Park Street Insider Podcast

Send us a textHow did 818 Tequila rise above being "just another celebrity spirit brand'? Beyond Kendall Jenner's star power, the brand's success stems from deep industry expertise. In this episode, David Yan Gonzalez, Director of Tequila Operations at 818, shares his proven framework for building premium spirits brands. Drawing from decades of experience crafting successful tequila brands, Gonzalez unveils his three-pillar approach to authentic brand building. Find out his critical tangible elements required before launching—from liquid development to market positioning—plus the overlooked intangible factors that separate million-dollar spirits brands from failures.Featured Guests:David Yan Gonzalez, Director, Tequila Operations, 818 Tequila / Calabasas Beverage CompanyMentioned in the Episode:818 TequilaWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Send us a textBars, restaurants, and venues form the foundation of drinking culture. However, the factors driving spending and visitation within the on-premise sector have evolved significantly due to COVID disruptions, economic pressures, and shifting category dynamics.In this episode, we're examining what's happening inside bars and restaurants in 2025. Matthew Crompton, Vice President of CGA by Nielsen IQ for On Premise in the Americas, brings his expertise to this conversation.Our discussion covers several critical areas: current on-premise visitation trends, consumer price sensitivities in bars, and the spirits categories gaining traction. We also explore effective strategies for spirits brands to capitalize on on-premise trends and strengthen their position within this channel.Featured Guests:Matt Crompton, Vice President: Americas, CGA by Nielsen IQMentioned in the Episode:CGA by Nielsen IQWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagramhttps://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1

Send us a textWhen Vincent Hanna and his co-founders, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, launched Brother's Bond Bourbon, they didn't just introduce another celebrity whiskey—they found a new way to build a modern whiskey brand based on passion and authenticity. In the process, Brother's Bond has become one of the fastest-growing premium bourbon brands while building the largest social media following in the spirits industry. Find out how Hanna's career in beverage alcohol and a keen eye for market trends helped Brother's Bond establish itself as a respected player in the competitive American whiskey market. In this episode, co-founder Vincent Hanna joins the podcast to talk about how he leveraged industry expertise and authentic storytelling to transform Brother's Bond from an ambitious concept into a bourbon phenomenon embraced by whiskey enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. This in-depth conversation explores the brand's distinctive approach to bourbon craftsmanship, the evolving dynamics of the American whiskey category, and how Brother's Bond harnessed its massive social media presence to build genuine connections with consumers.Featured Guests:Vincent Hanna, CEO & Co-founder, Brother's Bond DistillingMentioned in the Episode:Brother's Bond BourbonWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Send us a textIn today's spirits market, crowded with endless options, meaningful innovation has become essential for brands seeking to establish their identity amid evolving consumer tastes. Yet mere novelty rarely drives success in an industry where everyone claims to be doing something new. The most effective innovations—whether introducing distinctive flavor profiles, highlighting unique production methods, or unveiling striking packaging—connect authentically with drinkers' genuine interests and desires. The critical question remains: How can brands create innovations that genuinely resonate with consumers rather than simply adding to the noise?The Park Street Insider Podcast welcomes two innovative experts to the show: former Compass Box Whisky CEO Maurice Doyle and Bemakers Co-founder Morten Stengaard. First, Doyle will draw on his decades of experience leading marketing efforts for global portfolios and developing brands for Bacardi to help redefine what innovation should actually look like in the modern market. Then, Stengaard will deliver a case study with his key criteria for innovation when launching a new product in any category. Featured Guests:Maurice Doyle, CEO, Compass Box Morten Stengaard, Co-founder & CEO, Bemakers Connect with the Experts:Compass Box Whisky BemakersWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Send us a textOver the 2010s, Fords Gin transformed from a bartender-driven startup to a cocktail culture staple, securing a key position in Brown-Forman's prestigious portfolio. Co-founder Simon Ford built his career immersed in the cocktail scene that his brand would later come to represent.In this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Simon Ford discusses his journey working alongside major spirits industry brands before founding Fords Gin—a company now synonymous with premium gin. He reveals how he combined marketing expertise with his extensive bar world relationships to create a brand that caught Brown-Forman's attention, leading to a successful acquisition by one of America's top spirits portfolios.Featured Guests:Simon Ford, Co-Founder, Fords Gin  Connect with Fords Gin:Fords GinBrown FormanSimon Ford on InstagramWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Send us a textThis March, new U.S. tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and China are set to send shockwaves through the beverage alcohol industry. With wine, beer, and spirits brands bracing for major financial impact, how can businesses prepare?The Park Street Insider Podcast welcomes Alison Leavitt, Managing Director of the Wine and Spirits Shippers Association (WSSA), for an essential insider briefing on the changing tariff landscape. In this critical episode, Leavitt provides a clear breakdown of the new administration's aggressive trade approach, analyzes potential implementation scenarios and their business implications, and shares actionable mitigation strategies brands can implement.Featured Guests:Alison Leavitt, Managing Director, Wine and Spirits Shippers Association (WSSA)Mentioned in this episode:Want to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Send us a textWhen Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and his team of co-founders (Dany Garcia, Ken Austin and Jenna Fagnan) partnered with industry powerhouse Mast-Jägermeister, they didn't just launch another celebrity tequila – they broke records, becoming the fastest premium spirits brand in U.S. history to reach 1 million cases. In the process they were able to side step the growing pains that new to market brands often undergo during periods of massive growth. In this episode, CEO Richard Black reveals how he leveraged years of industry expertise to transform Teremana from a startup into a global phenomenon in just five years.Join Emmett Strack for a conversation with Black as they explore The Rock's hands-on role in the brand's evolution, the untapped potential of the global tequila market, and Teremana's ambitious vision for 2025 and beyond. This isn't just another celebrity spirits story – it's a masterclass in scaling a premium brand while maintaining its soul. Featured Guests:Richard Black, CEO, Teremana Tequila Mentioned in this episode:Teremana TequilaMast-JägermeisterWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Send us a textFrom billion-dollar buyouts to strategic portfolio plays,  beverage alcohol's dealmaking landscape tells a fascinating story of power, strategy, and evolution. While the post-pandemic M&A frenzy may have cooled, 2024's high-stakes transactions revealed how the industry's biggest players are placing their bets on the future of drinks.Join host Emmett Strack as he sits down with Ryan Lake, Managing Director of Arlington Capital Advisors, to decode the year's most consequential deals. Together, they'll unpack how industry heavyweights are repositioning for growth, why certain categories are attracting premium valuations, and what these moves signal about where the spirits business is headed. This conversation offers insights into the forces reshaping the beverage alcohol landscape in 2025 and beyond.Featured Guests:Ryan Lake, Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors Mentioned in this episode:Park Street's 2024 M&A ReportArlington Capital AdvisorsWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Send us a textLaunching an unproven concept into an untapped market segment requires exceptional courage. For Emma Wykes and Seedlip, the vast potential they saw in the non-alcoholic spirits category transformed this calculated risk into a pioneering opportunity. Join host Andres Correa as he sits down with Emma Wykes, the former COO of Seedlip Drinks. As a figure who played a pivotal role in building the world's first non-alcoholic spirits brand that caught the attention of industry giant Diageo, Wykes's entrepreneurial journey serves as a prime case study of how founders can successfully build disruptive brands that last. Now a founding partner at Pollen Projects and CEO of Seasn Cocktail bitters, Emma brings her wealth of experience in the beverage industry to share invaluable insights on what it takes to launch and scale innovative drink concepts in today's competitive market.Featured Guests:Emma Wykes, Founding Partner of Pollen Projects & CEO of Seasn  Mentioned in this episode:SeedlipDiageoPollen ProjectsSeasnWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

The battle over "additive-free" tequila labeling has exposed a deep rift between tradition and transparency in Mexico's most iconic spirit. When Tequila Matchmaker's data revealed widespread additive use despite contrary claims, it didn't just challenge the CRT's regulatory authority – it forced a reckoning with consumer trust in an industry built on artisanal heritage.For many independent brands, an "additive-free" certification from The Additive Free Alliance became a cornerstone of marketing, symbolizing transparency and authenticity. But when Mexico's tequila regulator, the CRT, cracked down on these claims last September, it left brands and consumers questioning the future of transparency in tequila production. The Park Street Insider Podcast explores this controversy with industry journalist Clay Dillow, who joins Emmett Strack to examine the rise of additive-free tequila and the impact of the CRT's recently imposed restrictions on the category.Featured Guests:Clay Dillow, Contributing Writer at Fortune MagazineMentioned in this episode:Consejo Regulador del TequilaTequila MatchmakerThe Additive Free AllianceVinePairWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

The Park Street Insider Podcast is ending the year with an exploration of the EU & UK alcohol markets. Europe leads the world in alcohol consumption, with eight of the top ten biggest alcohol-consuming countries being European. Despite its distribution makeup taking a different form than in the U.S. market, EU and UK distributors remain at the center of the spirits industry landscape.  This episode offers a window into the current dynamics driving the EU and UK spirits markets through the eyes of key distributors. Emily Pennington sits down with a panel of experts at Bar Convent Berlin to cover the best paths for brands to succeed in this region. They'll start by providing listeners with a framework for understanding the EU market and move into breaking down the key categories and economic factors currently shaping the market landscape. Finally, they'll deliver best practices for brands looking to work with distributors in the EU and UK.Featured Guests:Chris Maffeo, Founder, Maffeo DrinksMichael Vachon, Co-Founder, Maverick DrinksSøren Hansen, Sales Director, BeMakersMentioned in this episode:Maffeo DrinksBeMakersMaverick DrinksWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Low & No is one of beverage-alcohol's spotlight categories in 2024. Many projections indicate that the segment will continue to expand its influence in terms of shelf presence, case volumes, and overall consumer awareness. But while the category's forecast is bright, low & no represents only a marginal share of total beverage alcohol.  In this episode, Emmett Strack sits down with industry veterans and low-and-no leaders to unpack the category's rise and trajectory in 2024 and beyond. The group will consider how the category became relevant, what the rise of low-and-no says about the modern consumer, and what major suppliers are doing to align with this trend. Featured Guests: Spiros Malandrakis, Global Head of Research - Alcoholic Drinks, Euromonitor InternationalCamille Vidal, Founder, La Maison WellnessRaphael Vollmar, CEO & CO Founder, Rheinland Distillers GmbHMentioned in this episode:Euromonitor InternationalLa Maison WellnessRheinland Distillers GmbHDiageoSeedlipWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Establishing a sound financial model in a business's early days is crucial for spirits brands to set a foundation for sustainable growth. A well-crafted financial plan helps brands minimize surprises and accurately forecast the capital-intensive aspects of the spirits business. In this episode, you'll hear two presentations on financial modeling. First, former Pernod Ricard executive Guillaume Thomas will share his best practices for financial success during the brand-building process. Then, Felipe Gonzalez-Gordon discusses the costs associated with competing in the beverage alcohol business.Featured Guests:Guillaume Thomas, Founder and CEO, Martingale CognacFelipe Gonzalez-Gordon, COO & Partner, Colangelo & PartnersMentioned in this episode:Martingale CognacColangelo & PartnersWatch the full videos on YouTube: 4 Focus Areas for Financial Success in the Alcohol BusinessThe Costs of Competing in the Beverage Alcohol BusinessWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Brands are often founded with the purpose of aligning with a given trend and exploiting a perceived white space in the market. In the mid-2000s, introducing a premium bourbon may have seen high growth, likewise for rolling out a specialty high-end tequila in the early to mid-2010s. But when founders really get it right, and their offering is able to align with multiple trends at once, it's possible to see uniquely explosive growth. Such was the case for Surfside, which saw over a million cases sold over the course of a year between 2022 and 2023. Surfside is a Philadelphia-based ready-to-drink brand rolled out by the creators of Stateside Vodka. With RTDs taking center stage as the spirits industry's spotlight category, Surfside was able to build on this platform to leverage consumer interest in flavor variety, health consciousness, and convenience into the highest-growth brand in the United States. On this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Emily Pennington is joined by Clement Pappas, CEO of Stateside Brands. The two discuss how Surfside went from concept to can to achieving astronomical sales in just a few years. They'll explore the brand's unique route-to-market strategy and how they dealt with demand and scaled the business. Featured Guests:Clement Pappas, CEO, Stateside BrandsMentioned in this episode:Stateside VodkaSurfsideWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

The landscape of on-premise spirits consumption has undergone significant shifts in the past few years, challenging the long-held view that primary drivers of growth for spirits brands take place on-premise. The aftermath of the pandemic has seen consumers engage differently with bars and restaurants, learn to be at-home bartenders, display increased health consciousness, and grapple with inflationary pressures that affect their spending habits. These macro-level changes have affected brands' approaches to on-premise strategies. Despite the challenges, on-premise continues to offer unique opportunities for brands to educate consumers, facilitate product sampling, and drive sales. The question now is how brands can best leverage the opportunities presented by bars, restaurants, and other venues in this evolving landscape. To explore this topic, Emmett Strack sat down with prominent players in the New York City on-premise scene at Bar Convent Brooklyn this past June. This in-depth conversation delves into strategies for fostering meaningful relationships between brands and bars in 2024 and beyond, addressing the changing dynamics of the industry and exploring approaches to on-premise engagement in a post-pandemic world.Featured Guests:GN Chan, Co-Founder, Double Chicken PleaseSebastien Derbomez,  Manager of Brand Advocacy, William Grant & SonsJason Hedges, Director of Beverage, Laurent Tourondel & Founder, Bar IQMentioned in this episode:Double Chicken PleaseWilliam Grant & SonsLaurent Tourondel Bar IQWant to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Fill out the form below: https://share.hsforms.com/1MEb-81x2TXi3f15qO_yEpA4tip1Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

At one point or another, every person in the spirits industry is almost certain to have their career altered, influenced, or shaped by personal relationships. On a business-to-business level, many brands the Park Street Insider Podcast has hosted over the years echo similar sentiments around the crucial role partnerships have played in their trajectory. No brand is constructed in a vacuum, and the long-term success of each is often tied to the quality of partnerships they form with the companies around them at every stage of development. The value of strong brand partnerships is perhaps no more evident than through the brand-building journey of Chris Montana, co-founder of Du Nord Social Spirits. Hailing from Minnesota, Du Nord's growth was boosted by its ability to carefully align with the right partners. Being the first business to graduate from the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative, a partnership between Jack Daniel's and Uncle Nearest to increase diversity in the American whiskey industry, Chris was able to leverage this partnership into another: a deal with Delta Airlines. So land a deal with the number one airline in the U.S. and you've made it, right? For Chris, Du Nord found itself in a scenario a bit like when the dog catches the car, having attained a major value-add and needing to learn on the fly how to navigate it. Chris is joined by Andres Correa to piece together how Du Nord was able to attract and navigate the challenges that came with a major partnership with Delta Airlines. Featured Guests:Chris Montana, Co-Founder, Du Nord Social SpiritsMentioned in this episode:Du Nord Social SpiritsDelta AirlinesNearest & Jack Advancement InitiativeMore from Park Street.Want to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Sign up for episode email alerts. Sign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

In the late '90s, Joe Magliocco made a small investment to become the sole owner of the Michter's whiskey trademark, a historic brand originally founded by a Swiss Mennonite farmer in the 1700s that had since fallen into obscurity.  The trademark only cost Magliocco $245 to snap up at a time when consumers and distributors wanted nothing to do with the category. Thanks to a sound strategy, great team building, and a meticulous method of production, the revitalized brand was named The World's Most Admired Whisky by Drinks International. The Park Street Insider Podcast is pleased to welcome one of the industry's top-tier brand-builders, Joeseph Magliocco, to discuss his journey developing a forgotten entity into a global phenomenon. The two discuss the key decisions that helped to elevate the brand, and development of the whiskey segment in the U.S. Featured Guests:Joeseph J. Magliocco, President, Michter'sMentioned in this episode:Michter'sMore from Park Street. Want to stay in the know about new episodes from the podcast? Sign up for episode email alerts.  Sign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

From the start of the 2020s, beverage alcohol's merger and acquisition sector has proved to be a dynamic lens through which the wider spirits market can be evaluated. The last four years have seen the M&A market go through phases of high growth, diversification, and contraction.  At this year's American Craft Spirits Association Convention in Denver, Emmett Strack was joined by a group of experts within the M&A landscape to discuss the ebbs and flows of investment activity in recent years. The group offers insight into the market conditions, performing categories, and underlying consumer behavior driving investor decision-making in 2024. The conversation gives a unique window into the criteria brands need to satisfy for strategic acquirers to consider making an investment. It examines Black Button Distilling's journey of initial investment and subsequent divestiture by Constellation Brands.   Featured Guests:Kevin O'Brien, Managing Director, BMO Capital Markets Ryan Lake, Managing Director, Arlington Capital AdvisorsJason Barrett, CEO & Master Distiller, Black Button DistillingMentioned in this episode:Constellation BrandsBlack Button DistillingZepponi & CompanyArlington Capital AdvisorsLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

The spirits market is constantly driven by new trends that rise, fall, and reinvent themselves. While brand success is relative to the goals of each founder, the extent to which a business can commercially blossom in the spirits category is often determined along the lines of good timing and a laser focus on aligning with the trends of the moment.Of the many positive elements John Rexer, the founder of Ilegal Mezcal, had going for him when he formulated his brand in the mid-2000s, good timing and aligning with the trends of the time were paramount to his brand's long-term success. Now a global leader in the mezcal category, Rexer took the time to chat with Park Street's Emmett Strack at Bar Convent Brooklyn last month.The two dive into how Rexer turned an experimental passion project in Guatemala into a global supplier owned by Bacardi. They chat about how Ilegal's punk-rock ethos helped them to win over business in New York's on-premise, his advice for brands, and the challenges of introducing an artisanal spirit to the international market.  Featured Guests:John Rexer, Founder, Ilegal MezcalMentioned in this episode:Ilegal MezcalLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Beverage alcohol distributors sit at the epicenter of a cluttered product landscape where, according to Mark Harmon of the Independent Distributor Network, “God isn't making any more shelf space.” Distributors only have so much time and attention they can give to each spirits brand. What's left is for brands to do everything in their power to make a compelling case that their products deserve to take up a meaningful share of a distributor's attention. Emily Pennington sat down with key figures at Southern Glazers, Breakthru Beverage Group, Skurnik Wines & Spirits, and the Independent Distributor Network at Bar Convent Brooklyn this month to discuss the current state of beverage alcohol's second tier. This diverse cast of key wholesalers offers a window into how distributors are viewing and operating the market for spirits brands in 2024. They'll explore the evolving dynamics within distribution in the wake of the pandemic and uncover what distributors are looking for when considering a new brand partnership. They'll also highlight the red flags that can derail a brand's chances of securing distribution. Featured Guests:Ray Lombard,  Executive Vice President of Craft Spirits, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits  John Oliver, Sr. Director of Supplier Business Development, Breakthru Beverage GroupAdam Schuman, Spirits Portfolio Manager, Skurnik WinesMark Harmann, National Sales Director, Independent Distributor NetworkMentioned in this episode:Southern GlazersBreakthru Beverage GroupIndependent Distributor NetworkSkurnik Wines & SpiritsLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

The rate of change seen in beverage alcohol over the last couple of years has been nothing short of impressive. We're fast approaching the midway point of 2024 and have started to see some trends that emerged over the last two years begin to cement themselves. In this speech given at Bar Convent Berlin, Spiros Malandrakis, International Head of Research—Alcoholic Drinks at Euromonitor, discusses the top trends shaping the alcohol industry in 2024. Malandrakis touches on issues like premiumization, RTDs, and e-commerce and how they are affecting the industry.Featured Guest:Spiros Malandrakis, Head of Alcoholic Research, Euromonitor InternationalMentioned in this episode:Euromonitor InternationalLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Few spirits brands cater to the entrepreneurial spirit like the Bardstown Bourbon Company.  In a category that generally requires a massive investment on the part of a founder to launch a brand, Bardstown's unique model has found a way to lower the barrier of entry into the whiskey for aspiring entrepreneurs. And while almost every spirits brand will claim to incorporate tradition and innovation, you'd be hard-pressed to find a company that balances these two principles like Bardstown Bourbon.  The Park Street Insider Podcast welcomes Mark Erwin, the CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Company, for an in-depth conversation on the development of the Kentucky-based distillery. He and Andres Correa will discuss how the brand initially developed its collaborative distilling model and grew it into a platform that could support the needs of its partners while growing its own brand. The two map out the series of expansion plays the company made over its decade in business, including the investment from Constellation Brands and its acquisition of Green River Distillery.  Key TopicsThe importance of collaborationFrom working closely with founders and distillers producing custom-made spirits to partnering with well-known beverage-alcohol brands to introduce unique products into their line of SKUs, Bardstown is a company that's success has been found by reaching into the community around them. How to scale and increase capacityThroughout its history, Bardstown has made several strategic moves that have allowed it to increase capacity and scale its business. Learn about how they leveraged their founder's initial investment into additional funding and why the purchase of Green River Distilling supported many sides of their business. The value of transparency From it's all-glass infrastructure to selling its competitor's spirits in their own retail shop, Bardstown;s investment in transparency has made them a compelling brand for consumers and industry members alike to engage with. Featured Guest: Mark Erwin, CEO, Bardstown Bourbon Company Mentioned in this episode:Bardstown Bourbon Company Green River Distilling Constellation BrandsLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

E-commerce in beverage alcohol has historically lagged behind traditional CPG sectors, but thanks to the pandemic and the gradual loosening DTC shipping laws,  we're seeing this channel assume a meaningful share of alcohol sales for the first time.  In this episode, the Park Street Insider Podcast welcomes ReserveBar CEO, Derek Correia. He and Emily Pennington evaluate how bev-alc e-commerce has progressed to where it is today, how ReserveBar was able to scale its business to sit at the center of online bev-alc sales, and how brands can build e-commerce into their strategy. They also explore key insights regarding how consumers behave online and the spirits categories/price tiers that are currently trending.  Key topics mentioned:  What will the future of bev-alc e-commerce look like? Millennial and Gen-Z consumers have an increasing interest in buying alcohol online. Correia posits the concept of "e-commerce everywhere" and offers a profile of how the modern shopper behaves. Doing an on-site brand activation? Derek sees a world where the time between a consumer trying a product and subsequently purchasing it online shrinks to a matter of seconds. He and Emily discuss how e-commerce is set to influence industry dynamics down the road. What does Uber dissolving Drizly mean for bev-alc e-commerce? With Uber shutting down Drizly at the beginning of 2024,  questions were raised about what the future of the sector would look like. Correia offers his thoughts on how this move alters the bev-alc e-commerce landscape. ReserveBar is attempting to fill the void for brands whose money was tied to the known depletions of Drizly. "Brands don't enjoy the same ability to influence purchase in that last mile digitally as all other CPG does, so platforms like ours have become very important"What strategies can brands use to implement e-commerce capabilities? Correia gives his best practices for using an online presence to leverage sales. He emphasizes the importance of building out a frictionless path to purchase across all online consumer touchpoints. He also offers his take on the mistakes he sees brands making when constructing their e-commerce presence. In this episode you'll hear from:Derek Correia, CEO, ReserveBar Mentioned in this episode:ReserveBarMinibar DeliveryGetStockedLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Brand building in the spirits industry is always context dependent. What might drive sales in one market may have little relevance in another.  The result is a necessity for brand's to understand the performance drivers, consumption habits and key trends in their target markets and channels.  On this special crossover episode, Chris Maffeo, host of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast,  joins the Park Street Insider Podcast's Emmett Strack for a wide ranging chat on the key consumer trends propping up the U.S. and EU markets in 2024. The two explore the categories in demand in both sectors, the consumer behaviors driving purchasing in 2024 and considerations with brands to align with them. In many ways, the compatibility between the U.S. and EU beverage-alcohol markets has never been stronger.   With the U.S. on-premise at the frontier of the global cocktail scene, bars in major European cities are taking their cues from leading programs in New York, LA, and Miami. At the same time  U.S. consumer's hunt for authenticity and new flavor profiles have made European spirits an object of desire. Emmett and Chris explore how key industry trends resonate with both the U.S. and EU  markets. Key topics mentioned:  The Intersection of  Category and FlavorEmmett and Chris explore the key drivers of consumption for the average consumer in 2024. They dive into why SKU innovations along the lines of flavor are making it more likely than ever for consumers to drink across categories. U.S. vs EU On-Premise TrendsFour years on from the start of the pandemic, what's the pulse of the on-premise? The two explore the visitation levels and cocktail trends the industry can expect in the coming year from both U.S. and EU perspectives. They chat about the influence of the U.S. when informing the direction taken by the EU bar scene. Categories on the RiseEmmett and Chris compare the different phases of adoption agave spirits have reached in the U.S. and EU. They'll explore the spirits categories set to gain the most traction between the two regions in the coming year. In this episode you'll hear from:Chris Maffeo, Founder, Maffeo DrinksMentioned in this episode:The MAFFEO DRINKS PodcastLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Control states can feel like a weighty subject. They're one of the main reasons that the U.S.  should be taken as fifty individual markets as opposed to a unified entity. But with the right context and know-how, making sales in these states won't seem like such a large hurdle.  On this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Ashley Glickman, Executive Vice President of National Sales at Westward Whiskey, offers a supplier perspective on making sales in control states. She'll break down three models for how control states regulate retailers and describe how each impacts the selling dynamics for brands off-premise. She'll go into listing criteria, product placement dynamics, and various sales approaches. In this episode you'll hear from:Ashley Glickman, Executive Vice President-National Sales, Westward Whiskey Mentioned in this episode:Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade BureauWestward WhiskeyLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Going from founding a brand to selling it to a strategic acquirer in less than three years is an achievement worthy of celebrating. But for Mike Montgomery, founder of Blue Run Spirits, this milestone was only the start of the hard work. Now backed by Molson Coors, Montgomery is more motivated than ever to make waves in the trending bourbon category. On this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Andres Correa is joined by Blue Run Spirits founder Mike Montgomery to unpack how his brand went from launching in 2019 to becoming the first spirits acquisition by multinational beer supplier Molson Coors in just three years. Key topics mentioned:  Adjusting to Acquisition: Andres and Mike break down how Blue Run was able to leverage the traction it saw in the bourbon market into a sale with a multinational strategic supplier. Modern Marketing Methods: Blue Run Spirits took principles from the fashion industry to generate consumer excitement through limited releases and "drops".  Every aspect of the brand was created with the consumer in mind, with a particular emphasis on diverse flavors and compelling aesthetics. The Power of Team Building When Mike set out to build Blue Run he handpicked teammates that would excel across every vertical of the company. His story is a reminder that surrounding yourself with good people and uniting behind a common goal goes a long way to fulfilling your vision. In this episode you'll hear from:Mike Montgomery, Founder, Blue Run Spirits Mentioned in this episode:Molson CoorsBlue Run SpiritsLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

As larger portions of Gen-Z reach legal drinking age, their impact on the alcohol industry is becoming more pronounced and the segment's preferences have come into full view. What's become increasingly clear is that how this demographic interacts with alcohol is dramatically different from each generation that's come before it. Strikingly,  Gen-Z is more inclined to imbibe on-premise than any other age bracket in the current market. So as this demographic brings its shifting consumption patterns into bars, restaurants, and venues, in this Essential Talk, Charlie Mitchell, Research & Insights Director at Nielsen IQ Global,  is taking a look at how brands can adapt to capture Gen-Z's attention on-premise.  Key topics mentioned:  Identifying Gen-Z: Mitchell explores the core values of Gen-Z to give brands and bars a sense of how to target this consumer group. "If you activate well, you can build relationships for life." The importance of digital marketing: Gen-Z is highly inclined to explore new categories. One of the biggest contributing factors to how they establish new associations with brands is through social media. Mitchell shares some strategies for engaging Gen-Z digitally before they even arrive on-premise. Occasion based drinking: Mitchell makes the case for why the on-premise's allure to Gen-Z is rooted in their value for experiences. He dives into the type of experiences Gen-Z is after and how they can drive engagement from this demographic. In this episode you'll hear from:Charlie Mitchell, Research & Insights Director, Nielsen IQ Global Mentioned in this episode:NielsenIQ Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

In the early days of laying the groundwork for her brand, Buzzballz, Merrilee Kick received a call from a distributor who informed her that, despite having a contract in place, they would be canceling their order, asserting that ready-to-drink products were a "fad."  In 2024 it's almost impossible to imagine that her now iconic brand was ever in such a position, but Kick's beverage-alcohol journey was non-linear and faced adversities known to many early-stage entrepreneurs.  Kick joins Emmett Strack and the Park Street Insider Podcast to share her journey of building  Buzzballz into one of the largest ready-to-drink suppliers in the world, operating across all 50 states and 27 countries.   Key topics mentioned:  Top-Down Alignment: One constant between brands that break away from the pack to become a beverage-alcohol category leader is a top-down alignment of goals, intentions, and brand ethos. When Merrilee Kick set out to create an iconic package, she built a team, and infrastructure that worked in unison to achieve this. Patience as a Virtue: Buzzballz did not become a category leader overnight. Kick explains why entrepreneurs should be ready to self-sacrifice and be patient while the brand builds on each milestone. She also hints at why brand-builders usually need more capital than they think to get it done. In this episode you'll hear from:Merrilee Kick, CEO & Founder,  Buzzballz / Southern Champion LLC Mentioned in this episode:BuzzballzThe Beverage Alcohol Manual (BAM)Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

The impact of ready-to-drink beverages on the beverage alcohol landscape has been profound, and by all accounts, their influence is only set to increase.  Over time, the category has gone from being on the fringes of drinking culture to guiding the core strategies of some of the world's largest beverage companies. So, what does this trend say about consumers in 2023 and beyond? And how will the industry react to its sustained success? The Park Street Insider Podcast welcomes Spiros Malandrakis,  Industry Manager for Alcoholic Drinks at Euromonitor International, to the mic for a conversation with Emily Pennington on why RTDs resonate with consumers and what their widespread appeal means for the industry. They'll break down the different types of RTDs, unpack the market conditions that have led to their success in the U.S. and abroad, and consider how brands of all sizes can use this trend to their advantage. Key topics mentioned:  Phases  of Development Ready-to-drink beverages may have hit their stride in the last few years, but it's been an evolving category for decades. We trace the phases of RTD development to explain why they have become so relevant in today's market. RTDs: Not a Static Principle Malandrakis explains why the flexibility of RTDs to fit different companies, consumer cultures, and sub-categories has made them the perfect antidote to a drinker's current thirst for innovative products. In this episode you'll hear from:Spiros Malandrakis, Industry Manager - Alcoholic Drinks, Euromonitor International Mentioned in this episode:Euromonitor International5 Alcohol Trends Shaping the IndustryLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

If you're new to running a business, getting your books in order for year-end can seem like a sizable hurdle. But with the right organizational tools and know-how brand owners can cut down on the stress of this process. Maria Pearman, a CPA specializing in beverage alcohol, joins the Park Street Insider Podcast to shed some valuable insights and strategies that will help streamline the process of year-end accounting. Accounting Housekeeping  - Pearman covers key aspects of staying organized with accounting; advising on the importance of ensuring that retained earnings align with prior years and reviewing open transactions before submitting to a tax preparer.Tax Strategy  - Pearman urges companies to plan for tax distributions to partners to cover potential tax burdens. 1099s & W2s - She also emphasizes the importance of early preparation and communication with payroll providers to navigate complexities such as fringe benefits for S corporations. In this episode you'll hear from:Maria Pearman, Principal, GHJ  Mentioned in this episode:GHJLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Few entrepreneurs have built a portfolio of brands quite like Alexandre Gabriel. His vision helped transform a once dormant cognac house into the leading global supplier that is Maison Ferrand today. Join Emily Pennington as she examines what it takes to build a leading global portfolio of alcohol brands through the eyes of one of its most beloved entrepreneurs. Gabriel will share key insights about: Balancing PrioritiesThe ability to adapt to early missteps in brand building will go a long way to determining your brand's trajectory. Gabriel wants entrepreneurs to set the balance between appreciating the science behind producing the liquid and understanding the financial structures that prop it up as early as possible. Industry EvolutionDespite building brands across a spectrum of categories, Gabriel managed to apply similar entrepreneurial principles to each one to bring them to the fore. After decades spent managing each, he's seen how the industry has evolved to expect new ideas across these sectors. You'll hear how the cognac, gin, and rum categories have developed over time to become what they are today. The value of partnerships Whether it's building strong connections between the farmers that give suppliers raw materials or developing the right connections with distributors, Gabriel sees maintaining quality relationships as paramount to the success of any business. Learn about how he leveraged a family tradition of farming and his business background to develop Maison Ferrand into a global portfolio. In this episode you'll hear from:Alexandre Gabriel,  Owner & Master Blender, Maison Ferrand   Mentioned in this episode:Maison FerrandLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Very few categories have as much heritage and tradition as wine, and innovators in the space often fight an uphill battle. In this Essential Talk from Alison Luvera, Founder & CEO of Juliet Wine, she discusses the brand's journey to becoming an industry disruptor in boxed wine. She explains the brand's three pillars of marketing and how authenticity and intentionality lead to the brand's breakthrough success. Reversing Negative Stigmas- Alison discusses how the mission of Juilet Wine is to reimagine boxed wine for the modern consumer. Box wine has a longer shelf life and a smaller carbon footprint than its bottle counterpart, and the stubborn negative stigma surrounding boxed wine is preventing innovation in the space. Culture, Community, Change- The three pillars of Juilet Wine's marketing strategy are culture, community, and change. Alison provides real-world examples of how the brand leverages each pillar in its marketing. The Forefront of Premiumization- Alison discusses what separates Juilet Wine from traditional boxed wine to allow the brand to be embraced by upscale on-premise accounts.In this episode you'll hear from:Alison Luvera, Founder & CEO, Juliet Wine Mentioned in this episode:Juliet WineEntrepreneurial Insights: Juliet's Modern Marketing ModelLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Many of the Park Street podcast guests extoll the importance of vision to the brand-building process. But before a vision can materialize, an understanding needs to form around the actual cost of goods that will be incurred during the production process. With this Essential Talk from Paul Monahan of Matchbook Distilling, a contract distillery based in Long Island, we're taking a granular look at the financial implications and timelines for producing a spirit. To give founders an effective template for costing out production Paul covers: Production unit economics - Paul delivers a comprehensive breakdown of the timeline it takes to produce both 300 and 600-gallon runs of a given spirit. He highlights the associated costs and issues the total expenses that you can expect for spirits production. Glass economics - After the spirit is produced, it's time to put it in a bottle. Paul combs through the associated costs of securing glass and runs through the supply chain expenses that coincide with this process.  Data analysis - Taking an active approach to understanding the data behind the cost of goods is the only way founders can get the full picture of how much they actually want to spend before making commitments. Paul uses label pricing and finished cocktail breakdown to explore this principle.In this episode you'll hear from:Paul Monahan, COO, Matchbook Distilling Mentioned in this episode:Matchbook Distilling2023 Craft Spirits Data Project - Distillers SurveyLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Across the industry, beverage alcohol brands are looking to sure up their long-term prospects by investing along the lines of high-growth categories.  So when cult favorite whiskey brand Ole Smoky decided it was time to invest in their future, they didn't have to look much further than high-flying tequila maker Tanteo Spirits. On this episode, Neil Grosscup, President of Tanteo Spirits, joins the Park Street Insider Podcast to share his experience in the spirits industry and the development of Tanteo up through the point of sale. Grosscup will share key insights about:  Managing a Successful Career ArcIf you go from being an unpaid intern to CEO of a spirits brand in less than four years, chances are you're doing something right. Grosscup's story is a reminder that with passion and hard work, there are many paths to success in beverage alcohol.  How to Win Over Retail AccountsTanteo's hyper-focused approach to winning over bartenders was part of the reason they were able to develop the brand into an attractive investment. Grosscup will explain the methods they used when doing in-market visits to attain menu placements and drive sales. Overseeing A Sale and Merger Grosscup gives listeners an inside look at the decision-making process leading up to Tanteo's sale to Ole Smoky and what owners should look out for when undergoing a merger.  In this episode you'll hear from:Neil Grosscup, President, Tanteo Spirits  Mentioned in this episode:Tanteo Tequila Ole Smoky2023 Craft Spirits Data Project - Distillers SurveyLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Consumers aren't all alcohol connoisseurs; many rely on labels to inform their in-store purchase decisions. In this Essential Talk, Cole Clark,  President of AmygdaLaunch, wants to help brands optimize their approach to labeling to help drive purchase decisions.  Clark discusses the implications of label data and how beverage alcohol brands can interpret the findings. In this episode, you'll hear from:Cole Clark, President, AmygdaLaunch You'll hear key insights about:The key factors for how successful labels can help drive purchases.  Clark dives into the importance of assessing data on different label aspects to ensure success using descriptive terms, color combinations, and contrast. Ultimately, he wants brands to create a  label that reflects the values of their target consumer.    How certain labels perform given seasonality factors. Clark investigates a case study from a major wine supplier that noticed a stark change in label preferences based on the time of year. Mentioned in this episode:AmygdaLaunch2023 Craft Spirits Data Project - Distillers SurveyLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

We're thrilled to release our Impact Investment seminar recorded at Bar Convent Brooklyn 2023. On the Park Street University stage, Emily Pennington sat down with some of the leading impact investors for a high-level discussion about what they're doing to make a positive social impact while boosting their bottom lines in the spirits industry.  In this episode you'll hear from:Jomaree Pinkard, CEO & Managing Director, PronghornKamuti Kiteme, Managing Director - Inclusive Investment Programs, Distill VenturesMaria Pearman, Principal, GHJAndrew Merinoff, CEO, Chinola & DisPact VenturesKatie Dunn, Partner, Power to PitchYou'll hear critical insights from impact investors about:The intersection of impact investments and mentorshipWhile some investors issue checks and track their investments from the sidelines, our contributors make a case for a hands-on approach to investing that builds sustainable long-term partnerships. Balancing ROI and altruismImpact investors from Distill Ventures and Pronghorn will always seek out talented individuals from underrepresented groups that are pushing boundaries and being innovative, but it's essential that they see the proof points of a strong business as well. They'll explain how they balance influencing positive social ecosystems while measuring KPIs for return on investment in a business. Red flags for investment pitchesWith decades of experience in this space between them, our panelists have seen the difference between brands that secure funding and those that don't. Our panelists make the case for a hyper-focused approach to pitching investors that leaves no room for ambiguity about your goals and trajectory.  Mentioned in this episode:Pronghorn Distill VenturesGHJDispact VenturesChinolaPower To Pitch2023 Craft Spirits Data Project - Distillers SurveyLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Not many alcohol brands can claim to have taken a nearly 30-year hiatus from producing their spirit, only to revive it and build their business into a category leader. However, Tequila Fortaleza is not your average brand. It entered the U.S. market during the early stages of tequila's popularity boom and rapidly became one of the most celebrated agave spirit brands in the industry.  In this episode, Park Street's Jesse Cortes sits down with Billy Erickson, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Tequila Fortaleza to dive into the rise and development of his family's brand.  Erickson will cover the history of the brand from front to back, recounting how he helped his father build and expand the business in its early days and what the duo sees for Fortaleza in the future. He explains how their patient approach to expansion in the U.S. market paid off in the long run. Having been at the heart of the business for over a decade, Billy offers insight into the operational aspects of Tequila Fortaleza. You'll get a sense of how Billy and his team achieved a positive cash flow for the brand in a relatively short window by generating traction in the on-premise. He also offers his best practices for hiring, how to pick a distribution partnership, and what they would have done differently if he could do it over again. Join us as the Park Street Insider Podcast explores what it took for Tequila Fortaleza to become a driving force in the hottest spirits category in beverage alcohol.Episode Breakdown:0:00 - Introduction 5:26 - Erickson's background6:40 - Erickson's key skillset for industry members 8:10 - Learning about the industry as a newcomer10:40 - History of Fortaleza 14:40 - Key decisions when  building Fortaleza 17:30 - The importance of trade shows19:25- How the Tequila category landscape has evolved22:00 - Fortaleza's current footprint23:30 - Erickson's strategy for winning retail accounts26:00 - Hiring and training practices 29:00 - Running industry engagement programs33:15 - Best approach for picking out a distribution partner35:10 - Advice for establishing a trademark 37:00 - Best tips for brands first getting started in beverage-alcohol 40:45 - Fortaleza's expansion plans 44:09 - Navigating acquisition conversationsIn this episode you'll hear from:Billy Erickson, Sales and Marketing Manager, Tequila FortalezaMentioned in this episode:Tequila FortalezaLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

The popularity boom of agave spirits over the past decade needs no introduction. The category saw a volume increase of 13% between 2021 and 2022 alone, according to IWSR, and is poised to take an ever-increasing share of the total spirits market. In the latest Essential Talks episode from the Park Street Insider Podcast, you'll hear from Carlos Ochoa, the COO of Mezcal El Silencio. In this talk, Ochoa will give listeners insight into what it's like to produce an agave spirit in Mexico with a window into the brand's production process.   He offers brand owners an understanding of how bottles are produced and eventually make their way to a point of sale. He also offers a cost-of-goods breakdown for each step, explaining how a bottle arrives at a certain price point.  Ochoa also makes the case for marketing agave spirits brands in ways that honor Mexican culture. He shares how his brand brought its production capabilities in-house to flip the script on outdated representations of mezcal production.   Episode Breakdown:1:15 - The cost of buying finished goods2:35 - The backward incentives for brokers 4:30 - Making the case for in-house productionKey Quote:"I'm a true believer that optimization does not mean industrialization. By buying finished goods, you're incentivizing the producers and the broker to squeeze down every penny. What I'm trying to convince people of is to hire those people (producers) directly."In this episode you'll hear from:Carlos Ochoa, COO, Mezcal El SilencioMentioned in this episode:El SilencioEl Silencio's Carlos Ochoa on Mezcal Production Costs & InnovationLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Mergers and acquisition deals often make for good headlines, but to take a step back and look at the sum of these deals often reveals larger insights in the state of beverage alcohol.  This perspective can prove useful in helping brands shape their own strategies. In this Essential Talk, Ryan Lake, Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors, provides an overview of the current trends driving M&A activity in beverage-alcohol. Lake closely examines the perspectives of strategic acquirers, offering insights into spirits categories, packaging types, and technologies driving the market. He highlights the types of deals that dominate investments, showcasing how some of the biggest deals in the past year fit into these different investment structures. Additionally, Lake examines one of the most dominant forces in the M&A landscape: industry and category convergence. He explains why it's suddenly become so attractive for major soda companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi to enter the beverage-alcohol arena. You'll also hear about how major suppliers have broken category norms in recent months to align with consumer trends. Listeners will learn about the best ways to incorporate M&A trends into their own thinking. Lake offers brand owners his best practices for staying agile in an ever-changing market.   Episode Breakdown:1:50 - Trending spirits categories driving M&A 4:05 - Trending packaging types and occasions driving M&A 5:55 - New technologies and innovations driving M&A7:17 - Most common types of investments 9:15 - Industry convergence10:40 - How brands can take advantage of M&A trends Key Quote:"If you're not building your brand for where the consumer is going,  you're already getting left behind. Make sure you're watching the trends: trends that go beyond spirits, beyond spirits-based RTDs, beyond beverage-alcohol even."In this episode you'll hear from:Ryan Lake, Managing Director, Arlington Capital AdvisorsMentioned in this episode:Park Street's 2022 Beverage Alcohol M&A OverviewArlington Capital AdvisorsLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

For years rum has been forecasted to be the next spirit category to undergo a major renaissance, and only in the last few years did that seem like it could be true thanks to a handful of innovative premium rum producers. Marc Farrell, the founder, and CEO of Ten To One Rum,  is among those producers seeking to elevate the category. When he founded Ten To One Rum in 2019  he leaned into his Caribbean heritage and the rich tradition of the spirit to create a premium and authentic brand identity that could propel that category into an exciting future.On this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Emily Pennington sits down with Farrell to trace his journey from a coffee executive to a leader in rum's revival. In this episode, he breaks down the status quo of the category and shares his approach to helping shift consumer perception.  He also explains why rum is a category that should be seen as synonymous with craft. Listeners will also get a sense of how Farrell's unique backstory made him a capable founder and hear about some of the key traits that have made him a successful entrepreneur.  Episode Breakdown:0:00 - Introduction 5:15 - Farrell's key skillsets for entrepreneurs'7:20 - Before Ten To One Rum13:40 - Why start a rum brand? 16:10 - Challenges facing the rum category22:05 - Milestones when brand building25:28 - How Farrell learned about the industry as an outsider29:40 - Ten To One's footprint today32:10 - The shifting perceptions of rum38:10 - Celebrity partnership with CiaraKey Quote:"As a founder, I think it's important that you don't ask people to do anything that you're not willing to do yourself. I was the first salesperson: going to accounts, doing tastings, telling the story, and closing that sale. Having those first couple cases land and seeing them on that back bar was a major, major milestone." In this episode you'll hear from:Marc Farrell, Founder & CEO, Ten To One RumMentioned in this episode:Ten To One Rum Bar Convent Brooklyn 2023Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. MarketFollow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

When Charles Gordon tasked Lesley Gracie with creating the quintessential English gin in 1999, there were no constraints on the level of experimentation she could employ to get the job done. It was only with a true sense of curiosity that the brand's flagship gin came to market infused with cucumber and rose. Now a leader in the craft spirits movement, Hendrick's achieved its status by making this sense of curiosity and experimentation crucial to its brand identity.  On this episode of Essential Talks from the Park Street Insider podcast, you'll hear from Muiris Ó Riada, Global Brand Director for Hendrick's Gin at William Grant & Sons. Ó Riada will break down the steps Hendrick's has taken to activate the brand globally. For Hendrick's Gin, fostering a sense of curiosity and experimentation at every step of the brand's operations is crucial. From the curation of new products to holding activation events for bartenders, listeners will hear about how the brand utilizes the principle of experimentation at every level. Ó Riada also explains how everyone on the Hendrick's team plays a critical role in the brand's strategy.  He also delivers his golden rules for telling the brand's story.   Episode Breakdown: 1:16 - Introduction to Hendrick's 2:07 - Golden Rules of brand activation 2:40 - History of Hendrick's 4:00 - How Hendrick's approaches innovation 6:30 - Engaging bartenders with new SKUs 7:45 - How Hendrick's uses its distillery to promote the brand Key Quote:"For us on the brand, we're very ruthless in keeping to what makes the brand different. That family company mindset, that backing, is critical to that sense of curiosity without compromise."In this episode you'll hear from:Muiris Ó Riada, Global Brand Director for Hendrick's Gin at William Grant & SonsMentioned in this episode:Hendrick's GinWilliam Grant & SonsPark Street at Bar Convent BerlinLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Check out Park Street's Guide to Getting Started in the U.S. Market Follow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Lars Williams first started his distilling journey by experimenting with what he saw as a gin made of foraged pin needles. But when sharing the spirit with a friend they told him that without using juniper berries it couldn't really be called a gin. After more spirits testing, Lars would soon learn that his affinity for experimentation and unique ingredients would rule his brand out of traditional standards for spirits categories altogether.   On this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Andres Correa sits down with Lars Williams, Co-Founder of EMPIRICAL, to unpack the rise of his brand. The two uncover why EMPIRICAL found its identity by throwing out the playbook for traditional spirits distilling to create a truly unique brand based on flavor. EMPIRICAL is currently making waves in the industry as a brand that approaches spirits production unlike any other.  The company has become one of the most disruptive brands in beverage alcohol through the way it sources unique ingredients and utilizes alternative technologies to produce products that don't conform to any single category.  This conversation breaks down what it was like for Lars to build a brand as an outsider with no spirits industry experience. He'll explain how his role running the test kitchen proper at restaurant Noma in Copenhagen translated to developing unique flavor profiles in his spirits.  He'll also share how he navigated the technical aspects of setting up a brand from a compliance perspective never having done this before. They'll also get into Lar's vision for the brand in the future and what people can expect from EMPIRICAL in the coming years. Listeners will hear how staying true to his vision was vital to Lar's brand-building journey.  Episode Breakdown:0:01  - Introduction 4:50 - Defining EMPIRICAL7:36 - EMPIRCAL's Origins9:40 - Coming into the spirits industry as an outsider 12:43  - Portfolio size and footprint 13:17  - Major brand-building milestones 15:50 - The creative process behind SOKA 20:07 - Experimentation  22:36 - Industry standards for sourcing ingredients 24:25 - U.S. market entry26:25 - Route to market strategy 28:00 - Differences between U.S. and European markets30:37 - Branding EMPIRICAL 33:12  - Opening a distillery in Brooklyn38:21 - Compliance lessons when opening a distillery36:22 - Key values as an entrepreneur 37:28 - Looking ahead Key Quote:"Stick to your guns. If you're starting a new brand there's going to be a ton of people saying that the markets are saturated or are too many players. But I think there's a lot of room for people who are trying to do something that is special, different, and high quality. I think it's an exciting time to be in the spirits industry."In this episode you'll hear from:Lars Williams, Co-Founder, EMPIRICAL Mentioned in this episode:EMPIRICAL Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Follow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Consolidation at the top of the distribution tier in recent years has resulted in higher levels of competition among smaller, independent distributors and suppliers alike. While at one time the U.S. market maintained around 3,500 wholesalers, this figure has been cut by more than two-thirds in the present day.  Meanwhile, the number of wineries and craft distillers has exploded, narrowing the funnel through which suppliers can gain access to the second tier. With such high levels of competition among suppliers and rapid consolidation in the distribution tier, one big question looms: how are independent suppliers able to get the attention they need from distributors?  In this episode, Emily Pennington sits down with Mark Harmann, the  National Sales Director of the Independent Distributor Network (IDN), for a discussion about the state of beverage-alcohol's second tier.  The two dive into Mark's seasoned industry background, how the Independent Distributor Network operates, and the options available to suppliers and distributors who want to gain visibility in this cluttered landscape.If you're looking to understand the status quo of the beverage-alcohol distribution tier, Harmann has you covered. He details the evolution of the distribution tier and explains how we arrived at the current environment today. He also explains the issues that IDN was built to solve and shares how his organization serves as a model for remedying the problems posed by consolidation.   This episode also offers some invaluable advice for brands when pitching to a distributor. As someone who aligns brands and distributors for a living, Harmann tells suppliers what to come to the table with when trying to attain distribution.   Episode Breakdown:5:30 - Harmann's background7:10 - Harmann's role at IDN8:43 - What is IDN in a nutshell? 9:30 - History of the distribution tier in the U.S. 12:45 - Brand advocacy for national vs independent distributors 15:44  - How IDN helps smaller brands  18:20 - What distributors look for in suppliers23:30 - How brands find IDN 24:30 - IDN's plans for the future25:30 - Common traits between wholesalers in IDN 28:30 - Advice Harmann gives to prospective members 32:50 - Best communication practices between suppliers and distributors35:00 - Incentivizing your distributor In this episode you'll hear from:Mark Harmann, National Sales Director, Independent Distributor Network Mentioned in this episode:Independent Distributor NetworkYou might also like: Park Street's Roundup of Distribution How-To's For Suppliers Quick Tips to Get Your Distributor's AttentionLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Follow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

The world of whiskey is expanding, and producers across the globe are coming up with new ways to innovate and drive the category forwards. With the demand for these spirits continuing to reach new heights, even established markets are finding ways to keep consumers engaged. On this episode of the Park Street Insider podcast, you'll be hearing from Stephen Gould, the founder, CEO, and master distiller of Golden Moon Distillery. Gould is a whiskey expert who travels the world, educating, judging, and consulting within the whiskey category, in addition to running his own brand.  In this talk, he gives an overview of three key world whiskey markets: the United States, Ireland, and Japan. A student of the category, Gould will place each of these markets in a historical context to help explain the developments within them today. As a member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, Gould details the rise of the American single malt category in the United States and shares what efforts are being made by producers for the U.S. government to formalize a definition for the segment. He'll then explain why Irish whisky is reaching back into its historic roots to find new means of market differentiation and give an update on the state of Japanese whisky. Gould gets into the technical details about how producers in the modern age are making differentiated whiskies that appeal to modern consumers. He cites innovation as the key for brands looking to set themselves apart in the market and gets into the importance of educating consumers. Episode Breakdown: 2:08 - Background on the category 3:57 - American single malt category9:59 - Irish whiskey 13:37 - Japanese whiskyKey Quote:"The world right now has an unprecedented demand for brown spirits that we've never seen before." In this episode you'll hear from:Stephen Gould, Founder, CEO & Master Distiller, Golden Moon DistilleryLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Follow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

We get it, entering the U.S. market can feel like staring up at a looming mountain, but it doesn't have to.  Robin Robinson, a brand consultant and spirits industry author, has been at the basecamp of the brand-building climb for years, giving brands the tools they need to succeed in the U.S. market. In this episode, Robinson brings his expertise in guiding small brands to U.S. market entry to the Park Street Insider Podcast. An industry veteran, Robinson will give you his tools and cardinal rules for succeeding in the U.S. market. One key piece of advice for Robinson: don't spread yourself too thin early on in your brand-building journey. He'll explain why maintaining a small geographic footprint and consolidated shelf lineup will go a long way in gaining meaningful traction in your chosen market. Robinson also helps entrepreneurs frame the way beverage-alcohol sales are made in the U.S. market, highlighting the importance of looking at beverage-alcohol sales as a B2B play. He wants brands to be sure that they appreciate the state-to-state regulatory variations before they go to market. Robinson will even share two case studies of brands he's worked with, demonstrating how the decisions they made influenced their level of success. Episode Breakdown:1:16  - Robinson's background 2:35 - Bev-Alc sales as a B2B play 3:40 - U.S. market framework5:04 - Building brand value 6:10 - The 4 cardinal rules of U.S. market entry 8:20 - Cost of sale9:09 - Market levelers  for small brands9:57 - Market entry case studies  Key Quote:"You're looking to create ambassadors of your brand in each one of the individual markets without you being there. You want to capture the hearts, souls, and minds of the people you're selling to because they are going to be your virtual sales force." In this episode you'll hear from:Robin Robinson, Author, and Consultant Learn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter.Follow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

When Giuseppe Gallo founded Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto in 2016, he had dreams of creating a culturally iconic symbol for Italy, like Armani or Ferrari. It's this vision that guided his decision-making while he was building the brand and ultimately caught Pernod Ricard's eye in 2020. On this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Emily Pennington and Gallo explore his journey in the alcohol business. They how his career in hospitality and experience as the global brand ambassador for Bacardi's Martini, led to Gallo's own venture. He delivers an overview of the cordial and liqueurs and explains how his brand went about becoming a category leader. Listeners will hear how Gallo used his core entrepreneurial values of vision, innovation, and ethics to capitalize on a cordial and liquor category that was just starting to pick up steam when he founded the brand in 2019. Gallo will also explain why targeting major U.S. markets like New York, Miami and Los Angeles right away was the right choice for his brand. He makes the case for a "citadel approach" to market entry and gets into his experience going door to door to pitch the brand. He also gets specific about the nature of Italics's partnership with Pernod Ricard and looks ahead to what's on tap for 2023.Episode Breakdown:0:19  - Beverage-Alcohol news from January  2:40  - Background on Cordials and Liqueurs6:52  - Gallo's 3 key entrepreneurial values 9:40 - Gallo's background in hospitality15:03  - Takeaways from Gallo's time as a brand ambassador at Bacardi 18:14  - The renaissance of Italian spirits in beverage-alcohol 20:03 - The founding of Italicus21:50 - Gallo's milestone brand decisions  22:42 - Gallo on the importance of winning the on-premise to his strategy28:07 - Why Gallo targeted major markets right away 30:15 - Partnership with Pernod Ricard 34:15 - Overview of Italics's global footprint37:40  - Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs 38:21 - Using competitions as a brand-building moment 45:00 - Looking ahead to 2023 Key Quote:"Without vision, you'll never be able to hold strong in a difficult time. There are so many different people and projects and whispers throughout your journey than can distract you from the final goal. It's important to always have a vision in mind of what you are trying to achieve because you're going to have limited resources and time." In this episode you'll hear from:Giuseppe Gallo, CEO, and Founder, ItalicusMentioned in this episode:Italicus SAVOIA AmericanoLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Follow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

Introducing a beverage-alcohol brand to the U.S. market requires a nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape. Each state in the U.S. regulates beverage alcohol in its own unique way and each major city in the U.S. has its own drinks culture. While your brand might have a high-quality product that's well differentiated, you won't make it very far without doing your homework. In a market that's as highly regulated and competitive as the U.S., having a targeted approach to market entry will make all the difference to your brand. On this episode of the Park Street Insider podcast,  we're featuring a presentation from industry veteran Chris Ladas, Founder of XAL consulting, who presents an overview of the U.S. market. Ladas takes a look at the different regions within the U.S. and gives listeners a sense of how nuanced each specific market can be when trying to make sales.  He'll explain why sales channels that are vital to success in certain states might not be worthwhile in others. He also offers key considerations in both on and off-premise environments.Episode Breakdown:2:15 - Different regions in the U.S.3:32 - Three-Tier System 4:16 - Considerations for major markets8:35 - Marketing considerationsKey Quote:"When you're looking at the rundown of the retail landscape, it truly varies in every landscape. And to consider the U.S. as a single market would be a big mistake." In this episode you'll hear from:Chris Ladas, Founder and Chief Consulting Officer, XAL ConsultingMentioned in this episode:The Keys to Selling Beverage Alcohol in Many Different MarketsXAL ConsultingLearn More About Park StreetSign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Follow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

On the Park Street Insider Podcast, we often explore the underlying ethos that guide a brand concept to concrete success. For Richard Betts, the founder and  CEO of Casa Komos Brands Group, the brands he's developed throughout his career—including Betts & School, Astral Tequila, Sombra Mezcal, and Tequila Komos among others—have always lived at the intersection of enthusiasm and opportunity. On this episode, the Park Street Insider Podcast's Emily Pennington is joined by Betts to dive into his entrepreneurial journey. Betts got his start in restaurants, eventually becoming a wine director in Aspen and then certified as a Master Sommelier in 2003.  He then went on to found both Betts and Scholl Wine and Scarpetta Wine before getting into the world of spirits where he helped develop Sombra Mezcal. Betts now runs Casa Komos Brands Group handling  Tequila Komos and Superbird, plus a couple of impending brands he shares in this interview. Having worked closely in both wine and spirits, Betts breaks down the primary differences and overlaps between operating brands in these two spheres.  You'll also hear about Bett's values as a leader, outlining how to build healthy and effective company cultures. Episode Breakdown: 0:12 - Introduction to agave spirits in the U.S. market 6:05 - Richard Betts Background 11:00 - Founding  his first  wine brand 15:50 - Sombra Mezcal 19:50 - Partnership with Davos Brands21:20 - Difference between wine and spirits industries 25:00 - Founding Casa Komos Brands Group 30:11 - Route to market for CKBG brands 32:07 - Tequila Komos partnership with E&J Gallo  33:35 - Betts' values as a leader: 37:12 - Health and wellness for entrepreneurs: 39:30 -Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:  Key Quote:"We make things that we love and that we think have a chance of being loved by others. So we live at the intersection of enthusiasm and opportunity. And I think when you show up with that sincerity you'll also show up with a willingness to work hard."In this episode you'll hear from:Richard Betts, CEO, and Founder, Casa Komos Brands GroupMentioned in this episode:Casa Komos Brands Group Tequila Komos Davos Brands: What It Takes— Davos Brands Co-Founders Andrew Chrisomalis and Guillaume CuvelierLearn More About Park Street Sign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter.Follow us for more industry insights onLinkedIn FacebookTwitterInstagram

 On this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, we're taking a dive into a trending category that's been picking up steam over the last few years and now sits on the edge of mainstream consumer adoption. We're talking of course about Low and No alcohol.What was once a fringe category adopted by abstainers is slowly being incorporated into the weekly practices of alcoholic drinkers as well who are more concerned with what goes into their products and how they're imbibing. We're seeing both young adults who are generally less inclined to drink than previous generations and middle-aged adults becoming more concerned with their health, all age brackets seem to be jumping aboard the low and no movement.At Bar Convent Berlin, Park Street University's Emmett Strack sat down with some of the global leaders in the Low and No to break down the status quo of the category.  Joined by Mark Livings of Lyre's Spirit Co., Ellie Webb of Caleño Drinks, and Morten Sørensen of ISH Spirits, the discussion will cover where the category is at now in terms of consumer adoption, how to educate consumers about the category and what's next for Low & No in the coming years.  Episode Breakdown:Founder backgrounds - 8:00 Defining what Low & No alcohol is - 17:45 Consumer adoption of Low & No - 21:41 The next milestone of acceptance for Low & No - 27:10The accessibility of Low & No products - 31:12How to educate consumers about the category - 34:57  What's performing well and what's up next in Non-Alc? - 39:40Key Quote:"Our bet was the right one: people wanted to drink the flavors that they knew and loved. We now know, after years of research, that the people coming into our category and enjoying the products from the category also consume alcohol. The early adopters were the abstaining parts of the population but people moderating is where this is going to inflect from early adoption into the mainstream." -Mark Livings In this episode you'll hear from:Mark Livings, Founder & CEO, Lyre's Spirit Co.Ellie Webb, Founder, Caleño DrinksMorten Sørensen, Founder, ISH SpiritsMentioned in this episode:Lyre's Spirit Co. Caleño DrinksISH SpiritsThis episode was recorded live at Bar Convent Berlin in October of 2022 as part of the Park Street Insider Podcast's "What's Trending" series.Learn More About Park Street: https://www.parkstreet.com/Sign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter here.Follow us for more industry insights on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkstreetcompanies/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkStreetCompanies/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkStreetNewsInstagram

Any beverage alcohol brand owner developing a model for long-term growth is likely looking for more insight into the world of mergers and acquisitions.  In this episode,  Jeff Menashe, CEO of Demeter Advisory Group, takes you through the mindset of prospective buyers when sizing up acquisitions. Menashe explains why the traditional business model beverage alcohol brands have used to position themselves as an attractive investment may no longer apply in the current market. Instead, he makes the case for his own 2.0 model and gives a sense of how today's brands can get investors like him at the table.  Menashe shares his insights on the trajectory that brands will need to follow in order to secure investment or acquisition, and outlines the best strategies for brands to scale their growth long-term. You'll also hear about how shifting distribution models in the current market can help brands achieve a positive cash flow in less time than it might have historically taken them. Listeners will hear about the attributes necessary to position their brand as an appealing investment, how to generate brand awareness, and learn more about the value of building a community with your target consumers through engagement.Episode Breakdown:Menashe's criteria for attractive investments - 2:07Building brand awareness in the on-premise - 3:55Menashe's model 2.0 for attracting investors - 4:50Path to profitability for brands - 7:00Key Quote: "What you're ultimately doing is building a community. If you're asking "what is somebody looking for in a brand?" the way you find those characteristics would be by having built a community." In this episode you'll hear from:Jeff Menashe, Founder & CEO, Demeter Advisory Group  Mentioned in this episode:Demeter Advisory Group: https://www.demeteradvisorygroup.com/Learn More About Park Street: https://www.parkstreet.com/Sign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter here.Follow us for more industry insights on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkstreetcompanies/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkStreetCompanies/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkStreetNewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkstreetcompanies/?hl=en

Alfonso Morodo, the founder of Gin Mare and CEO at Vantguard, was quick to find success when he brought the brand to market in 2010.  A well-differentiated product and an engaged founder team meant that Gin Mare had the foundations to make the brand a profitable venture but Morodo's team had another thing on their side: timing. In a period where gin was starting to blow up across Europe, Morodo saw an opportunity to leverage the buzz within the gin category by bringing a unique, super-premium product into the market. On this episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Andres Correa sits down with Alfonso Morodo at Bar Convent Berlin to break down the path that led to Gin Mare's recent sale to Brown Forman.  As the CEO of Vantguard, a spirits portfolio with brand distribution in over 60 countries, Morodo brings his vast experience developing brands to the show.  In their conversation, Morodo explains how much of the early success of Gin Mare had to do with the timing of bringing a unique product into a category that was on a natural upswing.  Morodo will get into the process of getting the brand off the ground. He shares why breaking into the U.S. market was a major milestone for Gin Mare and outlines what he learned about entering the U.S. in general. He even gets into how the brand's strategy to succeed in the California market developed over time. Episode Breakdown:Alfonso's background - 3:15Formation of the Vantguard portfolio - 5:50 Gin Mare's current presence - 6:32  Breaking into the U.S. market - 9:05Identifying a target demographic - 11:02Gin Mare's biggest milestones - 20:00 24:08 - Gin Mare's Acquisition by Brown Forman Key Quote: "You can only get to success with a lot of work and by being very close to the market to get those things at the right time. Listening to bartenders, listening to consumers, and understanding how the brand adapts to  different markets is the key." In this episode you'll hear from:Alfonso Morodo, CEO and Founder, Vantguard Mentioned in this episode:Gin Mare: https://www.ginmare.com/Vantguard: https://www.vantguard.com/Learn More About Park Street: https://www.parkstreet.com/Sign up for our Daily Industry Newsletter here.Follow us for more industry insights on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkstreetcompanies/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkStreetCompanies/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkStreetNewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkstreetcompanies/?hl=en