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A number of recent lawsuits filed by beverage alcohol producers have raised new interest in self-distribution rights, an often-overlooked area of the industry. Self-distribution is when a supplier of alcohol, such as an importer or domestic manufacturer, is authorized to sell directly to retailers without having to work with a wholesaler to get their products […]

Last month, Sovos ShipCompliant and WineBusiness Analytics released the 2024 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report, marking the fourteenth consecutive collaboration between the two companies. Alex Koral and Andrew Adams presented an overview of the data and analysis from the report, highlighting key trends and statistics. Here, we summarize some of the noteworthy findings starting with the […]

Sovos ShipCompliant recently released the 2024 Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) Wine Shipping Report with our partner, WineBusiness Analytics. This look-back at 2023 is the most comprehensive, complete and exclusive collection of data and insights on the state of the DtC channel. While DtC wine shipments saw a decline in volume for the second year in a row, […]

I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the 2024 Direct to Consumer (DTC) Wine Symposium (DTCWS) to speak on the past and future of the direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping market. As an annual event, DTCWS provides our industry with a regular opportunity to reflect on market conditions and connect on ways we can all help build […]

2024 has not yet begun but there are some potential upcoming regulatory changes affecting the direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping market that we’re already tracking. The first is Wisconsin SB 268, a major overhaul of the state’s beverage alcohol laws. Since the bill was signed by the governor earlier this month, the question is not so […]

As 2023 comes to a close, now is a great time to review the regulatory changes that impacted the beverage alcohol industry this year. From California’s bottle bill to the  direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping legal battles that occurred around the country, a lot has happened this year. These updates were covered in a webinar hosted by […]

With 2024 just around the corner, it’s necessary to review upcoming regulations that are set to impact wineries and other producers in the direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping market in the coming year. Everything from California’s new bottle bill to Alaska DtC shipping updates were discussed in a recent webinar featuring Jeff Carroll, VP of partners […]

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have quickly become staples for numerous businesses across industries. The beverage alcohol industry is also demonstrating that these efforts are as core to their company successes as lobbying and member education. We’ve gathered a handful of examples of DEI programs that our partners have implemented, showcasing how ensuring a […]

In late October, the District Court of Eastern Washington rejected an effort by the state to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its prohibition on direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of spirits by out-of-state producers. While the case remains open before the court, the full-throated denial of the motion to dismiss was notable for what it signals about how […]

Direct-to-consumer (DtC) beer shipping has remained out of reach for beer enthusiasts who crave the convenience of having their favorite brews delivered right to their doorstep. The demand for DtC beer shipping is palpable, but the supply is disappointingly scarce, with only 10 states and D.C. allowing beer to be shipped to its residents. A […]

It’s hard to avoid headlines discussing artificial intelligence (AI) these days, whether it’s how ChatGPT is being used in court cases or how teachers must learn to spot computer-generated essays. But how could this technology impact the beverage alcohol industry? Is AI already being used, and if so, how? Let’s see how AI is currently […]

Sovos ShipCompliant recently released its second annual Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report, in partnership with the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA). In just its second year, the report shows consumer demand for DtC spirits shipping is on the rise, with 87% of regular craft spirits drinkers saying they want to be able to legally purchase craft […]

On January 1, 2024, wines and spirits sold in California will become subject to the state’s Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, or bottle bill. As the effective date draws near, wineries and distilleries selling in California need to prepare themselves for the new requirements. (Beer and low-ABV mixed drinks were already part of the Act.) […]

The two-day 2023 Sovos ShipCompliant Beverage Alcohol Summit virtual event included a wide variety of speakers covering topics that affect every level of the industry. Some of the highlights from the event are presented below. Actionable DEI Strategies for Growth Dr. J Jackson-Beckham, of Brewers Association, shared five strategies to build diversity, equity, inclusion and […]

The beverage alcohol industry might no longer be strictly viewed as a “boys’ club,” but there are a minority of women leading organizations in the space. However, the number of women-led wineries, breweries and distilleries is on the rise, which – as we’ll explain – is likely a very positive thing for the industry. Let’s […]

Unless Congress is able to pass an appropriations bill in the next few days, the U.S. government is set to shut down all nonessential services effective October 1, 2023. This will include (among many other agencies) the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which will impact the beverage alcohol industry. If the shutdown […]

A trend of the last few years has been the surge in new products entering the beverage alcohol market, from hard seltzers to RTD cocktails, along with the entry of well-established, traditionally non-alcoholic brands, like Hard Mountain Dew and Simply Spiked. While the growth of hard soft drinks is great for consumers, who benefit from […]

There may only be two certainties in life, but consumer preferences are still undoubtedly going to evolve over time. This is definitely true in the direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine industry. Whether consumers are pushing for greater sustainability, increased transparency through a brand’s marketing or want something else entirely, wineries must work to incorporate that into their […]