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Like other alcohol producers, sake brewers are increasingly interested in the direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping market to better connect with their consumers. While the laws governing DtC shipping of sake are fairly straightforward, broadly following the rules for shipping other product types, it is complicated depending on how each state defines sake itself.  No state’s DtC […]

Retailer direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping still has a way to go in terms of being as widely accepted as DtC wine shipping. However, there has been continued interest in making that a reality.  Sovos ShipCompliant keeps a close watch on the latest updates in the beverage alcohol industry, and we’ve gathered a few of the top […]

Fall is here and the wine direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipments landscape has adapted to the “new normal” of the pandemic. Staying mindful of marketplace data will ensure the industry can properly adjust to any ebbs and flows, helping wine producers, retailers and consumers alike.  Nielsen is collaborating with Wines Vines Analytics and Sovos ShipCompliant to provide […]

Sparkling product registrations leads the way, with 23% spike in Q3 2021  As the summer months wind down, beverage alcohol consumers are not halting their buying patterns. While the third quarter of 2021 saw decreases in new product registrations when compared to Q2, numerous categories show continued increases over the last year, largely in wine […]

Direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shipping laws vary from state to state, and that fact holds true for importers looking to enter the DtC business. While importers can be treated similarly to other members of the “supplier” tier (e.g., wineries, breweries), they are often treated differently in federal and state regulations.  Because of how DtC shipping laws […]

By Tom Wark, Executive Director, National Association of Wine Retailers The effort to open more states for interstate wine retailer-to-consumer shipments is multi-pronged. One prong—perhaps the most important—is the effort to overturn discriminatory state laws by using the federal courts to challenge state laws that violate the U.S. Constitution’s dormant commerce clause as well as the […]

Earlier this year, SB 307 was enacted in Nevada, effectively eliminating the right for Nevada residents to receive direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipments of beer and spirits from producers, or any alcoholic beverage from out-of-state retailers. Previously, Nevada DtC alcohol shipping permissions were among the most open, with the state allowing breweries, distilleries and retailers to sell […]

Direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of alcohol requires producers, shippers and retailers to stay compliant with numerous rules and regulations. Tax determination and reporting is one of those key areas, and also presents a unique challenge to shippers.  Regulations on DtC shipping require shippers to recognize and manage a tax burden that is much broader than if […]

As states have adopted new economic nexus laws over the last several years, vastly expanding whom states can make responsible for sales taxes obligations, direct-to-consumer (DtC) shippers of alcohol have had to adjust, though not as much as most remote sellers. Generally, DtC alcohol shippers are required to collect and remit sales taxes in the […]

DtC cider shipping can be complicated in that whether a state permits it often depends on how a state defines “cider.” Ciders are a general category of beverage alcohol products, made from fermented apples or pears, with a low to moderate alcohol content and often sold as an alternative to malt beverages.  In terms of […]

A recent review by the state of Idaho Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) division’s legal team has conclusively determined that out-of-state retailers have no permission to ship any beverage alcohol products direct-to-consumer (DtC) in the state. This determination reverses previous interpretations of Idaho’s laws, which had been understood to permit such shipments As the DtC wine […]

Summer is winding down and the wine landscape continues to fluctuate in response to the pandemic. Staying mindful of marketplace data will ensure the industry can properly adjust to any ebbs and flows, helping wine producers, retailers and consumers alike.  Nielsen is collaborating with Wines Vines Analytics and Sovos ShipCompliant to provide a much more […]

Understanding brand ownership and self-production requirements We’ve previously discussed how direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of alcohol has numerous requirements and regulations for producers and retailers. Everything from getting licensed to brand label registration details to age verification protocols must be considered. But what happens when an alcohol producer (e.g., a winery, brewery, distillery or cidery) wants […]

A review of the passage of House Bill 1545, also known as the 2019 TABC Sunset Bill, has compelled the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to majorly revamp their alcohol license process and fees. The following changes are set to be effective September 1, 2021.  What changes are occurring? Texas is moving from 75 to […]

Direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping continues to grow in popularity, something that has not gone unnoticed by retailers. While alcohol producers enjoy broad access to the DtC shipping market, there are nuanced alcohol retailer DtC shipping laws and regulatory rules for compliance. A key consideration for retailers looking to ship alcohol DtC is recognizing the states that […]

Brand label registration is an essential part of the process of selling alcohol. And while many suppliers are aware of these requirements for three-tier distribution, they can often overlook them when it comes to direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping.  Alcohol labels, whether on a bottle, can or keg, have lots of information that is highly regulated, both […]

Wine and beer new product registrations also see positive growth in Q2 2021  The beverage alcohol industry continues to fluctuate as it accounts for varying consumer buying patterns, due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second quarter of 2021 saw positive growth in new product registrations, with the spirit category leading the way. […]

Following the January release of our annual Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report in partnership with Wines Vines Analytics, consumers continue to make changes in how they get their wine. With the economy still working to rebound in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ecommerce sales have remained important. On-premise locations, including bars, restaurants and tasting rooms, […]