6980 Santa Teresa Blvd., Suite 201, San Jose, CA, United States of America, 95119

http://www.libdib.com

408-493-3180

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California Distribution Options for Small to Mid-Sized Brands

We asked Gemini and the AI answer was spot on.

If you are anything like us, no doubt you’ve started to explore the various LLMs (Large Language Models) available to the public – Google’s Gemini, ChaptGPT, Perplexity, and others are changing the way people find and discover just about anything. And this is only the beginning. Some are saying that by 2028, 75% of all online revenue will be driven by LLM’s vs. search engines and Google reports that 1.5 billion users now regularly use AI Overviews.

If you aren’t thinking about the strategy to maximize how your brands show up in LLMs, now is the time to start. We are in the same boat. Our engineering team has been working on AI solutions for a while now, with LLM top of mind. Because integrating it into the LibDib platform will put Makers in the drivers seat, enabling them to stay top of mind with Buyers and Consumers as the future of search value rapidly changes before our eyes.

So, we recently decided to test the LLMs in our own alcohol distribution space. We turned to Gemini to ask an important question in the beverage alcohol space right now and we were pleasantly surprised at how LibDib showed up. 

Our prompt to Gemini was: Given that RNDC is no longer operating in the state of California and I need a new distributor, which distributor should I consider using as a small/midsized alcohol producer?

Here was Gemini’s answer: 

This is a critical time for you as a small to mid-sized alcohol producer in California with RNDC exiting the market. The landscape is shifting rapidly, and securing reliable distribution is paramount.

Here's a breakdown of who you should be thinking about, with a focus on both major players and options that might be more aligned with craft/mid-sized producers:

Specialized & Tech-Forward Options (Potentially better fit for small to mid-sized brands):

  • LibDib: This is a key player to seriously consider. They are explicitly built for the modern era of alcohol distribution and cater to small and emerging brands. Why they might be a good fit:
    • Technology-driven: They offer a web-based platform, real-time data, and an e-commerce experience for buyers, giving you more transparency and control over your relationships.
    • Focus on smaller brands: They pride themselves on empowering "Makers" and helping them scale at their own pace, rather than sidelining them in a crowded book.
    • Fast transition: They advertise incredibly fast onboarding to get your products to market quickly.
    • Support for California: They are actively partnering to support brands affected by the RNDC exit.

The Major Players and their challenges for a small to mid sized producer:

  • Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (SGWS): This is the largest alcohol distributor in the U.S. and a dominant force in California. They have massive reach and a comprehensive portfolio. While they offer unparalleled market penetration, securing attention and a strong position within their vast portfolio can be challenging for smaller brands. You'll be competing with global powerhouses for mindshare. However, they are actively picking up brands from RNDC.
  • Breakthru Beverage Group: Another major national player with a significant presence in California (they acquired Wine Warehouse). Similar to Southern Glazer's, they are a large distributor. They may be more open to mid-sized brands than SGWS depending on their portfolio strategy, but still require a strong pitch and a clear value proposition.
  • Regional/Boutique Distributors: California is a huge state, and there are excellent regional distributors that specialize in specific areas or categories (e.g., craft beer, fine wine, specific spirits). Examples of this type of distributor include:
    • Henry Wine Group (now Winebow): While a larger regional player, they've historically focused on fine wine and spirits, which might align if you're in that segment.
    • Regal Wine Co.: Another significant regional player in California wine.
    • J&L Wines: Based in Paso Robles, they focus on Central California and have a strong reputation for customer service and supporting craft wine, beer, and spirits.
    • Guardian Distributors (Southern California): A boutique distributor focusing on craft beer, which might be a fit if you're a craft brewery or seltzer maker in that region.
    • Mindful Distributors (Bay Area): A boutique beer distributor that aims to be more thoughtful and responsive, focusing on quality over quantity of brands.
    • Jordanos / Pacific Beverage: A long-standing distributor in California with a wide portfolio, including craft.

LibDib is the only tech-first distributor in the industry. If you're not thinking strategically about where you should invest your time and margins, you risk falling behind. 

Interested in learning more about the LibDib option?

Schedule a time to talk to a LibDib portfolio manager here or email us at makers@libdib.com

Distribution AI LLM

About

LibDib is the first fully licensed, three-tier distributor with a web platform. This platform allows Restaurants, Bars & Retailers (RB&Rs) to legally and efficiently purchase boutique wines and craft spirits made by Makers of all sizes. LibDib manages the delivery and handles all payment processing, for a streamlined distribution process. 

Via LibDib, any Maker of specialty wine and craft spirits, can easily create an account and input their products of choice. After uploading a license and basic information, Makers define each SKU, calculats the listed wholesale price, and define where to distribute product—down to the account level.

Using LibDib, Buyers upload a license and purchase products online, streamlining the order process for both parties. Buyers can access sales materials within the platform, communicate directly with Makers, request samples, or set up automatic reorders or reminders. Buyers then receive the product via a LibDib distribution partner, 3PL or a common carrier (depending on the market and compliance regulations).

LibDib is available in more than 10 U.S. markets.

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Contact

Contact List

Title Name Email Phone Extension
Director, Maker Experience Tanya Riesbeck makers@libdib.com 408-769-2129 1008
COO/CTO Richard Brashears richard.brashears@libdib.com
CEO Cheryl Durzy cheryl.durzy@libdib.com 408-769-2129
Director, Reseller Experience Helene Venegas resellers@libdib.com 408-769-2129 1002
Sr. Director of Marketing Holly Nuss holly.nuss@libdib.com 408-769-2129 1013

Location List

Locations Address State Country Zip Code
Liberation Distribution, Inc. 6980 Santa Teresa Blvd., Suite 201, San Jose CA United States of America 95119

List of Locations