In this episode of the Drinks.com Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso engages with Jeff Meisel, VP and General Manager of DTC Wine and Spirits at Constellation Brands. Jeff shares his journey from the restaurant industry into the vanguard of direct-to-consumer strategies in wine and spirits, offering a glimpse into the innovative approaches reshaping how brands connect with consumers.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Insights into the evolution of direct-to-consumer strategies within established alcohol brands.
• How customer data platforms enhance personalized marketing and customer retention.
• The balance of online presence and physical customer engagement in the alcohol industry.
• Strategies for navigating regulatory challenges in the digital marketing of alcohol.

Topic timestamps
🎤 Introduction and Jeff's Background (00:00:27)
🍷 Jeff's Transition to the Alcohol Industry (00:02:10)
🌐 Challenges and Strategies in Online Alcohol Sales (00:05:11)
🛒 Adoption of Direct-to-Consumer Models (00:07:03)
💻 Integrating Technology and Customer Data (00:10:07)
🚧 Overcoming E-commerce Hurdles in Alcohol Sales (00:12:03)
🤝 Building Effective Customer Relationships and Marketing Strategies (00:14:20)
📈 Discussion on Business Strategy and Innovation (00:16:32)
🔮 Exploring the Future of Direct-to-Consumer in the Alcohol Industry (00:18:23)
📊 The Importance of Data and Consumer Insights (00:19:26)
🎯 Strategies for Customer Retention and Acquisition (00:20:44)
🔗 Integration Challenges with New Winery Acquisitions (00:24:18)
🔚 Closing Thoughts and Where to Connect with Jeff Meisel (00:37:16

Jeff Meisel
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymeisel/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Join host Brandon Amoroso as he delves into the fascinating world of the alcohol industry with Michael Cella, a seasoned expert in consumer investment banking. In this episode, Cella shares valuable insights into the macroeconomic landscape of wineries and alcohol, challenging prevailing narratives with a contrarian perspective. From the impact of COVID on online alcohol sales to the rise of experiential retail, Michael and Brandon explore the trends shaping the industry's future. With a focus on resilience and innovation, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Join the conversation today to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of the alcohol industry.

Topic timestamps
🎙️ Introduction to Michael Cella and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (00:00:00)
🍷 The macroeconomic environment for wineries and the alcohol industry in 2024 (00:02:07)
📉 Mistakes made during the COVID boom in online alcohol sales (00:05:30)
🛒 Inventory challenges and supply chain issues in the alcohol industry (00:07:43)
📈 Valuations and market dynamics amidst the current challenges (00:08:35)
🌱 Shifts in consumer preferences, including the rise of experiential retail and non-alcoholic alternatives (00:09:24)
🌿 The impact of cannabis as a substitute for alcohol and its regulatory landscape (00:14:06)
🍹 The opportune timing for starting an alcohol business amidst market fluctuations (00:19:49)
🍾 The fun questions (00:22:17)

Mike Cella:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cella-54a49a2

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the Drinks.com podcast, host Brandon Amoroso speaks with Jota Tanaka, the master blender of Fuji Whisky. They delve into Tanaka's remarkable journey from brewing and winemaking in California and Kentucky to his role at Fuji Gotemba Distillery. Jota shares his insights into whiskey blending, market trends, and the impact of global demand on Japanese whiskey. He also discusses the delicate balance between tradition and innovation while introducing the special 50th-anniversary single malt blend. Listen in to uncover the artistry, legacy, and global vision that define Fuji Whisky's approach to crafting spirits.

Topic timestamps:
🎙️ Introduction to the episode and guest introductions (00:00:00)
🌏 Jota Tanaka shares his background and journey into the alcohol industry (00:00:40)
🕰️ Changes in the alcohol industry over the past few decades (00:06:02)
📈 Popularity and pricing issues with Japanese whiskey (00:07:45)
🥃 Whiskey production process and differences from wine (00:09:26)
🏭 Production capacity of the Fuji Gotemba Distillery (00:14:17)
🍶 Other products Fuji Whisky produces (00:15:20)
🌍 Fuji Whisky's export markets and expansion strategy (00:16:48)
🪵 The types of barrels used in aging and the differences between age labels (00:17:09)
🧪 The factors that affect the aging process and exclusivity of high-quality whiskeys (00:18:11)
🤖 Role of technology in whiskey blending and production (00:21:12)
🔮 The future of the whiskey market and changing consumer interests (00:25:02)
📜 Importance of legacy and tradition in whiskey making (00:32:42)

Jota Tanaka:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jota-tanaka-a19a37146/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon