Explore every episode of the podcast Liquid Assets: A Beverage Industry Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global beer results prove why diversification is so important | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:58:06 | |
We look back at the results from the first half of 2025 and check in on the performances of the world’s largest global beer companies (Heineken, Carlsberg, AB InBev, Molson Coors, Constellation Brands, and Royal Unibrew). We also look at three major themes affecting the beer business in 2025: the dramatic impact of harsh immigration policies on American Latinos, the struggles of European brewers to push costs onto consumers, and the urgency and surprising success of global beer businesses betting big on non-alcoholic beverages. Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm, or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@rabobank.com Check out the rest of our written research: rabobank.com/knowledge Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services.
Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast.
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| Southern Glazer‘s on competition from beer distributors, national contracts, and pricing strategy | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:54:48 | |
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the largest alcohol wholesaler in the United States. We caught up with Mark Chaplin, John Wittig, and David Chaplin, three of Sourthern’s senior executives, to discuss the toughest issues facing alcohol distribution in 2025 and increasing pressure to become a total beverage distributor. Catch up on our additional coverage of route-to-market strategy: REPORT: National alignment: How US wine and spirits brands can get the most out of their wholesaler PODCAST: How to negotiate a better distribution agreement PODCAST: Do wine and spirits wholesalers need to be more like beer distributors? Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm, or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com Check out the rest of our written research: rabobank.com/knowledge Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. | |||
| How are importers managing tariffs and declining demand? | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:45:55 | |
With tariffs, falling demand, and an unfavorable exchange rate, it can feel as though the cosmos are conspiring to make life hard for US importers. However, many import brands and bulk products remain very competitive in the US market. In this episode, we discuss how importers are adjusting to survive and if not thrive in the current operating environment. This is episode two from our discussion with Ryan O’Hara, CEO of MHW, and Serena Campell, Operations Director for USA Wine West. Check out episode one here: How to import wine and spirits into the US
Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm, or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com Check out the rest of our written research: Rabobank.com/knowledge Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. | |||
| How to import wine and spirits into the US | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:55:41 | |
Winning in the US market is the holy grail for many brands around the world, but how do you get started? What type of importer should you use, what should you expect from them, and what should you be prepared to bring to the table? What gets an importer excited to support your brand? In this episode we speak with Ryan O’Hara, CEO of MHW, and Serena Campbell, Operations Director for USA Wine West, for a crash course on how to maximize your chance of succeeding in the competitive, confusing, and tremendously large US wine and spirits market. This is part 1 of a two-part episode.
Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com Check out the rest of our written research: Rabobank.com/knowledge Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. | |||
| Everything you need to know about hemp | 22 Aug 2025 | 01:15:23 | |
It seems unthinkable that a simple legal loophole for hemp would lead to the de facto legalization of marijuana edibles in the United States, but here we are. Intoxicating hemp products are everywhere, and everyone seems to be excited about them. But the story of hemp-derived THC's rise and the greatest threat to its future are inexorably linked to its legal status. In this episode, we speak to two legal experts, Marc Hauser and Rebecca Stamey-White, about how the intoxicating hemp business came to life, how long it could last, and how the sector's tenuous legal status is influencing every aspect of the industry, from who invests and founds a hemp business to where it can be sold. Be sure to check out Marc’s fantastic substack “Cannabis Musings”: Click here.
Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com Check out the rest of our written research: Rabobank.com/knowledge
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services Cannabis Musings is not a part of Rabobank Group. Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. | |||
| Inside the boardroom: What a company board really does and how to do it better | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:47:40 | |
Caroline Levy and Carol Reber know a lot about being on a board. Between them, they sit on the board of six different companies that include Celsius Holdings, Far Niente Wine Estates, Health-Ade, Arterra Wines Canada, Rack & Riddle, and Athletic Brewing Company. On today’s episode, Carol and Caroline share their journeys and bring us up to speed on what a company board of directors actually does, who should be on them, and what characteristics distinguish a good board from a bad one. Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com Check out the rest of our written research: Rabobank.com/knowledge
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Drinks With Caroline is not a part of Rabobank Group. Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. | |||
| Every diversification strategy, ranked | 17 Jul 2025 | 01:07:04 | |
In this episode, we discuss all the ways a beverage firm can diversify its business and the consequences when things go wrong. Whether it is geographical expansion, vertical integration, moving into adjacent categories, or route to market, we debate the merits, downsides, and myriad real-world examples of seven different diversification strategies and runway for each strategy to be successful going forward. Read our report on diversification strategies: Beverage market buzz: Balancing diversification versus focus. Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm, or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com. Check out the rest of our written research: Rabobank.com/knowledge.
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services.
Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. | |||
| How to save money on ingredients (and still taste good), featuring Kerry Group | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:56:09 | |
What happens when you move a production plant from Europe to the United States or switch from Florida oranges to Brazilian oranges? Does your product still taste the same? Has technology made it possible to replace 50% of the sugar in a beverage with zero-calorie sweetener and avoid a nasty aftertaste? John Kelly and Paul Villis from Kerry Group join us to talk through how beverage brands are changing ingredients and deciding to focus on either reformulation (i.e., cost savings) or innovation (i.e., revenue growth). Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com
Check out the rest of our written research: Rabobank.com/knowledge
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services Please read our disclaimer here: https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011410028/disclaimer | |||
| What’s wrong with the alcohol industry? Featuring the Business of Drinks podcast | 18 Jun 2025 | 01:08:18 | |
It’s not a fun time to work in the alcohol business. Demand is down in almost every segment and in almost every geography. Costs are rising. And most every category is in some state of oversupply. How on earth did we get here? Erica Duecy and Scott Rosenbaum, hosts of the Business of Drinks podcast, join the RaboResearch team to debate what is driving the recent declines in the alcohol industry using our favorite debate format: a draft! Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm, or a story to tell? Reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@rabobank.com Check out Business of Drinks on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Business of Drinks is not a part of Rabobank Group. Please read our disclaimer here: https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011410028/disclaimer
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| Why are so many young men quitting alcohol? | 30 May 2025 | 00:57:20 | |
Young people are drinking less, but virtually all those declines are driven by men. If they do consume alcohol, men drink twice as much as women. In this episode, we speculate on what could be changing in the culture and in the lives of young men that is pushing them away from alcohol.
Link to our report on Gen Z drinking habits: Click here.
Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com
Check out the rest of our written research: Rabobank.com/knowledge Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| Recession risk, Trump’s objectives, and the beginning of a new world order | 12 May 2025 | 00:56:11 | |
Economics power duo Jane Foley and Christian Lawrence return to give context to the first 100 days of the Trump administration, its impact on global economics, and the long-term impact of the US' changing relationship with the rest of the world.
Have a question, qualm, or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@rabobank.com Sign up to access our written research: RaboResearch sign-up Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| How bad is wine’s oversupply problem? | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:48:59 | |
In 2024, wine production far outstripped demand. Glenn Proctor of Ciatti and Jeff Bitter of Allied Grape Growers help us understand the unique challenges of the current crisis and how it is shaping the future of the wine business in the US and beyond. Contact us via email: bourcard.nesin@rabobank.com You can find the Ciatti newsletter here: Ciatti Company | Substack | |||
| Do wine and spirits wholesalers need to be more like beer distributors? | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:40:12 | |
The RaboResearch team discusses the implications of Brown-Forman and Tito's Handmade Vodka moving to a beer distributor in California. Do wine and spirits wholesalers need to change, or will change erode their competitive advantage? Will the beer guys buy wine and spirits distributors, or is the wine and spirits opportunity too limited? For brands, what is the appeal of working with a beer wholesaler, and what are the risks and limitations? Contact us via email: bourcard.nesin@rabobank.com Sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services
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| Latest spirits industry earnings: Trade wars, falling consumption, and excess inventories | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:56:47 | |
In this episode, we review the latest earnings results from the spirits industry (Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Brown-Forman, Campari, Rémy Cointreau, Becle, and MGP Ingredients). Alongside individual company results, we discuss the impacts of declining sales in the US, the surprising health of the European market, the challenges created by aging inventory and wholesaler inventory, an evolution in pack and pricing strategy, the severe impact of a retaliatory Chinese anti-dumping investigation into cognac, and, of course, the fallout from the Trump-initiated trade wars with the US, Mexico, Canada and the European Union. Contact us via email: bourcard.nesin@rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services This episode was recorded on March 6, 2025. Things may have changed by the time you are listening to this podcast. | |||
| What we learned from the latest round of beer company earnings reports | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:50:13 | |
As the first quarter comes to a close, we look back at the results from the largest global beer companies (Heineken, Carlsberg, AB InBev, Molson Coors, Constellation Brands, Royal Unibrew) and what they tell us about the health of the beer industry in the US, Europe, and the rest of the world. Later in the episode, we breakdown the potential impact of Trump administration tariffs for companies across the beverage alcohol industry. Contact us via email: bourcard.nesin@rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. This episode was recorded on March 6, 2025, and as such, things may have changed by the time you listen to this podcast. | |||
| How to monitor and verify retail execution, featuring GoSpotCheck | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:40:11 | |
For distributors, managing and verifying execution and incentive programs is a complicated task. For brands, it can feel impossible. In this episode, we speak to Cory Knopp from GoSpotCheck by FORM to discuss how distributors, brands, and retailers are using their photo-based technology to bring data and transparency to one of the most hard-to-measure and burdensome parts of the business. This is the final of four episodes recorded on-site at Access LIVE, the annual conference hosted by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
Contact us via email: bourcard.nesin@rabobank.com Sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services | |||
| Using data-driven execution to eliminate out-of-stocks and more, feat. Jenda | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:28:28 | |
Jenda is a US-based tech company that uses retailer website data to offer real-time updates on out-of-stocks, competitive set, and pricing at an outlet level. Jenda’s Amanda Wolff and Harry Shulman share how they are helping brands and distributors solve some of the industry’s most persistent and frustrating problems. This is the third of four episodes recorded on-site at Access LIVE, the annual conference hosted by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
Contact us via email: bourcard.nesin@rabobank.com Sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services
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| US wholesalers are looking more European, from point of sale to online selling, featuring Hyble | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:36:51 | |
Craig Letton and his company, Hyble, spent a decade refining the art of creating menus and point-of-sale materials across Europe. As his business expands across the US, Craig shares how Hyble is modernizing the production and design of point-of-sale materials and explains why so many of the strategies and technologies being adopted in the US have been standard practice among European brands and wholesalers for years. This is one of four episodes recorded onsite at Access LIVE, the annual conference hosted by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. Contact us via email: bourcard.nesin@rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services | |||
| The WSWA agenda: Tariffs, taxes, and dietary guidelines | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:30:27 | |
We caught up with Francis Creighton, President and CEO of WSWA, to get their take on Trump tariffs, how the industry should react to the growing pressure from public health organizations, and a range of other topics including taxes, cannabis, and a fun little anecdote involving Breaking Bad actor, Bryan Cranston. This is the first of four episodes recorded on-site at Access LIVE, the annual conference hosted by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. Contact us via email: bourcard.nesin@rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| How to negotiate a better distribution agreement | 27 Jan 2025 | 01:31:36 | |
Over the last 25 years, distribution contracts in the US have shifted from handshake agreements to carefully negotiated legal documents. What do these contracts contain? As a brand, what is negotiable, what can you leverage to get a better deal, and what aspects of your business should never be compromised? Ed LeMay and Dale Stratton of Azur Associates join us to help answer these questions, sharing insights from decades of experience pioneering distribution strategy and sitting across the negotiating table with wholesalers. Sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services | |||
| The 2025 economic outlook | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:51:31 | |
Economics power duo Jane Foley and Christian Lawrence return to discuss the outlook for economic growth and the potential impact of tariffs and the Trump presidency in 2025. Have a question, qualm, or story to tell? Reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@rabobank.com Sign up to access our written research: RaboResearch sign-up | |||
| The third annual Quiz of the Year | 20 Dec 2024 | 01:12:52 | |
In a show packed with passion, Kate Bernot and Bryan Roth of Sightlines and hosts of The Gist by Sightlines podcast help us identify the year’s most important stories from the world of beer. Things then turn competitive as we go head-to-head in our third annual Quiz of the Year. Will our guests remember how much alcohol a hamster can drink or how many nonalcoholic beer consumers play video games? You’ll have to tune in to find out. Happy holidays and thank you for tuning in to another year of the show!
Sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services | |||
| Your marketing is boring and too expensive, feat. Liquid Death | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:51:19 | |
They sold skateboards colored with paint containing Tony Hawk’s actual blood. They bought a Superbowl ad and hired a witch to attend and influence the outcome of the game. They auctioned off a seven-foot, casket-shaped Yeti cooler that sold for USD 68,000. However you might feel about these stunts, the folks at Liquid Death know how to get attention. On this episode, the company’s CFO Karim Sadik-Khan and Chief Strategy Officer Marisa Bertha talk about the processes behind the brand’s success, their favorite marketing programs, and, of course, price pack architecture.
Sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services | |||
| Is the drop in alcohol sales a permanent problem or a short-term slump? | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:59:42 | |
In this episode, the research team gets to the bottom of the biggest mystery confounding brands, investors, retailers, and distributors in 2024: Is the recent drop in US alcohol sales a short-term blip or the start of a more long-lived, structural decline?
Sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com. Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| What is driving wholesaler consolidation? Featuring Republic National Distributing Company | 24 Oct 2024 | 01:08:06 | |
Consolidation has transformed the world of wine and spirits distribution in the US. While everyone knows that consolidation happened, far fewer people understand the trends that pushed a few US wholesalers to achieve scale. Dave Lane and Tracy Aldworth, senior leaders from Republic National Distributing Company, discuss the drivers behind the structural changes to the middle tier and how their company is responding to remain competitive far into the future.
Link to the latest RaboResearch distribution report: National Alignment: How US wine and spirits brands can get the most out of their wholesaler Sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services | |||
| Maker's Mark and Fever-Tree make a cocktail | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:32:42 | |
KK Hall, Global Brand Vice President for Maker’s Mark, and Charles Gibb, Fever-Tree’s North America CEO, joined forces to create a blood orange ginger beer formulated especially to pair with Maker's Mark. So far, it seems like the project has exceeded expectations, bringing bourbon into new consumption occasions that appeal to broader audiences and helping both brands grab the attention of retailers and distributors alike.
Rabobank clients can sign up for our research via this link: knowledge.rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services.
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| How to outgrow the market, featuring Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits | 10 Sep 2024 | 01:11:07 | |
Josh Cellars is arguably the most successful wine brand of this generation, and Deutsch did much of that work while the overall industry was struggling. How did they do it? The company’s President, Tom Steffanci, and Chief Brand Officer, Dan Kleinman, discuss their unique approach to brand building, distribution, the positioning of the wine category, and the meticulous measurements they use to maximize the return on their marketing spending.
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| Lightweighting – an elegant path to better margins and lower emissions | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:45:20 | |
Adapted from a live webinar hosted by Rabobank in July, this unique episode brings together experts from The Wine Group, Jackson Family Wines, and Crimson Wine Group, who joined forces to share best practices on lightweighting or “right-weighting” glass packaging. The panel includes:
Rabobank clients can read the original RaboResearch report on lightweighting on our website: Wine Quarterly Q4 2023: Why weight? Wine’s biggest sustainability problem is also the easiest to fix and sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| How much do mixers really matter? featuring Fever-Tree | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:51:32 | |
Charles Gibb, CEO of Fever-Tree North America, offers an update on the mixers market, exploring how this fast-growing segment intersects with consumer trends, retailer objectives, and distribution. And, of course, we discuss the strategy that propelled a premium mixer brand into a billion-dollar company.
Rabobank clients can sign up for our research via this link: Knowledge.Rabobank.com | |||
| The big beer distribution draft feat. Harry Schuhmacher and Sarah Barrett | 10 Jul 2024 | 01:07:45 | |
With help from industry icons Harry Schuhmacher and Sarah Barrett, the folks responsible for publications like Beer Business Daily and Wine & Spirits Business Daily, we use a fitting format, a draft, to debate the toughest and the most helpful trends and topics facing beer distributors in 2024. Rabobank clients can sign up for our research via this link: knowledge.rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| Economic update: Are things getting better or worse? | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:48:07 | |
Rabobank’s senior market strategist, Christian Lawrence, returns for his record-setting tenth appearance on the podcast to discuss major economic trends like inflation, labor markets, consumer spending, credit card debt, and the potential impact of elections and geopolitics around the globe.
Rabobank clients can sign up for our research via this link: Research.Rabobank.com | |||
| Without enough oranges, the juice industry gets squeezed | 17 May 2024 | 00:43:32 | |
The global orange juice industry is in crisis. The Florida industry has all but disappeared, and Brazilian groves are plagued by disease, rising costs, and unfavorable growing conditions, leaving global orange juice supplies at their lowest point in decades. Prices are skyrocketing, consumer demand has been falling for years, and operators across the value chain are left wondering what’s next. Listen in as Rabobank’s citrus expert, Andrés Padilla, shares the takeaways from his latest report on the global orange juice industry and its future. For more on this topic, be sure to read the report: Global Orange Juice Outlook 2024/25 Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Sign up for research (free for clients): Research.Rabobank.com | |||
| US wine and spirits sales: How bad is it, really? | 30 Apr 2024 | 00:46:46 | |
SipSource analysts Dale Stratton and Danny Brager are two of the most influential and respected experts in the US wine and spirits industry. In an expansive discussion, Danny and Dale help us dissect the drivers behind falling wine and spirits sales and whether things will get worse before they get better.
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| Brewers resilient despite a wrench in the COGS | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:37:25 | |
In a recent and much anticipated report, Senior Analyst Francois Sonneville modeled the spot market and actual prices paid among public beer companies in North America, Europe, and China. We discuss his findings and his ideas on how brewers can better control production costs and where future cost pressure may come from. Be sure to download Francois’ report: Beer COGS dashboard Q4 2023 Clients can sign up for research here: Research.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| The future of online alcohol marketplaces, featuring Breakthru Beverage Group | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:46:33 | |
At this year’s Access LIVE conference in Las Vegas, we sat down with Breakthru Beverage Group’s Head of Digital and E-commerce Mike Boswell for an impromptu conversation on alcohol marketplaces. We explore the relevance and value of marketplaces at different levels of the value chain, discussing Drizly on the consumer-facing side and Provi for a business-to-business perspective. For more on this topic, be sure to read our latest report: Why Drizly never delivered.
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| Neo-prohibitionism, Ozempic, and the end of the tequila boom? | 07 Mar 2024 | 00:53:23 | |
Is neo-prohibitionism a threat to the alcohol business? Will GLP-1 agonists decrease alcohol sales? Are soft drinks companies losing interest in their effort to develop alcohol brands? To debate these and other controversial topics, the RaboResearch Beverage team plays one of our favorite games: Buy, Sell, Hold!
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| Southern Glazer’s talks industry trends, inventory, and digitalization | 02 Feb 2024 | 01:12:24 | |
As the largest wine and spirits distributor in North America, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has a unique perspective on the US alcohol market. Senior leaders David Chaplin (Chief Growth Officer), John Wittig (Chief Commercial Officer), and Alan Wizeman (Chief Digital Officer) share their views on the health of the US alcohol market, consumer trends, distributor inventories, and the fast evolving world of business-to-business e-commerce.
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| 2024 economic outlook | 09 Jan 2024 | 00:42:32 | |
Economic power duo Jane Foley and Christian Lawrence return to discuss the outlook for a recession, interest rates, inflation, and consumer spending and how these economic trends could impact food and beverage companies as we enter the new year.
Rabobank clients can sign up for our research via this link: Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| Soft drinks boom, spirits hungover, and consumers reach an inflection point | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:57:21 | |
For the first time in more than a year, the Liquid Assets team gets to do a recording in the same room. They take turns picking news stories that speak to wider trends impacting the beverages industry. Rabobank clients can sign up for our research via this link: Research.Rabobank.com Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services.
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| The history of bourbon, as told by Heaven Hill | 20 Nov 2023 | 01:06:50 | |
Bourbon has been booming for years, but that growth was preceded by a half century of hardship, hard work, and good luck that laid the groundwork for the soaring category we see today. Heaven Hill’s Max Shapira and Kate Latts lived through the good times and the bad. We tap that experience to understand the winding path that has led American whiskey to its current zenith and what more recent trends could mean for the future of this “distinctively” American spirit. Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| Sports marketing 101 | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:48:47 | |
David Broughton, a journalist and director of research for Sports Business Journal, discusses the history of sports advertising, how it is evolving, and what recent changes to the industry mean for building brands on the back of humanity’s most beloved pastimes.
Rabobank clients can sign up for our research via this link: Research.Rabobank.com
Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| What Kind of M&A Deals Will We See in 2024? | 22 Sep 2023 | 01:04:05 | |
With one of our favorite guests, consumer foods specialist Maria Castroviejo, and one of our favorite formats (a draft!), we debate the strategies that will drive beverage M&A deals over the next 12 to 18 months.
Rabobank clients can read our report The New Deal Environment by logging in to our website. Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. | |||
| The State of the US Craft Industry | 22 Aug 2023 | 01:02:41 | |
Margie Lehrman, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association, and Bart Watson, Chief Economist for the Brewers Association, team up to discuss the winds of change blowing through the craft industry. Not long ago, the seas of craft beer and spirits were all smooth sailing as operators expanded into new, undiscovered territory. As costs rise, consumers shrug, and investors start to feel uneasy, many craft operators have been forced to batten down the hatches and rethink their long-term strategy, lest they should be blown off course. | |||
| A Liquid Assets Celebration | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:01:51 | |
Steve and Jim invite Liquid Assets listeners to join them in congratulating Bourcard for becoming a father… on Father’s Day. Congrats Buki!!! | |||
| Can Changes to Ingredients Help Fight Inflation? Kerry on Innovation vs. Reformulation | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:45:37 | |
There are two major ways that beverage companies are changing their ingredients to fight inflation. Some brands are looking to cut costs by replacing their more expensive ingredients with cheaper ones. Others brands are developing new products or modifying existing products to increase revenues by adding more functional ingredients or making healthier versions of those products. We are joined by John Kelly and Paul Villis from the Kerry Group. They help us better understand what drives these decisions and share their experiences from helping brands manage this process. | |||
| How Is a New Brand Supposed to Find Distribution in the US? | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:32:49 | |
As the big get bigger, many new brands and foreign brands are wondering how to get attention in the massive and complicated US distribution landscape? Sara Harmelin, Vice President – Digital & Innovation at Allied Beverage Group, and Michael Bilello, Executive Vice President – Strategic Communications & Marketing at WSWA, are both part of Access Craft, a program from WSWA to help smaller and new-to-market brands navigate the three-tier system and get the most of out their distributors. They share some success stories, best practices, and sage advice on finding success in the US market. | |||
| Breakthru’s Danny Wirtz on Digital, Alternative Routes-to-market, and How Brands Can Get the Most out of Distributors | 04 May 2023 | 00:33:44 | |
We sit down with Danny Wirtz, vice chairman and a fourth-generation family leader at Breakthru Beverage Group, to discuss M&A, the digitalization of distribution, and how brands can work better with distributors in this time of uncertainty. Breakthru has a larger beer business than most other wine and spirits distributors, giving Danny unique insights into why some wine and spirits brands are choosing to work with beer wholesalers. | |||
| WSWA’s Tom Cole and Francis Creighton on Distribution Trends, Marijuana Legalization, and More | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:36:55 | |
Tom Cole (Chairman) and Francis Creighton (President and CEO) help lead Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). We sat down with Tom and Francis at WSWA’s annual conference, Access LIVE, to kick off our series on US distribution. They share their views on industry trends, competition, and their legislative agenda for the year ahead. | |||
| How Are Beverages Performing Around the Globe? | 07 Apr 2023 | 01:12:18 | |
To show off the global reach of the RaboResearch Beverages team, Steve and Bourcard sit down with analysts across four different continents, collecting stories about the economy and how it is affecting beverage brands around the world. Episode breakdown: 1:23 - Jim Watson on the latest US beverage pricing data and why some brands are outperforming the competition. 18:21 - Andrés Padilla & Guilherme Morya on the Brazilian economy and how it is impacting the local coffee market. 31:31 - Sudip Sinha on how beverage brands are navigating the economy in markets across Asia. 40:53 - Francois Sonneville on the European economy and the on-premise in the UK. 48:57 - Maria Castroviejo & Bourcard Nesin on the outlook for e-commerce sales in Europe and the US. This podcast was based on the latest edition of the Beverage Market Buzz: Click here to read the report. | |||
| Will Beer Be More Profitable in 2023? | 09 Mar 2023 | 00:41:46 | |
Against all odds, most big brewers were able to grow their business and expand margins in 2022. Can they do it again in 2023, or will lagging cost pressures and backlash from recent price increases come back to bite them? The authors of Rabobank’s latest Beer Quarterly report share how brewers are working to control costs, boost revenues, and present their outlook on big-brewer balance sheets for the year ahead. Click here to read Rabobank’s latest Beer Quarterly report: “Have Cost Increases Finally Stopped?” | |||