MAFFEO DRINKS

David Wood, an expert in brand distribution, joins Chris Maffeo to share insights on scaling drinks brands. He discusses the strategic choices between self-distribution and partnerships with distributors. The importance of immersive brand experiences for sales teams is highlighted, along with the necessity of establishing local market dominance before expanding globally. David emphasizes the evolving role of salespersons in a digital age and offers creative strategies for maintaining brand relationships despite market changes.

David Wood, founder of Liana Collection, discusses the intricacies of the drinks distribution industry. He shares insights on creating a distinct beverage identity and the critical role of quality in successful brands. Wood emphasizes the value of storytelling and sustainability, detailing how smaller cocktail ingredients can thrive when paired with established brands. He also navigates the balance of growth and integrity, revealing why he prioritizes smaller challenger brands over major ones. This conversation is rich with strategies for brand development and market relevance.

Nick Gillett, the Managing Director of Mangrove Global, shares insights on steering beverage brands from inception to market success. He delves into the significance of selecting the right portfolio and the art of creating unique product categories. The conversation touches on the impact of cultural trends on marketing and the blend of tradition with modern tastes. Gillett emphasizes the importance of neighborhood presence and emotional connections in brand expansion while discussing the challenges of navigating retail partnerships and shelf space.

In this engaging discussion, Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove Global, dives into the intricacies of launching and scaling drinks brands. He clarifies the distinct roles of wholesalers and distributors in the drinks ecosystem. Gillett emphasizes the importance of relationships and personal interactions in the hospitality sector. He also reflects on how the wholesale landscape has transformed over the years and the challenges smaller brands face in gaining visibility. Throughout, he underscores the value of effective communication and deep product knowledge.

Stephen Myers, the Founder of Dynamic Beverage Consultants and one of the Originals at Ilegal Mezcal, dives deep into launching beverage brands. He shares valuable insights on avoiding costly mistakes and emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs. Myers discusses strategies for building relationships with unique accounts and highlights the balance between creativity and simplicity in drink programs. He also emphasizes the significance of personal engagement in entrepreneurship and the nuances of distributor relationships for sustainable growth.

Stephen Myers, founder of Dynamic Beverage Consultants and one of the Originals at Ilegal Mezcal, shares his insights on successfully launching beverage brands in the US market. He discusses the importance of storytelling and differentiation to create demand, and the balance between product quality and brand identity. Stephen highlights the value of building networks and relationships, and emphasizes adaptability and continuous learning as key strategies for navigating the complexities of the beverage industry.

Emmett Strack, drinks industry trends expert, discusses US & EU cross-pollination with Chris Mafel. They compare cocktail trends, on-trade dynamics, Gen Z preferences, and evolving drinking categories. Insightful chat on convenience, flavor ascension, and market trends.

Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut, shares insights on building a brand from the ground up, discussing product explanation, storytelling, and target occasions. They explore the challenges of start-ups, building demand, and the drinks ecosystem. Dive into the early journey of a founder-led brand with learnings and course correction for bottom-up growth.

Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut, discusses taste profiles, storytelling, and target occasions in the whiskey industry. They explore the importance of the liquid in building a brand, crafting memorable stories for whiskey, unique occasion strategies for single cask whiskey, innovative whiskey makers, inclusive marketing, and strategic marketing approaches.

Vani Gupta Dandia, a marketing professional, discusses building a drink brand bottom-up with Chris Maffeo. They talk about gender stereotypes, educating consumers, role of storytelling, cross-generational appeal, and building brands bottom-up.