The DRINKS Podcast: The Business of Online Alcohol – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Zack Musick, Director of Education for the German Wine Collection. Zack delves into his journey from a budding sommelier in Laguna Beach to a pivotal figure in promoting German wines in the U.S. He shares his unique insights into the diversity and complexity of German wines beyond the typical sweet Riesling, advocating for a broader appreciation of Germany's wine offerings including dry wines, Pinot Blanc, and the emerging German Chardonnay.

Here's what you'll learn:

• The evolution of German wines from sweet Rieslings to a diverse array of high-quality varieties.
• The challenges and strategies of introducing lesser-known German wines to the American market.
• The role of organic and biodynamic practices in producing superior wines.
• Techniques for educating sommeliers and consumers to broaden their wine preferences.
• The impact of online platforms and wine clubs in boosting the visibility and sales of German wines.

Zack Musick
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-musick-9110521a/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso engages with Jeff Meisel, VP and General Manager of DTC Wine and Spirits at Constellation Brands. Jeff shares his journey from the restaurant industry into the vanguard of direct-to-consumer strategies in wine and spirits, offering a glimpse into the innovative approaches reshaping how brands connect with consumers.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Insights into the evolution of direct-to-consumer strategies within established alcohol brands.
• How customer data platforms enhance personalized marketing and customer retention.
• The balance of online presence and physical customer engagement in the alcohol industry.
• Strategies for navigating regulatory challenges in the digital marketing of alcohol.

Jeff Meisel
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymeisel/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Michael Bowen is co-founder and COO of Speakeasy, the platform that's revolutionizing the world of online alcohol and e-commerce. He shares his journey, from working with digital first companies to e-commerce startups, and how his passion birthed Speakeasy. Learn about how his move to Shopify entirely transformed their business, allowing them to manage a staggering 300+ brands more effectively and enable these brands to tell their own story.

We unravel how challenging the 'old guard' can create opportunities in the digital world. Michael unpacks the power of  Shopify's network effect and how it aids alcohol merchants in customer acquisition. 

Michael shares insights on the power of collaboration, the importance of execution, and the benefits of sharing your playbook. He also gives us a glimpse into his experience of working with large agencies and the impact it had on customer experience as he scaled his business.

So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and prepare for the blueprint on disrupting business of online alcohol.

We sit down with acclaimed Michelin-starred chef and industry legend, Geoffrey Zakarian. Geoffrey invites us into his fascinating world, sharing business insights, entertaining anecdotes, and a wealth of knowledge from his years at the Food Network and managing his own restaurant empire. You'll also get to hear about his love for wine and cocktails, and how they add that touch of magic to any dining experience.

We'll transport you to the charming and simplistic dining scenes of Italy and France, as Geoffrey shares his own experiences and perspectives, drawing parallels and teaching us the subtle art of hospitality. 

We also talk about his unique approach to guiding the customer through the daunting task of wine selection and maintaining consistency in his restaurant's presentation and service.

Grab a seat at the table and have a listen!

E-commerce and alcohol is intersecting and Blake Moore, Director of E-Com at RNDC and our guest for this episode, is here to demystify the complexities around that. Blake brings his unique understanding of the traditional three-tier system and the role of marketplaces like Instacart to the table, emphasizing on the absolute necessity of having a hefty budget for investing in the right channels. He also shares RNDC's e-commerce strategies during the trying times of the pandemic and their plans for the future.

We dive deep into the rise of B2B e-commerce and the importance of merging it with traditional e-commerce tactics for an effective omni-channel strategy. Blake emphasizes on the need to restructure team incentives to go in line with the overall sales goals. As a cherry on top, we wrap up by sharing our favorite alcohol memories and our choice of wines for a perfect evening. 

Grab a glass and tune in!

Let’s explore the journey of a wine bottle - from a vineyard to your table. Joe Megibow, the mastermind behind Bright Cellars, shows us the way. Raised in the company of wine, Joe sought to disrupt the exclusivity of the industry and make it accessible to the younger generation. His data-driven approach analyzes customer preferences, from their favorite type of coffee to sweets, and curates wines that match these tastes.

The wine industry has its fair share of challenges, but Joe believes they're nothing but opportunities waiting to be seized. With the advent of the internet, it has become more important than ever for wineries to bridge the gap between themselves and consumers. Joe shares his experience with Shopify, emphasizing that outsourcing certain tasks can only reach a certain level of efficacy - having the expertise in-house is key to achieving remarkable success.

Looking ahead, Joe predicts a wave of new trends sweeping the industry. From customer-centric approaches to novel products and packaging, he sees a “bright future,” especially for low alcohol or zero-proof products. He stresses the importance of keeping pace with evolving customer needs and the need for authenticity in everything we do. With Joe's insights, get ready to explore the fascinating world of wines from an entirely new perspective! 

So grab your glass and join us!

Dive into the world of beverage alcohol branding and market innovation with our latest episode, featuring the industry trailblazer, Guillaume Cuvelier. As the driving force behind powerhouse brands like Svedka, Aviation Gin, and Davos Brands—and co-owner of Cuvelier Los Andes—Guillaume’s contributions to the world of alcohol are nothing short of iconic.

Hosted by Brandon Amoroso, founder and President of Electriq, this episode is a deep dive into Guillaume's illustrious journey. He shares the origins and aspirations behind the birth of Svedka and how, with innovative branding strategies, they managed to stand out and redefine the vodka marketplace. It's a tale of passion, intuition, and disruptive thinking.

One of the episode's highlights is the exploration of the burgeoning private label market, especially for industry titans like Amazon and Target. Guillaume and Brandon delve into the strategies vodka brands employ, especially in a market often steered by competitive pricing. From this, they transition into the art and science behind effective ad campaigns, shedding light on what truly resonates with audiences today.

A focal point of the conversation revolves around celebrity partnerships. As someone who's leveraged star power to enhance brand visibility, Guillaume unveils the dynamics of celebrity endorsements and how they can propel a brand into the limelight. He emphasizes the crucial role of branding in building enduring relationships with consumers, discussing its power to foster loyalty and drive brand recognition.

As the conversation progresses, both host and guest turn their attention to the evolving nature of branding, especially in the face of the TikTok generation. Understanding how Gen Z and young millennials engage with alcohol brands, their unique preferences, and the platforms they frequent offers invaluable insights into the future of alcohol marketing.

Technology and wine are well on the way toward an entirely new era.  The DRINKS.com Podcast launches with an in-depth chat with our esteemed guest, Jessica Kogan, the Chief Growth and Experience Officer of Vintage Wine Estates and the founder of Cameron Hughes Wine. Jessica is at the forefront of blending tech with tradition, leveraging AI and other technologies to better connect with customers.

From the vineyards to the glass, the journey of wine is changing dramatically. The heavily regulated US alcohol market has found an ally in technology and Jessica shares fascinating insights on how the sands of the marketplace are going through a fundamental shift. She delves into how the pandemic has influenced retail partners to adopt technology, and also discusses the role of Gen Z and millennials in shaping the wine industry. 

Reshape your ideas about what is possible in the world wine. Pour yourself a glass and join us in this exploration of technology's influence on the alcohol industry.

Join host Brandon Amoroso as he delves into the fascinating world of the alcohol industry with Michael Cella, a seasoned expert in consumer investment banking. In this episode, Cella shares valuable insights into the macroeconomic landscape of wineries and alcohol, challenging prevailing narratives with a contrarian perspective. From the impact of COVID on online alcohol sales to the rise of experiential retail, Michael and Brandon explore the trends shaping the industry's future. With a focus on resilience and innovation, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Join the conversation today to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of the alcohol industry.

Mike Cella:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cella-54a49a2

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the Drinks.com podcast, host Brandon Amoroso speaks with Jota Tanaka, the master blender of Fuji Whisky. They delve into Tanaka's remarkable journey from brewing and winemaking in California and Kentucky to his role at Fuji Gotemba Distillery. Jota shares his insights into whiskey blending, market trends, and the impact of global demand on Japanese whiskey. He also discusses the delicate balance between tradition and innovation while introducing the special 50th-anniversary single malt blend. Listen in to uncover the artistry, legacy, and global vision that define Fuji Whisky's approach to crafting spirits.

Jota Tanaka:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jota-tanaka-a19a37146/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon