Launching a new alcohol brand involves a number of nuanced processes. The first step— discovery and creation— is incredibly important. This involves figuring out the personality of a wine or spirit, ensuring the product will speak to the target consumer. And while this creative process is the first big step for any new brand, getting to market via three-tier wholesale alcohol distribution is most important. After all, if no one can buy the product, it won’t make money... no matter how good it tastes.

This is where a lot of craft distilleries and artisan wineries struggle. They have the manufacturing know-how, but alcohol distribution is foreign. Alternatively, they may understand distribution but are unable to find a distributor who wants to take on a new alcohol brand. 

First, let’s talk about why distribution of wine and spirits can be difficult. Bylaws and regulations vary state-to-state. Even large producers sometimes struggle to find a route to market for experimental, special label vodkas or new wines. 

Why? The alcoholic beverage industry has the unique distinction of constitutional amendments that regulate it. The 18th amendment, which everyone knows kicked off prohibition, was eventually repealed by the 21st amendment, which allowed alcohol to be sold again. After the 21st amendment, alcohol was required to be distributed through licensed distributors or local Alcoholic Beverage Control Boards before being sold to consumers. It’s the reason someone can’t just start selling moonshine out of their garage. It’s called the Three-Tier System and it was put in place to protect the public. 

Fast forward and almost 100 years later, the Three-Tier system remains in place to protect us. However, over the past 10 years alcohol distributors have consolidated making it very difficult for many products to get to market. 

This is why LibDib’s platform is so incredibly important. We offer a way for Makers of any size to reach consumers. LibDib’s advanced toolset has something for everyone.  Established brands are right at home with our feature set and scalability. It allows them to utilize familiar distribution mechanisms while mitigating risk. They can launch new brands and innovate without distracting sales teams. For Makers newer to wine and spirits distribution, LibDib is a cost-effective, easy-to-use platform. As a distributor, we spend time teaching Makers how to market and distribute alcoholic beverages. Even established small-batch Makers can gain access to our network of resellers and have the opportunity to build relationships with the buyers  they want to work with.

This brings us to the biggest advantage of using LibDib as your distributor for any new brand: The speed at which LibDib gets products onto shelves. Launching a product on LibDib is the easiest distribution process available. Makers simply sign up (for free!), upload their licenses and fill in product information. Once Makers go live (i.e. license is approved), bars, and restaurants can start stocking up on your products. You can also submit orders digitally and connect with accounts online.

A timeline and compliance information to get your wine and spirits into each LibDib market:

California

• Est. time to market: Immediate for wine, 2 months or less for spirits.
• Compliance: None needed for wine. Type 28 license required for spirits.

Colorado

• Est. time to market: 2 months or less for both wine and spirits.

• Compliance: Must have an Importer’s license or work with an importer or function as an importer and seller.

Florida

• Est. time to market: 1-2 days for both wine and spirits.

• Compliance: Register products online with Florida ABT.

New York

• Est. time to market: 60 days or less for both wine and spirits.

• Compliance: Price posting & brand registration.

Wisconsin

• Est. time to market: Quickly!

• Compliance: Out-of-State Shipper Permit required.

  When it’s time to launch a new wine or spirit, and it needs to be done quickly, check out LibDib. We’re here to get your products to market quickly.