How does wine distribution in the US work?
Because wine distribution regulations vary so much between markets, it is difficult to give a general overview of the process, but we can take the US import market as an example.
The US has a unique alcohol distribution system, and wine distribution is a licensed industry. It is a complicated system that can confuse and frustrate even those familiar with the market. Alcoholic product sales and distribution in the US mainly operates via what is known as the three-tier system. This system requires alcohol to pass through three tiers, from producers to distributors and then retailers, before finally reaching the consumer. The first tier can also include importers, as well as producers.
Wine distributors, in the second tier, purchase wine from the winery or importer and then sell it to retailers such as liquor stores, restaurants, and bars.
The three-tier system places restrictions on the ability of each tier to interact with the others. This means that manufacturers and importers cannot sell directly to retailers (or consumers), and retailers cannot purchase alcohol from manufacturers or importers. In other words, the first and third tiers can only interact via licensed wine distributors. This gives wine distributors a very influential role in how wine is sold in the US.
Each state also has slightly different alcohol distribution and imported wine license regulations. In some states, known as ‘control states’, the state itself is responsible for the distribution of beverage alcohol (either all spirits, wine, beer or a combination thereof). In ‘permit states’ licensed private companies can distribute all alcohol or specific categories.
The licensed wine distributors in the state will enter into an agreement with importers (or the winery directly) and sell or market it to bars, restaurants and retailers in their area. They often also use wine warehousing, which allows them to resupply retailers quickly.
Under the US system, importers function like wineries for wine distribution purposes. Importers identify great wines from outside the US and then go through the licensing and compliance process to bring it to market. This will involve securing the proper permits, approved labels, certification, customs setup and shipping documents to be able to order and import the product. Importers will also need to plan for distribution, either securing the proper permits for their state or contracting with distributors out of state to expand the availability of the product in the market.
Common wine distribution channels for the US market
There are different wine distribution channels that you can use to reach potential customers in the US, including:
- Off trade or off premise: retailers, such as wine stores and supermarkets.
- On trade or on premise: places that sell wine to be consumed on the premises, such as bars and restaurants.
- Ecommerce: sellers who sell to consumers via online sales, wine clubs or winery tasting rooms.
Responsibility for choosing a strategy may fall to the distributor or the importer in the US system.
Who is the biggest distributor of wine?
The variation in wine regulation between countries and regions means that distributors usually operate exclusively within a certain region. For example, the biggest wine distributor in the US is Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits.
Is the demand for wine increasing?
Globally, the wine market is increasing and is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Expanding distribution channels, alongside an increase in wine production and variety, means that wine imports and exports have been booming. In the US, the wine market is expected to grow by over 16.9% in the next 10 years. Online sales have also made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of wines from different regions and producers, and combined with wine tourism has helped to increase interest in new wine styles and regions.
