Has Your Brand Become Complacent?
You hear a lot about the changing market for alcohol these days. And if you’re a distiller brand looking for bad news, there’s plenty to be had right now. Tariffs, trade wars, the decline in consumption by younger generations, and the rise of competition from ready-to-drink products and botanicals whose initials are MJ. The golden […]
The Buyer-Seller Introductory Call
When your business listing starts to attract interest, your broker’s job is to screen buyers for both suitability and to ensure they have the financial means to buy your company. When the pool of prospective buyers has been vetted, you’ll connect with them to get to know each other and decide whether both parties want […]
The Alcohol Industry’s Great Consolidation: Where Do You Fit In?
It’s no secret to anyone who produces – or enjoys – spirits that the industry is going through some significant changes. Tariffs and economic uncertainty are putting pressure on even the largest and most established brands. Societal changes, such as the rise of legalized marijuana and a decrease in drinking among younger consumers, are impacting […]
Three Solutions to Customer Concentration Problems
Customer concentration–when the majority of a company’s revenue is comprised by a small group of clients–is a problem in many industries. Most brokers will define problematic customer concentration as 25 percent or more of their revenue dependent on a single customer. While a strong relationship with a large customer with a proven track record sounds […]
Taking Control of Your Distribution Problem
It’s no secret to anyone in the alcohol industry that a great product is just one part of success. If you don’t have a distribution network, your product won’t get into the hands (or glasses) of the people who will become loyal, repeat customers. We recently partnered with Perks Professor (perksprofessor.com) to learn more about […]
Do You Have a Messy Business?
Because of my experience owning a business, I don’t shy away from complex or messy deals. Family-owned businesses are often examples of both because relationships become entangled with business decisions. Emotions run high. What makes a messy business? I recently sold a company where the business owner died, the family sued each other, they were […]
If You’re Thinking about Selling Your Business Next Year, Do This Now.
It’s the end of the calendar year, and for most business owners, it’s the time to take stock. What worked, what didn’t? What are my goals for next year? What can I do to position myself for a successful 2026? For those in the beer and spirits sector, it’s worth noting that this industry continues […]
Your Sales Agreement Will Include a Non-Compete Clause, Right? Maybe
Business sales contracts generally include some form of a non-compete clause, but there are exceptions. For the most part, buyers are protecting their interests by ensuring that a seller cannot start a new business that competes directly with the business they have just sold. Laws on non-compete agreements vary from state to state, so it’s […]
Why Industry Experience Matters When Choosing a Broker
If you’re ready to sell your brewery or distillery business, you want two things: a speedy closing and the best selling price you can get. That’s why it matters that the broker you choose has deep industry knowledge and experience. General business brokers, no matter how skilled they are, can’t be expected to know everything […]
Does a Celebrity Endorsement Add Value to Your Brand?
The short answer is yes. If you can find the right fit for your brew, spirits, or ready-to-drink product, celebrities are a time-proven way to get attention in a crowded marketplace. And that’s the foundational challenge for any liquor brand: how to compete for valuable shelf space in liquor stores and other outlets. Distributors take […]
