Blog
The direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping channel faced a storm of challenges in 2024, navigating some of the toughest market conditions in over a decade. As inflation tightened wallets and consumer behaviors shifted, the industry recorded its steepest declines in shipment volume and value since the inception of the Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report in 2010. The […]
Learn why Tennessee’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TNABC) is cracking down on ‘agent of the consumer’ sales for DtC wine shippers. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TNABC) recently sent a notice to licensed direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shippers indicating that shipping as an “agent of the consumer” is a violation of the state’s laws. This practice, also […]
When no one is home to sign for an alcohol delivery, it becomes more than just a minor hiccup for direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shippers. It’s a domino effect that transforms a perfectly curated product into a customer’s disappointment before it’s ever opened. This becomes an even higher stakes challenge for products like wine that are […]
California’s bottle bill got a major upgrade earlier this year, and it’s changed the rules for wineries, distilleries and beverage distributors in a big way. For the first time, wine and spirits manufacturers will need to register with CalRecycle, report sales and pay California Redemption Value (CRV) fees for containers sold or shipped to California. […]
Although hard to believe, unclaimed property obligations impact ALL industries, including wineries and other wine clubs. While most companies typically only associate unclaimed property with outstanding checks, including accounts payable and payroll, there are other exposures for wineries and wine clubs to consider. Understanding these risks and the requirements for property reporting is critical for […]
Direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shippers are no strangers to navigating a complex regulatory landscape. However, recently, a new challenge has emerged—the rise of retail delivery fees. From excise taxes to shipping restrictions, the industry has long dealt with a maze of state-specific rules that require careful attention and precise compliance. Read on to explore how RDFs […]
When engaging in direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of alcohol, compliance with different state laws is paramount and so keeping up with law changes is critical. In 2024, the rules in several states for DtC have already been adjusted or will change soon. Here is a review of the major rule changes DtC shippers should be aware […]
While wine lovers have enjoyed the convenience of direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping for nearly two decades, the craft spirits market is still not afforded the same access. Outdated and restrictive spirits shipping laws have kept the spirits industry from fully leveraging the benefits of DtC shipping, leaving both consumers and distillers unable to enjoy its full […]
The direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping channel has seen a continuation of movement tracked in the January release of the Sovos ShipCompliant/Wine Business Analytics Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report, with the top destination states experiencing a dip in volume and value. The latest data for the U.S. wine DtC shipping market reveals shipment data trending downward. Nationwide, […]
As craft distillers work to grow their business and market presence, they must contend with innumerable challenges, not least of which is simply being able to access consumers across the country due to restrictive state laws. To help relieve these headwinds, industry groups along with consumer advocacy organizations have taken to supporting efforts to expand […]
A new regulatory framework for direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of beverage alcohol in Alaska is set to take effect on Friday, August 23, 2024. These new rules govern how in-state and out-of-state producers can ship their products to consumers in Alaska following the passage of SB 9 in 2023, an omnibus bill that affected almost every […]
I recently had the privilege of speaking on a panel at the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA) Annual Conference, a regular meeting of regulators, attorneys and other members of the beverage alcohol industry to discuss important issues affecting our trade. Alongside Claire Mitchell, of Stoel Rives, and Erlinda Doherty, of Vinicola Consulting, and […]
Guest blog written by Susan DeMatei, President, WineGlass Marketing WineGlass Marketing recently conducted a study to explore how Millennials and Gen X feel about wine, wine culture and wine country. The goal was to gain insight into how we can make wine, wine club and wine country appealing to these new audiences. Here are just […]
The New York legislature recently passed A3132A, a bill that will expand the range of products that residents of the state can have direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipped to them. The bill is now in the hands of Governor Kathy Hochul—meaning that unless she decides to exercise her veto power, producers across the country will soon be […]
Over May 8-9, Sovos ShipCompliant hosted its 19th annual Wine Summit. For two days, wine makers, managers, consultants, attorneys and other industry members gathered at the Napa Valley Marriott to hear from a cavalcade of experts on regulatory and marketing advice and updates related to the wine industry. 19th annual Wine Summit Recap from Presenters […]
Often, the first thing you notice about a beverage alcohol product is the label. The typeface, imagery and colors used were all meticulously chosen to say something about the product and brand. But it takes more than an eye for graphic design to create a beverage alcohol label. There are several regulatory concerns at play […]
Why is it that direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of wine is available nearly nationwide, but is only available in a dozen or so states for beer and even fewer for spirits? This is the question that underscored a recent panel I participated in alongside Steve Gross, VP of state relations for Wine Institute, and Sam DeWitt, […]