The MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast

Julian Davies, founder of Ostara English vermouth and former senior marketer at major brands, shares insights on brand building in the drinks industry. He emphasizes the vital role of bartenders in creating authentic connections and developing brand loyalty. Topics include the dangers of misaligned KPIs, the importance of healthy metrics, and how storytelling can elevate a brand’s identity. Julian stresses the need for genuine experiences over vanity metrics, advocating for storytelling that resonates with consumers.

In a fascinating chat, Julian Davies, the founder of Ostara English vermouth, shares his extensive background in sales and marketing with major beverage brands. He delves into the importance of building brands through personal connections and the unique dynamics between large and small drinks companies. Julian discusses the balance of passion versus profit in creating a drinks brand and emphasizes the role of consistency in branding. His insights on adapting strategies to foster brand identity are both enlightening and inspiring for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Daniel Szor, founder of the Cotswolds Distillery, shares his remarkable journey from a 30-year investment management career to launching one of England’s pioneering whisky brands. He discusses the importance of a strong local presence and meaningful partnerships for brand growth. The conversation highlights marketing dynamics, the impact of local demand on travel retail, and the challenges of selling premium spirits. Szor emphasizes the need for a grassroots approach, innovative sales strategies, and mastering the art of flavor and branding in the whisky industry.

Daniel Szor, Founder of the Cotswolds Distillery, shares his journey from investment management to building one of the first English Whisky Distilleries. Topics include building demand, English whisky development, innovation, brand messaging, and off-trade opportunities.

Sebastian Barnick, a certified distiller and WSET educator with vast experience in luxury spirits, discusses the vital role of authenticity in branding and consumer perception. He explores innovative marketing strategies that transcend traditional demographics, emphasizing the importance of local relevance in beverage development. Additionally, Sebastian highlights how flavor perception and cultural influences shape the success of beverages globally, and shares insights on bridging categories to craft unique consumer experiences.

Sebastian Barnick, Director at Pleasant Land Distillery and a former Royal Navy member, shares his insights into the intricacies of developing a drinks brand. He discusses the importance of understanding both liquid production and commercial challenges. The conversation highlights the differences between rectifying and distilling, and the economic dynamics influencing gin production. Sebastian also emphasizes the value of sustainable relationships in the distillery market and critiques misconceptions about brand development, reassuring that clarity of purpose is crucial for success.

In this engaging session, Chris Maffeo, an expert on branding and consumer dynamics, shares insights from his presentation at Bar Convent Berlin 2023. He delves into the complexities of appealing to Gen-Z while retaining brand identity. Listeners discover how brands can successfully balance tradition and innovation through real-world case studies. Maffeo offers compelling strategies for staying relevant in a shifting marketplace, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in connecting with consumers across generations.

Gaetano Chiavetta heads the UK & Italy On-trade at Everleaf Drinks and brings rich experience from London's bar scene. He discusses the importance of building demand for beverage brands, emphasizing grassroots marketing and emotional consumer connections. The conversation dives into mastering sales strategies for bars, bridging digital and venue appeal, and the complexities of expanding into international markets. Gaetano also highlights the innovative spirits trend, especially in Italy, and the essential role of brand visibility in today’s market.

Global Drinks Brand Director Julian Marsili discusses building brands from the bottom up in various trade settings, the power of distinctive brand assets in marketing, crafting intriguing narratives, and embracing simplicity and consistency in business. Topics include trade location strategies, maintaining brand relevance, creating unique brand identity, and the impact of simplicity in marketing.

In this discussion, Julian Marsili, a Global Drinks Brand Director, shares insights from his extensive experience in the drinks industry. He emphasizes the importance of brand saliency and maintaining product integrity while adapting to modern trends. Julian highlights the need for brands to understand consumer motivations behind drinking occasions and how to balance storytelling with a solid product. He also advises against rapid diversification to preserve core brand identity, ensuring relevance in changing markets.