industry and how wineries should prepare for 2025. They dive into key trends, including evolving consumer preferences, sustainability, alternative beverages, and innovative marketing strategies. Lulie shares her expert insights on how wineries can adapt to shifting market dynamics and position themselves for success in the coming years. If you're a winery owner, marketer, or industry professional, tune into this episode packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the future of wine.

In this episode of the Wine Whiskey Weed Podcast, Sid Patel sits down with Martin Reid, co-founder of The Gin Cooperative, to explore the future of Scottish gin. From understanding what sets Scottish gin apart to discussing trends, innovative techniques, and sustainability in gin production, this episode dives deep into the strategies that are shaping the global market for craft gin. Whether you're a brand owner, distributor, or spirits enthusiast, in this podcast you'll gain actionable insights on how to thrive in the evolving gin industry. Tune in to learn what the future holds for Scottish gin and the exciting opportunities ahead!

In this episode of the Wine Whiskey Weed Show, host Sid Patel returns with a deep dive into the world of beverage business growth, featuring special guest Ian Perez, Brand Execution Manager, and MaryAnn Pisani, Chief Revenue Officer, from MHW Ltd. Sid and Ian discuss the entire commercialization process, breaking it down into key stages like product development, production, and sales distribution, offering invaluable insights for entrepreneurs looking to bring beverage brands to market. Ian and MaryAnn shares essential checklists for each stage and explains how MHW, a leader in the U.S. drinks industry, now provides services for brand development—from market analysis to practical steps for a successful launch. Sid also adds his own experiences with building beverage brands, making this episode a practical guide for anyone in the industry.

In this episode of the Wine Whiskey Weed Show, Sid Patel speaks with Matthew Citriglia, Director of Education at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, to discuss how hospitality and education form the backbone of successful sales strategies. Learn how to train a strong sales team, the consultative approach to selling, and insights into regional trends that can boost sales. This episode is a must-listen for brand owners, distributors, and sales professionals in the beverage industry.

Philip James is the founder and CEO of Firstleaf, one of the largest wineries in the US, producing wines from around the world and selling them directly to hundreds of thousands of consumers. Philip is a serial entrepreneur who has built a career combining cutting-edge technology, consumer insights, and the talents of world-class winemakers to create and deliver finely crafted wines at affordable prices, with online sales of over $500 million to date.

In this video, we chat with Jessica Kogan, Chief Growth & Experience Officer at Vintage Wine Estates, one of the true digital marketing icons of the drinks industry who built the Cameron Hughes Wine, a digital native business that she co-founded.

In this insightful video, join Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, as he engages in a captivating conversation with Master of Wine, Peter Marks. With a wealth of experience in the wine industry as a professional and educator, Peter, the Vice President and Partner at Napa Valley Wine Academy delves into the vital role of education in the wine business. Discover valuable insights as Peter sheds light on the essential skills worth pursuing for those embarking on a journey in the wine industry, as well as the skills that seasoned professionals can add to enhance their expertise. Learn how wine education plays a crucial role in driving sales and the prerequisites for a successful education path. If you are passionate about wine and eager to gain knowledge from a true industry expert, this video is a must-watch! Don't miss out on the opportunity to expand your understanding of the wine business and take your passion to new heights.

Discover the fascinating world of beverage de-alcoholization with Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, in this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of BevZero's state-of-the-art facility. Join Sid as he engages in an insightful conversation with Matthew Hughes, Director of US Operations at BevZero, unraveling the scientific process behind de-alcoholization. In this captivating podcast, Matthew guides you through the facility, offering a close-up look at the meticulous process of storing and distilling wines to eliminate alcohol content. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how BevZero's innovative techniques ensure the preservation of flavor while reducing alcohol levels. Witness firsthand as the wines are carefully stored back in the tanks, ready to delight discerning palates. Unlock the secrets of de-alcoholization in the beverage industry and gain valuable insights from industry experts. Don't miss out on this informative and visually stunning exploration of BevZero's facility, where science and craftsmanship converge to redefine the art of producing exceptional alcohol-free beverages.

In this insightful discussion, Sid and Todd delve into the intricate workings of the wine brokerage business. Discover how suppliers can identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the market while staying ahead of industry trends. Todd, drawing from his extensive experience as a bulk wine broker, shares valuable insights into the operations of CIATTI, the leading bulk wine broking company. Gain exclusive knowledge about the types of customers that CIATTI deals with, providing you with a unique perspective on the industry's largest players. If you're considering to enter the world of bulk wine and eager to explore the realm of wine brokerage, this video is a must-watch. Todd, in this engaging conversation uncovers the secrets and strategies behind successful wine brokerage. Enhance your understanding of the market, gain valuable insights, and take your wine business to new heights.

Join Ankita Okate, Chief Growth Officer at Beverage Trade Network, as she sits down with Jacob Lovell-Hewitt, Bar Manager at Publiq, for an insightful conversation. In this engaging podcast, Jake shares his expertise and gives us a glimpse into the dynamic world of bar management. He sheds light on his role as a Bar Manager and discusses the intricacies of running a successful bar station. From managing the team to coordinating with various suppliers, Jake reveals the behind-the-scenes operations that contribute to a memorable bar experience.

Join Ankita Okate, Chief Growth Officer at Beverage Trade Network, as she takes you inside the prestigious 67 Pall Mall. Ankita engages in a fascinating conversation with Federico Moccia, the Head Sommelier at 67 Pall Mall, where they delve into the interesting world of a sommelier in a distinguished wine club. In this discussion, Federico unveils the intricacies of his role as a head sommelier within the unique setting of a wine club. Contrasting with the traditional restaurant or hotel environment, Federico explains the distinctive nature of catering to club members who become regulars, fostering deep relationships with them. As these members are wine connoisseurs themselves, Federico shares his insights on satisfying their curiosity by providing in-depth knowledge about new wine regions and countries to explore. At the forefront of his responsibilities, Federico ensures that his team at 67 Pall Mall meets the impeccable standards set by the establishment. Consistency in service, relationships, and quality are of paramount importance in creating an exceptional experience for the discerning members. Federico also offers a glimpse into his craft of curating the extensive wine list at 67 Pall Mall, and how to ensure the profitability of the wine list. From seeking out value-for-money wines with excellent aging potential to selecting seasonal offerings that harmonize with the chef's culinary creations.

Join Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, in an insightful conversation with Nate Azark, Founder & Creative Director at 12 Line Studio, as they delve into the fascinating world of branding and packaging for beverage brands. In this captivating discussion, Nate shares his expertise on the intricate process of creating a design system that harmoniously aligns with the personality of a brand, captivating consumers and leaving a lasting impression. Nate explains about the crucial elements involved in developing a brand identity, such as color palettes, typography, and graphic elements, and how they can profoundly influence consumer perception. Nate sheds light on the importance of understanding a brand's personality, values, and positioning to create a cohesive design system that effectively communicates the desired message. Whether you're an aspiring beverage brand owner, a marketing enthusiast, or simply curious about the intricacies of branding and packaging, this conversation offers invaluable insights and practical advice for building a strong visual presence in the competitive market. Don't miss this engaging conversation, where Sid Patel and Nate Azark delve into the fascinating process of branding and packaging, unveiling the secrets behind captivating consumers with visually striking designs that bring beverage brands to life.

Join Sid Patel on an exclusive tour of The Stafford Hotel's wine cellar, one of London's most iconic hotels with a long history. Located at the heart of St. James's Street and surrounded by historic landmarks, this video gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the cellar is managed at The Stafford. In this Podcast, Sid chats with Eugenio Egorov, Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at The Stafford London, about how he manages the hotel's impressive wine cellar and what makes the inventory management different from regular wine storage. Eugenio shares his expertise and insights into customer experience and how The Stafford manages its wine and food offerings. He talks about the revenue breakups and how the hotel balances its inventory between old-world and new-world wines. In addition, Sid and Eugenio discuss how The Stafford sources its wines and how the team ensures that the wine selection meets the needs and preferences of its diverse clientele. This informative and engaging video provides an inside look at the world of wine at The Stafford Hotel. Join Sid and Eugenio as they take you through the iconic hotel's wine cellar and share their expert insights into the art of wine selection, management, and service. Tune in and discover what makes The Stafford one of London's most unique experiences for wine lovers!

In this Podcast, join Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, and Ramiro Fernandez, Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at Galvin La Chapelle, as they dive into the business of wine sales in restaurants and explore how Galvin La Chapelle has designed its wine program. Whether you're a restaurant owner, sommelier, manager, or simply interested in the industry, you'll learn valuable insights and strategies that can help you boost your wine sales and increase your profits.

As a beverage brand, expanding your reach into a global market can be a daunting task. That's where an export agency comes in; they can help you navigate the complexities of international trade and connect you with new markets to sell your products. In this Podcast, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, is in a conversation with Thomas Guerrier, Business Development Specialist - Wine, Beer and Spirits for Business France. He helps you understand the ways in which an export agency can help beverage brands sell globally, whether you're a small start-up or a well-established brand. ***About Thomas Guerrier*** Business Development Specialist - Wine, Beer and Spirits - Business France

If you're curious about how restaurant chains source their beverages, this Podcast is for you. In this informative episode, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, takes you inside River Roast, one of the restaurants by Levy Restaurants. He is in conversation with Rachael Lowe, Director of Beverage Operations for Levy Restaurants. Rachael explains the procurement process for beverages in restaurants, from choosing the right products to negotiating prices and contracts. She also explains how the beverages are selected and provides insights into managing inventory and building successful supplier relationships. Whether you're a restaurant owner, manager, or wine director, you won't want to miss this informative video about the beverage procurement in restaurant chains. So grab a glass of your favorite libation and join us for this fascinating look behind the scenes of the restaurant industry. ***About Rachael Lowe*** Director of Beverage Operations at Levy Restaurants Rachael Lowe passed the advanced sommelier degree from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2009 with a top score that earned her a Rudd Scholarship. She was the 2010 Jean Banchet Top Sommelier, 2011 Star Chef Rising Star Sommelier and 2016 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year. In addition to such merit, she won the top prize at the Ruinart Chardonnay competition hosted by Ruinart and the Guild of Sommeliers in 2010 Lowe served as Sommelier at the Michelin-rated Bouchon, a French bistro in Yountville, CA, under the direction of The Thomas Keller Restaurant Group. Prior to her time there, she spent more than four years as Sommelier for several fine-dining venues throughout New York City, including Café Gray, the Mandarin Oriental and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay inside The London NYC hotel. Upon moving to Chicago Lowe served as Director of Wine and Spirits at the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, where she oversaw all wine and beverage management, which included Sixteen, the hotel's signature fine-dining restaurant, Rebar, the Terrace at Trump, and all catering and in-room dining. She then took over as Wine Director at both Naha, a Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant, as well as the companies French based sister restaurant, Brindille. Six years ago Lowe took the position as Director of Beverage for Spiaggia, where she oversees the restaurant, Café and private dining events.

In this Podcast, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey into the business of managing Mainstreet Wines & Spirits. He is in a conversation with the store's wine director, Nancy Sabatini, where they chat on a range of topics, from inventory management to marketing strategies. Nancy discusses all aspects of the business and provides insights into what it takes to succeed in this industry. Whether you're a current wine & spirits store owner looking to increase profits or someone interested in opening a store, this video is a must-watch. ***About Nancy Sabatini*** She is passionate about all things connected with wine. Nancy has been called a "wine geek," and rightfully so! Agreeing with Matt Kramer from Wine Spectator... "Though we may not necessarily think of it this way, a really good wine retailer is actually as much a 'sommelier' as anyone who glides to your table with a wine list in hand. Now, by saying a really good retailer I'm not talking about just anyone who happens to sell wine. You want, well, a geek. Somebody who's just a little nuts about wine, who regularly offers wines that you've never heard of or tried." This is the model she has instilled in every one of her wine positions.

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 Podcast of Inside The Drinks Business, 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.

It is widely known that data currently drives almost every element of business. And when it comes to driving sales, it's a priceless asset. According to research, businesses that use data in their sales strategy are 5 to 6% more profitable than their rivals. In this Podcast, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, is in conversation with Scott Scanlon, Executive Vice President at IRi. Here Scott highlights the trends in the alcohol beverage industry and talks about how data can help brands that are operating in the beverage industry.

As a bar operating at a fine dining establishment, there are certain standards of service expected of them. It is a bar manager's responsibility to make sure that the bar operations run smoothly while adhering to the standards of quality and service followed by the restaurant. A skilled bar manager contributes significantly to the success of the establishment by managing customers well, solving issues, managing the on-floor staff, and even making sales. Join Sid Patel, CEO Beverage Trade Network, as he chats with Luca Rapetti, bar manager of the Gong Bar, Shangri-la, for an insightful conversation where Luca deep dives into a wide range of topics, from managing the staff to increasing the profitability of the GŎNG Bar, Shangri-La The Shard.

Apart from being the person who comes up with new and exciting cocktails a mixologist is someone who is well versed in hospitality. This is especially true when one is operating in fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels. From the food and drinks that are served to the experience that a customer has, all should follow a certain standard that is expected from such a venue. As a head mixologist at such a venue one has to wear many hats. From designing the cocktail menu to choosing the correct spirits everything falls under the role of a head mixologist. In this Podcast, Sid Patel, CEO Beverage Trade Network is in a conversation with the Head Mixologist at The Ritz London, Michele Lombardi as he explains how he manages the bar at The Ritz, London.

The idea of a retail wine store is to have a place to view and buy from a large collection of wines. Having such an expansive portfolio of exceptional wines sourced from all around the world will certainly help a store stand out in the retail fine wine industry. Each of the wines should be tasted and selected by an expert or a team of experts to ensure wines are of the highest quality. This will also help in discovering quality wines that are less heard of which ultimately will make it a unique offering to the customers visiting the store. In this Podcast Sid Patel, CEO Beverage Trade Network, is in a conversation with Salvatore Castano, who is the On Trade Advisor & Assistant Wine Buyer at Friarwood Fine Wines, a boutique wine merchant based in London. Salvatore talks on a range of topics from sourcing wines to upselling and driving sales at the store.

A mixologist is a creative person who has a role to play in various job functions, from cocktail creation to selecting the beverage program. As a mixologist one is also expected to maintain the standards of hospitality while creating the drinks and also while serving them. The knowledge of different spirits, herbs and spices, and the ability to create unique cocktails while making sure the guests are having a great experience is something a seasoned mixologist can achieve. But in the journey to become such an expert one should follow a certain path. In this Podcast Sid Patel, CEO Beverage Trade Network, is in a conversation with Federico Pavan, Director of Mixology at The Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel, where Federico explains what a mixologist should do while operating in a fine dining restaurant.

Putting out good content consistently is probably one of the toughest things for a business to do time and time again. The idea of an article is to create content that people find engaging. Good quality articles help in having a consistent presence in the market for a business and people rely on that presence to stay informed or educated. However, identifying the topics to write about is crucial. The rule of thumb is to write about topics that the readers find interesting. Join this insightful conversation where Sid Patel, CEO Beverage Trade Network, interviews Richard Siddle, an award winning editor and co-founder of The-Buyer.Net, where he explains what goes into writing engaging content.

Being bar supervisor is a broad role and covers many aspects of running a bar. Supervisors have to be able to manage staff as they are the bridge between the people working on the floor and the decision makers. This will include advising and training the staff in their work, and onboarding any new staff for the restaurant. They also should be able to create and plan the ideal cocktail menu and make sure that it reflects the customer needs and expectations of a fine dining venue. With the diverse nature of the role comes a lot of challenges. In this Podcast episode of Inside the Drinks Business Sid Patel, CEO Beverage Trade Network, is in a conversation with Cristiana Pirinu, Bar supervisor at The Donovan Bar, where she explains how she tackles the challenges she comes across in her role.

Being a Sommelier is a wonderful job, but it demands a lot of effort as the role is very diverse and multi-faceted. The role of a Head of Wine leading such a group of sommeliers is even more demanding. Join Sid Patel as he takes you inside the premises of 67 Pall Mall, a luxurious members club located in London that provides a wide range of hospitality services and hosts businesses and personal events. He is in a conversation with Ronan Sayburn, (Head of Wines at 67 Pall Mall and CEO, The Court of Master Sommeliers Europe), where they deep dive into diverse topics ranging from the management of the restaurant, the wine offerings, the membership program, inventory management and the Master Sommelier program.

Becoming a Master of Wine is the final staging post in the path to becoming a wine expert. It is a qualification in the study of wine conferred by the Institute of Masters of Wine. In this Podcast episode of Inside the Drinks Business, join Sid (CEO, Beverage Trade Network) as he takes you inside the Institute of Masters of Wine head office in London, United Kingdom. He is in a conversation with Adrian Garforth (Executive Director) and Sarah Harrison (Head of Study Programme and Development) as they discuss the working of the coveted institute and share valuable insights on how the Masters of Wine program works. ***About IMW*** The Institute of Masters of Wine is a membership organization whose members are the Masters of Wine. The IMW's mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. To Know More About IMW Visit: https://www.mastersofwine.org/

Bartending is a skill one can learn and practice, but it takes a special talent to excel in the hospitality business. The role of the bartender in a hotel is an important one and needs to be handled with care and precision. There are multiple aspects that one monitors like hiring staff, coming up with the menu for special events, sourcing spirits and making sure your guests have a great bar experience expected of a 4-Star, 4-Diamond, Hotel. In this Podcast episode of Inside The Drinks Business, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network is in a conversation with John Swartz, Bartender at Hotel Nikko, San Francisco. John explains the standards that he follows and how does a day look like for a bartender working in a hotel.

Drinks and edibles infused with cannabinoids have been a huge trend in the food and beverage industry. Market analysts predict that this new category will soon become the single largest sector of the industry in coming years. In this video Sid, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, has a detailed and comprehensive discussion about cannabis infused drinks and edibles with Jamie Evans where they explore the current and future trends, the regulations, the challenges and the developments in the Cannabis industry. Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm, a culinary-meets-cannabis blog and lifestyle brand that is focused on the gourmet side of the industry. She is an author, entrepreneur, and writer specializing in cannabis, CBD, food, recipes, wine, and the canna-culinary world. As a well-known CBD and cannabis personality, Jamie is best known for her literary work and signature canna-culinary events. She is the co-editor of GoldLeaf's acclaimed cannabis Cooking Journal and the author of the CBD lifestyle book, The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol, published by Fair Winds Press of Quarto Publishing Group.

In this Podcast episode, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network chats with Jason Lam, Bar manager at Sens Restaurant. Here you will learn about how to drive your Bar Program towards increased customer satisfaction and repeat visits. Leaving a decade-long career in marketing, Jason moved to San Francisco in 2010 and started his life over in the bar industry, working from small beginnings at staffing companies to a small jazz club in the Mission district. He eventually started at Sens Restaurant in San Francisco's Financial District where he established his groundwork in bartending and bar management for over 9 years. He now manages the bar programs at both Sens and at the sister establishment, Barcha.

In this Podcast episode of our “Inside The Drinks Business” Series, Sid talks about what exactly is the role of a Sommelier with Lindsey Young, the Head Sommelier at Selby's, a glamorous fine-dining and wine venue in San Francisco Bay Area. A native Californian, Lindsey Young started appreciating the art of culinary at a very young age while she grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her knowledge of culinary and her education in Landscape Architecture brought her closer to the world of wine where she started to appreciate terroir, vineyards and all things wine. Having worked around food and wine in several positions in the restaurant industry, she pursued her passion to become a Sommelier and that's where her journey started. Lindsey shares about her experience over the years as a Sommelier and Beverage Director at many renowned restaurants in San Francisco. She discusses about her role as a Sommelier, what inspired her to join the Court of Master Sommeliers and her passion for wines.

Podcast episode with the Head Bartender of Ettan Palo Alto: Massimo Stronati shares the challenges of a bartender, and how to be a good bartender. Sid Patel(CEO, Beverage Trade Network) with Massimo Stronati chats about the day-to-day challenges faced by him and how he accomplish it. From Hiring to training a bartender.

Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network chats with Varun Sharma on his trip to India where they discuss How to become a better bartender, the kind of interview questions he keeps in mind before onboarding a new bartender for the bar, and how does he bring mixology in his bar. Varun Sharma is the Beverage Manager at Comorin. He is responsible for overseeing Comorin‘s unique beverage program which is one of India's favorite cocktail bars. Varun is India's top Mixologist currently and has worked as a Head Bartender and Mixologist at Ricks, the Taj Mahal Hotel, and as a Bar Manager at Chidiya Ghar Bar, Roseate House Hotel, Delhi. He has won numerous awards including regional wins at the Diageo World Class (2014 & 2013), where he was also recognized amongst the top 6 bartenders in India during both years. He also won the National Award for the Best Mixologist at the Corralejo Teqnic Mixology Challenge in 2014.

Susan R Lin MW is the head of wine expertise for online fine wine retailer Belmont Wine Exchange in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving customers worldwide. In this podcast episode Sid chats with Susan about Master Of Wine program, the business of private wine and how to authenticate wine if you are a private collector of wine.

In this podcast episode of our “Inside The Drinks Business” Series, Sid has made a pit stop to Delhi, India to chat with Master of All Trades, Yangdup Lama at his prestigious bar “Sidecar”. The only bar from India to make it to World's 50 Best Bars. India's No# 1 Bartender and Mixologist Yangdup shares with Sid, his formula for success. If you're looking at scaling your bar to greater heights, this episode is for you.

In this video, Irem Eren from BevZero and Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network takes you inside how The Non-Alcoholic Wine Business really works, the process that a winery can take to get started, what buyers can do and where are the current opportunities in this category.

In this episode, Sid chats with Shreyas Balakrishnan, President of Cutwater Spirits, America's No1 canned cocktail brand on how he drives growth for his company.

When you have been a buyer for independent stores and then some of the world's largest retail chains, then you know a thing or many about wine buying. So if you are looking to grow your career as a wine buyer, or looking to improve your buying skills, this one is for you. Bob Paulinski, MW who has been a buyer at chains like Sam's Club, Winn-Dixie/Bi-Lo stores, Coles (Australia) and BevMo will share valuable insights about the role of a wine buyer.

This is the first super technical episode where Sid sits with Bryan and goes in the business of winemaking. This one is a GOLD episode for the winemakers out there. It includes a format of 10 case studies, then how to buy bulk wine from a technical perspective, how to build business resilience and more. Winemakers, get your note pads out and start listening! You can write in comments the challenges that you are facing in winemaking and we will ask Bryan to email you some applied research they have done for that problem that you can study.

In this episode, Sid Patel, CEO of International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show and BTN, and Kayla Winter go into the process of how to make no and low-alc. Kayla shares some good insights on developing low and no alcohol products which can be useful especially if you are a winery or a distillery.

Sid Patel, CEO of International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show and BTN chats with Maurice DiMarino, Wine and Beverage Manager at Cohn Restaurant Group on what restaurant groups are looking for in a supplier.

Sid Patel, CEO of International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show and BTN chats with Horst Mueller, Global Head VinLog at Kuehne + Nagel (pronounced as Kuene Nagel) on Global Wine Shipping trends and opportunities

In this episode, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and London Wine Competition chats with Federica Zanghirella, Vice President at UK Sommelier Association on how sommeliers can approach their guests better, how they can listen to the restaurant floor in a more effective way, how they ask their first question about the beverage and what is the different between great sommeliers and average sommeliers. We also discuss a very important point in this for new professionals looking to get started in the wine world 'how to develop your passion for this role and the wine world'.

In this episode Sid chats with Josh on leadership, managing people, making decisions on scaling a business, goal setting and more. One of the best episodes Sid has done on leadership. Includes real questions for CEOs and leaders especially when they are scaling from small to medium to large.

Understanding the basics of a product development cycle is essential to nailing the roll-out of your new cannabis product. A successful, high-quality product launch needs to kick off with an intimate understanding of what the consumer needs and expects from a new cannabis brand, where their expectations lie, and how you need to modify and adapt your normal product development process to meet these challenges. In this insightful episode of The Wine Whiskey Weed Show, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and Cannabis Drinks Expo, is in a conversation with Shehzad Hoosein, Chief Operating Officer at Cannabistry. Shehzad brings with him immense knowledge of developing CPG brands as the Program Director at Diageo and helps us understand the similarities and the challenges he has faced transitioning into the cannabis industry.

In this episode, Sid chats with Akshita Singh, Corporate Associate at Dickinson Wright PLLC and discusses cannabis 101 on starting a cannabis company, the difference between international and US-based company setting up, cannabis agreements and more.

Branding is critical for any business, but it is especially important in an emerging market like the cannabis industry. The cannabis industry is now entering the legalization arena, providing an opportunity for businesses to employ quality branding practices. Brands can utilize their story and identity to develop memorable and successful products to reach the appropriate market. You can give your product a voice that the audience can relate to, connect with on a personal level, and carry with them beyond merely visual appeal by knowing how to correctly brand your product. As the cannabis industry continues to rise in popularity, businesses need to focus on creating an identity that will connect with the right audience if they want to succeed in this growing industry. In this latest episode of The Wine Whiskey Weed Show, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network is in a conversation with David Paleschuk, Chief Brand Officer at Matters. Group. David comes with 15+ years of brand-building and consumer marketing experience, and he deep dives into the essential aspects of branding and what practices can be followed by cannabis businesses to build a successful brand.

Distribution is one of the first things businesses think about when they are considering getting into the cannabis industry. Distributors are equipped with an understanding of the market and have crucial business relationships with retailers. But this doesn't always mean they are successful at getting a placement for your brand, especially considering a niche segment like cannabis beverages. In this insightful episode of The Wine Whiskey Weed Show, Sid Patel, CEO, of Beverage Trade Network, chats with Paulo Sobral who is a Consultant and Advisor to various cannabis beverage brands.

If you are thinking of starting a cannabis business, whether it is a dispensary, retail store, consumption lounge, or an ancillary company, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration while setting up. First and foremost among them is finding the right city, town, or county zoning laws. The regulations regarding proximity to schools and park zones will vary from location to location. In this latest episode of The Wine Whiskey Weed Show, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, is in a conversation with Maha Haq, Director of Retail Strategy at Green Thumb Industries. Maha elaborates on the various factors that go into setting up a retail cannabis consumption lounge or dispensary.

Cannabis is a relatively new industry, and retail cannabis laws are constantly changing. One wouldn't be surprised to find varying regulations and compliance across each state. This can be very confusing to the merchants and dispensary owners that want to participate in this growing and soon to be booming market. As a cultivator and wholesale cannabis brand working with various other consumer product brands, one has to constantly deal with various challenges faced by the cannabis industry. In this insightful new episode of The Wine Whiskey Weed Show, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, is in a conversation with Meagen Anderson, Director of Wholesale at Highway Horticulture. Meagen talks about what her role looks like and how she addresses the challenges involved in this constantly evolving industry.

A great CEO is someone who is an effective leader and leaders are admired for their strong foundational character and sense of integrity. A CEO is also an ambassador for the brand, company or the organization he or she is representing. While the role is rewarding and influential, meeting the high standards and wide-ranging expectations of stakeholders, customers and employees can be quite challenging. In this episode of The Wine Whiskey Weed, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network talks with Benjamin Larson, CEO of Vertosa, as Benjamin explains his responsibilities as a CEO and the challenges faced by him.