Bulk wine show IBWSS kicks off today in San Francisco
The International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show kicks off today in San Francisco, in which visitors from all over the world will be flocking to the event to network with some of the biggest names in the bulk wine and private label sector, meet exhibitors from around the world and hear from some of the industry's most influential experts.
As the annual event unfolds, visitors will hear from some of the most high profile professionals in the drinks industry, with 16 speakers delivering TED style talks over the two days of the exhibition. These will provide an insight into what strategies the industries top thinkers are using to shape the marketplace.
Visitors to the exhibition today (Tuesday) will hear how emotion drives purchase, in a talk by Jennifer Leitman, EVP of the family Coppola. She will discuss how every day multiple decisions are influenced by how we feel and how brands go about building deeper emotional connections with consumers.
Meanwhile, Kurt Lorenzi, VP global sourcing, Winery Exchange will be asking the pertinent question, Do you have what it takes to be a private label supplier? He will be examining what the key criteria are to fit the bill. Brett Pontoni, spirits buyer, vice president, Binny’s Beverage depot will be expanding on this theme, looking in detail at what exactly it is that retailers are looking for in a private label supplier.
On day two of the event, the focus will shift from tactics and strategy to industry best practices for bringing new private label product to market. Talks include how to ship bulk wine responsibly while caring for the environment by Luke Arie, regional sales manager, California & Bulk Division, while Evan Stein will be explaining how best to design your businesss’ financial model for bulk business.
Tim Hanni MW will be discussing how to make a profit with sourcing grapes, while Donna Harstman, general counsel, the Connacht Whiskey Company will be examining the issue of trademarks, and asking whether your brands are protected.
Other talks include Mari Kelly, the vice president, private label, wine sales and business strategy discussing how to create private label brands for retail customers while Jena Domingue, vice president at Wine Direct will be focusing on the value of building a DTC brand versuse three tier distribution.
Rounding off the day will be a talk by Gabe Barkley, CEO at MH on successful brand building in the US using the example of four case studies.
In addition to the line up of speakers, the IBWSS San Francisco attracts more and more exhibitors, and this year is no exception. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet the right companies that can help to transform your private label and bulk business.
Special exhibitor zones are just one special feature of this event. From Airport Ranch Estates in Washington to Zidela Wines in South Africa, there are representatives from almost every region of the world.