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We’ve previously discussed the importance for producers to get licensed for the three-tier system when beginning to sell and distribute their alcoholic products. However, it’s also critical that when a supplier distributes into a new state, they first recognize if they will be selling into a “control system.” In the control state model, state agencies […]

This March, Sovos ShipCompliant released the second annual Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) Beer Shipping Report in partnership with the Brewers Association. The report features exclusive insights and data on the state of the channel, an economist’s review of the marketplace opportunity and key findings from a consumer preferences survey. Fast facts from the 2022 DtC Beer Shipping […]

Regulatory scrutiny is a constant in the beverage alcohol industry, and direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping is no exception to that. However, the DtC market does bring some unique regulatory concerns. The last several years have seen increased efforts by regulators to get a handle on the growing market, which has led to more audits and enforcement […]

Suppliers looking to get into the valuable and growing market of direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shipping often need support from third parties. From setting up sales to managing shipping logistics to handling complicated tax filings, DtC alcohol shipping is often too much for any one business to deal with entirely on their own. Within the ecosystem […]

Among the many facts and analysis shared during our recent webinar on the 2022 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report, a few really stood out. We gathered some highlights and key stats from the session. The report is an annual collaboration between Sovos ShipCompliant and Wines Vines Analytics, providing detailed insights into the DtC wine channel. The […]

By Andrew Adams, Editor, Wine Analytics Report This year’s annual Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report featured an additional set of data to help put the past two years of unprecedented winery shipment growth in context. Since the surge of shipment volume in March and April 2020, there has been sustained interest in trying to understand just […]

The three-tier system is the prevailing way that alcohol is distributed and sold in the United States, based on a clear cut distinction between different sectors (or “tiers”) of the beverage alcohol market. In the three-tier system, suppliers, such as producers and importers, are required to sell to wholesalers and distributors, who in turn sell […]

On February 9, the Treasury Department issued a report on competition in the beverage alcohol industry, identifying several areas where possible reforms could foster a more level playing field for small businesses, craft producers and new market entrants. The report was part of Executive Order 14036, initiated by the Biden Administration to investigate ways to […]

It’s hard to believe that the first month of 2022 is already in the rearview mirror, but the same way that time keeps moving along, the DtC wine shipping world continues to change. With more states implementing DtC shipping options — and some that took a step in the other direction — it can be […]

As the direct-to-consumer (DtC) beverage alcohol shipping market continues to grow, spurring more interest in the market, there has been a recent rise in, as it’s called, “three-tier DtC shipping” services. In this arrangement, a beverage alcohol supplier—a winery, brewery, distillery, importer or other supplier who might be looking to establish their own DtC program—works […]

This January, Sovos ShipCompliant released the 2022 Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) Wine Shipping Report with our partner, Wines Vines Analytics. The report is the most comprehensive, complete and exclusive collection of data and insights on the state of the industry. Wine shipments to consumers reached a record $4.2 billion in 2021, meaning this is a fantastic time […]

By Zach Kamphuis, Vice President of Business Development at Commerce7 October, November and December represent the best direct-to-consumer (DtC) sales months for many wineries. With the 2021 holiday season now behind us, how can wineries capitalize on the new customers gained through the past months and avoid falling into a post-holiday sales slump for DtC […]

Near Beer registrations have robust 55% growth from Q3 2021  The final months of 2021 saw some fluctuations from recent beverage alcohol brand registration patterns. This is not a complete surprise, as the industry is putting a cork in the second year of doing business and introducing new brands in a pandemic-influenced marketplace. For example, […]

As interest in the direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shipping market has grown, a number of third-party servicers have popped up promising to support the market. These services range from marketing platforms to online storefronts to logistical support, everything that a winery, brewery, distillery or other prospective DtC shipper will need to deal with once they’ve come […]

Businesses in the beverage alcohol space can ship alcohol to consumers, but key rules and regulations apply It’s a common question to wonder if it is legal to ship alcohol. The short answer is, yes! The longer and more in-depth answer is, yes, but there are important laws to follow along the way. That’s why […]

The first step in bringing a new beverage alcohol product to market, whether for sale through the three-tier system or by direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping, is registering it with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Bureau (TTB). This must happen to get a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA), which ensures that suppliers and producers comply with federal […]

As 2021 comes to a close, perhaps there is small comfort in knowing that the old adage of “the only constant is change” remains true for beverage alcohol. Rules and regulations on direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping are adjusted, more states are opening options for DtC shipping and economic nexus continues to impact how suppliers, shippers and […]

By Robert M. Tobiassen* As I write this, we honored soldiers and veterans last month on November 11, Veterans Day in the United States and Armistice Day in much of Europe. It is fitting to focus on another type of devastating conflict—the trade war. First and foremost, however, please do not interpret this comparison to […]