In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, Chris Maffeo discusses the dynamic nature of the drinks industry with guest Philip Duff. The conversation highlights the challenges large companies face in adapting to market demands and the agility of smaller brands to innovate. The discussion delves into the importance of grassroots brand building and understanding consumer behavior, using examples like Peroni's success in Scandinavia and Mezcal's rise. Maffeo and Duff critique the reliance on standard research reports and emphasize the value of unconventional insights. The episode concludes with insights into risk-taking in large firms and the significance of sustaining brand relevance through continuous market engagement. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:28 Big Companies vs. Small Brands 02:38 Case Study: Peroni's Success in Scandinavia 05:40 The Impact of Mexican Cuisine on Agave Spirits 07:46 Challenges in Big Firms and Market Research 13:14 The Art of Brand Building 24:00 The Mezcal Trend and Luxury Marketing 26:39 Understanding Consumer Trends 31:38 Conclusion and Farewell About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Phillip Duff

In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, host Chris Maffeo welcomes guest Philip Duff, a renowned bar industry personality and brand owner. They engage in a vibrant discussion about the complexity of creating and managing a brand in the drinks industry, drawing from Philip's diverse experiences. Chris emphasizes the importance of learning and adapting in the ever-evolving beverage industry and the importance of never being afraid to take risks. The discussion touches on brand creation, the demographic approach, and the significance of brand uniqueness. The conversation delves into identifying market gaps, consumer demographics, the evolution of drinking occasions, and how brands like Cointreau and Fireball succeeded by seizing opportunities. They explore how timing and adaptability can be pivotal in making a brand successful, citing examples of industry giants who were once small players. Throughout, Chris and Philip share insights on the significance of pivoting and continuously engaging with the evolving landscape of the drinks industry. 00:00 Welcome to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast 00:27 Introducing Philip Duff 01:40 The Journey of Brand Building 05:19 Navigating the Liquor Industry 07:48 Targeting the Right Audience 24:56 The Importance of Timing and Trends 38:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Phillip Duff

In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, with guest Chris LeBeau, we explore the nuances of flavor profiles, consumer preferences, and the intricacies of crafting an exceptional cocktail. LeBeau shares insights on how different cultural backgrounds and personal tastes influence drink choices and experiences. He discusses the importance of storytelling and emotions in drink presentation, the role of brands in cocktail creation, and how bartenders and consumers can better communicate to achieve a satisfying drinking experience. The dialogue emphasizes understanding where good drinks originate, looking beyond brands to quality ingredients, and exploring novel mixer concepts. The episode invites listeners to embrace drink-making with a discerning palate and open mind. 00:00 Welcome to the Mafeo Drinks Podcast 00:28 The Ferris Wheel of 50 Best Bars 00:54 Taste Profiles and Restaurant Experiences 03:02 Categorizing Cocktails and Menu Descriptions 07:55 Brand Influence on Cocktail Menus 10:34 Personal Preferences and Cocktail Choices 17:51 Cultural Influences on Taste 21:29 The Impact of Small Additions in Cocktails 21:57 Bridging Taste Profiles: From Rum to Whiskey 22:41 Exploring Boulevardier Variations 23:47 Understanding Barrel Aging and Spirit Mellowing 24:55 Building Trust with Customers2 5:32 Maximizing Tasting Experiences in Classes 26:09 Avoiding Assumptions in Drink Preferences 30:18 The Importance of Reading the Room 36:55 Evaluating Bartender Skills and Drink Quality 39:42 Final Thoughts and How to Connect About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Chris LeBeau

In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, we have an insightful discussion with Chris Le Beau, who transitioned from a strategic consulting role into the world of mixology. The conversation explores Le Beau's passion for cocktails and the journey of learning and teaching cocktail-making. Key topics include the importance of mastering classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, the impact of consumer perceptions on cocktail culture, and the significance of designing accessible yet informative menus in bars. We also discuss effectively bridging the gap between complex mixology and everyday cocktail enjoyment. Throughout the episode, the emphasis is on refining the basics and imparting knowledge to create a better drinking experience for everyone. 00:00 Welcome to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast 00:27 Guest Introduction and Background 01:09 Journey into Mixology 03:51 From Passion Project to Business 04:23 Consumer Perspective on Cocktails 10:57 The Importance of Cocktail Fundamentals 13:05 Challenges in Cocktail Culture 28:17 Menu Design and Customer Experience 33:30 Closing Remarks About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Chris Le Beau

In episode 76, we continue the conversation with Rob Malin from Ep. 75. We delve into the complexities of incorporating sustainability into a wine brand's selling story. We talk about the impact of consumer trends and government legislation on brand growth, and discover strategies for balancing traditional wine marketing with innovative sustainable practices. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:48 Incorporating Sustainability into Wine Branding 02:43 Consumer Trends and Government Legislation 03:52 Packaging and Consumer Perception 06:47 Target Occasions vs. Target Consumers 09:03 Challenges and Opportunities in Wine Marketing 15:17 The Role of Education in Sustainability 27:25 Reflections and Future Strategies 32:01 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us About The Guest: Rob Malin About The Host: Chris Maffeo

In episode 75, we delve into the unique journey of 'When in Rome' wine with its founder, Rob Malin. We discover how challenging traditional wine packaging led to innovations like bag-in-box and paper bottles, driven by the brand's environmental commitments. Rob shares insights on the complexities of entering the UK market, the impact of bottom-up and top-down strategies, and the importance of local versus national listings. We talk about the crucial role of premium retailers like Waitrose in their growth, the financial hurdles faced by new brands, and the potential of cross-category competition in alcoholic beverages. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast 01:04 Welcoming Rob Malin: Founder of When in Rome Wine 02:09 Exploring the Wine and Spirits Industry 03:57 The Rise of Canned Alcoholic Drinks 07:37 The Story Behind When in Rome Wine 13:05 Challenges and Strategies in the UK Market 17:32 Innovative Packaging and Environmental Impact 26:56 Building a Brand in Supermarkets 28:16 The Importance of Rate of Sale and Distribution 41:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About The Guest: Rob Malin About The Host: Chris Maffeo

In this episode, I host the legendary Indie Bartender, Cocktailman Danil Nevsky for a deep dive into the dynamic world of bartending and brand interactions. We discuss the evolution of the hospitality and drinks industry, and tackle the ongoing disconnect between bartenders and brand managers. Danil offers insightful critiques on the state of the industry, sharing anecdotes and observations on brand ambassadors' roles, the rise of cocktail culture, and the generational shift in bartending. We also explore the adaptation of bar experiences to be more consumer-friendly and the critical role of social media in modern bartending. The episode is both a nostalgic look back and a hopeful glance forward, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the symbiotic relationship between bars and brands. I hope you will enjoy our chat NB It contains Hard Language, which is not suitable for all audiences. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:20 Meet Danil Nevsky: Indie Bartender 02:29 The Disconnect Between Bartenders and Brands 04:20 The Evolution of the Spirits Industry 06:22 Generational Drinking and Market Changes 07:59 The Role of Brand Ambassadors 09:21 The Impact of Social Media and Technology 13:14 Challenges in Brand and Bar Collaboration 16:04 The Future of Bartending and Brand Interactions 38:04 The Evolution of Cocktail Content Creators 38:44 The Oral Tradition of Bartending 39:12 The Impact of Content Creators on Bartending 44:14 Brand Relationships in the Bar Industry 46:43 Balancing Brand and Bar Dynamics 51:47 The Role of Bartenders in Enhancing Customer Experience 55:47 Cultural Influences on Cocktail Culture 01:06:16 The Future of Cocktail Culture 01:10:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Danil Nevsky

In episode 073, I continue the conversation with Filiberto Amati on his Growth, Brands and More Podcast. I explain the concept of 'Drinks Builder' and we delve into the blurred lines between marketing and sales, discussing how to create demand before capturing it. I emphasize the importance of understanding customer needs, solving problems with your brand, and building communities, particularly among bartenders. We discuss successful case studies, the impact of strategic thinking on the supply chain, and tools for effective marketing and advocacy. This conversation is packed with insights on creating a strong demand for your beverage brand through a bottom-up approach. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:12 Understanding the Concept of Drinks Builder 02:17 Creating Demand Before Capturing It 03:46 The Role of Bartenders and Community Building 05:18 Strategic Thinking and Supply Chain Impact 06:23 Building a Commercial Proposition 07:39 Generating Demand in Non-Traditional Venues 11:55 The Importance of Insight and Problem-Solving 21:07 The Role of Advocacy and Community in Marketing 33:08 Final Thoughts and Conclusion About The Host: Filiberto Amati About The Guest: Chris Maffeo

In episode 072 I was hosted by Filiberto Amati on his Growth, Brands and More Podcast. I shared my journey from being a Sales guy in Rome to working at major beverage companies in Europe until founding MAFFEO DRINKS. We discuss the fundamental principles of building brands from the bottom up, the importance of having a clear and consistent strategy, and how to execute it successfully across different markets and channels. I also talk about the value of small empirical experiments, the balance between strategy and execution, and how to handle unexpected opportunities. Tune in to gain deep insights into the art and science of beverage brand building. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast 01:09 Interview with Filippo Bertomatti 01:56 Chris Maffeo's Career Path 05:15 Challenges and Insights in Brand Building 06:33 Defining a Good Strategy 10:50 Consistency and Simplicity in Strategy 24:39 The Role of Frugality in Brand Building 28:38 Empirical Experiments and Market Testing 39:52 Handling Unexpected Opportunities 46:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About The Host: Filiberto Amati About The Guest: Chris Maffeo

In episode 071, I sit down with Morten Stengaard, Co-Founder and CEO of Bemakers, to discuss the challenges and strategies of expanding into international markets. We delve into the complexities of distribution, the importance of local market engagement, and Bemakers' innovative approach to streamlining direct and indirect beverage distribution. Morten shares valuable insights on brand building, consumer engagement, and navigating the drinks industry's intricate ecosystem.N.B. If you are interested in Bemakers, mention the MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast to receive a 50% discount on the Setup fee.https://bemakers.com/ Time Stamps00:00 Introduction 00:54 Challenges in Local Distribution03:08 Expanding to International Markets04:28 Founding Beemakers: A New Approach06:23 Building Demand in New Markets07:57 The Importance of Local Market Engagement10:22 Strategies for Effective Brand Building13:56 Leveraging Direct-to-Consumer Channels37:03 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationAbout The Host: Chris MaffeoAbout The Guest: Morten Stengaard

In episode 070, I chat with Morten Stengaard, Co-founder of Andersen Winery. We discuss the intricacies of creating a new category in the beverage industry, focusing on premium fruit wines. Morten shares insights on category vs. brand building, the importance of positioning, and the role of premium pricing. We explore market strategies ranging from fine dining establishments to off-trade venues, highlighting the nuances of consumer education and creating demand. Morten emphasizes the significance of seasonality and portfolio approach in keeping products relevant and appealing to customers. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Meet Morten Stengaard: Co-Founder of Andersen Winery 02:47 Building a New Beverage Category 08:14 Positioning Premium Fruit Wines 10:20 Targeting Specific Drinking Occasions 14:37 Expanding to Off-Trade Markets 26:44 Seasonality and Portfolio Approach 31:46 Conclusion About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Morten Stengaard

In episode 69 of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, Chris continues his conversation with Felice Capasso, diving deep into consumer misconceptions in the alcohol industry and how brand advocacy should be approached. They examine consumers' misunderstandings about production processes, using the example of whisky from Scotland. They also discuss the importance of educating consumers and professionals, the difference between creating a trend and establishing a category, and how to stand out in a crowded market. Real-life analogies, like Italian food specialties, help illustrate the nuances of education and branding. Additionally, the episode touches on the importance of retention in the hospitality industry's workforce and how brands can use logical, fact-based approaches to educate and engage effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:29 Consumer Misunderstandings in the Spirits Industry 03:59 The Importance of Open-Mindedness and Education 06:39 Creating and Defining Categories in the Spirits Industry 9:53 Pragmatic vs. Fluffy Storytelling 19:37 Building Category VS Cannibilizing Category 30:49 The Role of Education and Retention in the Industry 40:30 Closing Remarks and Contact Information About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Felice Capasso

In episode 68 of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, host Chris Maffeo talks to Felice Capasso, Diageo WorldClass winner of Norway 2024 and WSET 2 &3 Spirits Educator. They explore compelling storytelling and strategies for brand building in a crowded market. The discussion covers the importance of having a clear message in packaging, brand advocacy training, and maintaining consistency across all marketplace touchpoints. Felice shares his insights from both the brand side and bartender’s perspective, emphasizing the need for clear and expressive communication in the spirits industry. The episode touches on balancing brand identity with creative freedom, offering examples of successful brand strategies and the importance of education within the industry. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 68 00:51 Meeting Felice Capasso 02:38 Felice's Journey and Background 05:04 Industry Insights and Brand Building 08:38 The Role of Expressiveness in Spirits 15:28 Managing Consumer Expectations 21:48 Brand Brainwash in the Spirits Industry 22:49 The Importance of Blind Tastings 24:24 Understanding Market Positioning 27:01 Explaining Product Characteristics 29:22 Creating Clear Brand Identities 35:27 Recruiting New Consumers 41:10 Distillation Myths and Realities 44:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About The Host: ⁠Chris Maffeo⁠ About The Guest: ⁠Felice Capasso

In episode 67 of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, host Chris Maffeo continues his conversation with Mikko Koskinen, co-founder of Kyrö Distillery, from the previous episode. They discuss the integration of food and drink culture in society, the challenges of building a brand, and exporting distillery products. Mikko shares his insights on market dynamics, cultural references, and the importance of personal involvement in brand growth. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of long-term planning and adaptability in the spirits industry. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:23 Cultural Integration of Food and Drink 01:41 Nordic Whiskey and Food Culture 03:49 Export Strategies and Market Penetration 07:44 Challenges in Distribution and Brand Building 12:09 Importance of Local Knowledge and Experimentation 18:17 Entrepreneurial Insights and Personal Stories 35:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In episode 66 of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, Chris Maffeo speaks with Mikko Koskinen, the co-founder of Kyrö Distillery. They delve into the distinctiveness of Finnish rye as an ingredient, the importance of provenance and local culture in brand building, and the merits of being a distillery-first versus product-first company. The discussion also covers how to effectively convey a brand's story to both local and international markets, the genesis of Kyrö's products from creating rye whiskey in a sauna, and the significance of communality, Nordic minimalism, and rye's cultural relevance in their brand philosophy. Additionally, they touch upon the challenges and strategies of maintaining brand communication consistency, emphasizing the importance of building trust in premium spirits. Kyrö Distillery Ad 00:00 Introduction to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast 00:38 Meet Mikko Koskinen: Co-Founder of Kyrö Distillery 00:45 Chris's Connection to Finland 01:35 The Evolution of Finnish Drinks 02:38 Brand vs. Liquid: What's More Important? 04:59 The Origin Story of Kyrö Distillery 07:33 The Role of Rye in Finnish Culture 17:12 Building a Distillery Brand 24:44 Simplifying Whiskey for Newcomers 35:34 Marketing Strategies and Challenges 41:40 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Mikko Koskinen

In episode 65, I discussed with Nicola Olianas the importance of creating demand and building advocacy. We dive into Fernet Branca coin's role in connecting bartenders globally. Nicola explains its origins, rules, and traditions and how it became a crucial symbol in the bartending community. Nicola also covers brand advocacy, Fernet Branca's passionate culture, and maintaining brand authenticity and loyalty. He highlights the importance of building a brand that is respected by competitors and becoming an aggregator of industry people and consumers. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Nicola Olianas is the Global Export Head of Advocacy and Ambassadors at Fratelli Branca, working with brands such as Fernet Branca, Carpano Vermouth, Antica Formula, and Punt e Mes. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast 00:10 Exploring Fernet Branca's Global Connection 00:43 The Taste Profile and Brand Consistency 02:50 The Significance of Fernet Branca's Coin 03:55 Building Brand Respect and Longevity 09:57 The Italian Excellence and Global Expansion 12:46 The Mission and Passion Behind Fernet Branca 20:08 The Fernet Branca Coin Challenge 27:08 How to Connect with Nicola and Final Thoughts

In Ep. 64, I hosted Nicola Olianas to discuss Fernet Branca's evolution from a medicinal remedy to a global icon known as "The Bartenders Handshake". Nicola shares insights on brand building, the importance of liquid quality, and the creation of a unique category in the spirits industry. The episode also highlights the Fernet Branca coin as a symbol of community among bartenders. Nicola Olianas is the Global Export Head of Advocacy and Ambassadors at Fratelli Branca, working with brands such as Fernet Branca, Carpano Vermouth, Antica Formula, and Punt e Mes. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast 00:51 Meet Nicola Olianas: Global Head of Advocacy at Fratelli Branca 01:34 The Origin of Fernet Branca: From Medicinal Remedy to Global Icon 02:58 Brand Building vs. Liquid Quality: What Comes First? 06:24 Creating a Unique Category in the Spirits Industry 10:18 The Importance of Versatility in Product Use 23:53 The Bartender's Handshake: The Story Behind Fernet Branca 33:26 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Nicola Olianas

In Episode 063, Chris Maffeo and David Wood from the Liana Collection share valuable insights on the three stages of brand distribution. He provides expert advice for startup drink brands on self-distribution, the role of small and large distributors, and the crucial importance of building trade relationships. The discussion also covers the complexities of working with wholesalers, the necessity of immersive brand experiences for sales teams, and strategies for national and international brand expansion. Emphasizing the need for founders to stay actively engaged in the trade, David and Chris highlight the evolving role of salespersons in today's digital age. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to scaling your drinks brand successfully! Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Brand Distribution Stages 00:55 Advice for Startup Drink Brands 02:34 Scaling with Distributors ⁠03:26 Importance of On-Trade Chains 11:11 Managing Relationships with Wholesalers 16:30 Building Brand Demand 24:11 Role of Sales Reps and Founders 32:58 Digitalization of Sales and Social Media ⁠37:24 Conclusion and Contact Information About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: David Wood

In Ep. 062, I dived into the complexities of the drinks distribution industry with David Wood, Founder of Liana Collection, a UK-based Premium Drinks Importer and Distributor (IWSC Spirits Distributor of the Year 2023 in the UK). He shares valuable insights on what makes a successful brand, the importance of quality liquid, and the market's competitive nature. Discover the criteria for selecting brands, the significance of founder-led stories, and the focus on sustainability and smaller categories. We also discuss the challenges of gaining a distributor's mindshare, the benefits of being a secondary cocktail ingredient, and strategies for maintaining balance in a brand portfolio. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the drinks industry, brand development, and distribution strategies. Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to the World of Distribution: A Candid Chat 00:51 The Essence of Building a Drinks Brand: Brand vs. Liquid 03:31 Insider's Guide: Selecting Brands for Distribution 06:31 Innovative Strategies in the Drinks Industry 09:39 The Art of Being a Secondary Ingredient 20:43 The Power of Modifiers in Cocktail Creation 29:00 Navigating Portfolio and Contract Negotiations 31:56 Navigating Brand Sales and Relationships 34:07 Strategic Portfolio Management and Outlet Selection 35:33 Adapting Sales Strategies Across Different Venues 39:43 The Importance of Brand Identity and Selective Partnerships 41:47 Personal Growth and Career Reflections 44:48 Building a Business with Purpose and Longevity 55:47 The Value of Legacy and Historical Insight in Branding About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: David Wood

In Ep. 61, I continued the conversation with Nick Gillett from Ep. 60. He’s the Managing Director of Mangrove Global. We spoke about all the aspects of bringing Drinks Brands to market from start to scale, including distributors, Wholesalers, and all the links in the Drinks Ecosystem. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:25 Portfolio Selection 8:20 Creating Your Own Category 16:42 Micro Categories & National Cuisines 23:20 Traditional & Modern Serves 25:53 Geographic Centered Marketing 30:25 Building a Neighborhood Presence 32:33 Overcomplicating Cocktails 34:10 Value of Off-Trade 37:44 Transitioning to Chains 41:21 Where To Find Nick 42:23 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Nick Gillett

In Ep. 60, I had an incredible chat with Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove Global. We spoke about all the aspects of bringing Drinks Brands to market from start to scale, including distributors, Wholesalers, and all the links in the Drinks Ecosystem. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 1:20 Brand or Liquid Marketing Foundation 1:58 Nick Gillett Intro 6:58 Wholesalers & Importers Differences 12:50 The Game of Share of Mind 16:53 The Diversity of Wholesale 25:58 Has Wholesale Changed? 28:53 The Value of Relationships 32:10 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Nick Gillett

In Episode 59, I continued the chat with Stephen Myers, from Ep. 58. He is the Founder of Dynamic Beverage Consultants. He is also one of the Originals at Ilegal Mezcal. We dived into the crucial aspects of launching a new brand in the (US) market and how to avoid expensive mistakes. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:34 Your First 1,000 Pounds 4:00 Building Presence In The Trade 8:22 Being Relevant 14:35 Portfolio Strategies, One Bar 17:11 Portfolio Strategies, Many Bars 20:51 Independent Vs Chains 24:17 Be Careful What You Wish For 29:26 Last Thoughts On Entrepreneurship 34:15 Last Thoughts About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Stephen Myers

In Episode 58, I chatted with Stephen Myers, Founder of Dynamic Beverage Consultants. He is also one of the Originals at Ilegal Mezcal. We dived into the crucial aspects of launching a new brand in the (US) market and how to avoid expensive mistakes. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:51 About Steve 4:26 Brand Or Liquid Lead 6:34 Brand Story & Differentiation 12:28 Target Occasion 14:06 Creating Demand 16:57 Great Marketing, Bad Commercials 21:20 Beyond Categories 22:36 Breaking Into New Markets (Relationship Chaining) 28:07 Drinks Relationship Ecosystem 33:50 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Stephen Myers

In episode 57, we've created a cross-episode with the Park Street University Insider Podcast. I spoke to Emmett Strack, and we dived into the latest 2024 trends in the drinks industry. We compared the US and Europe, talking about the cross-pollination of trends in the cocktail scene, and in the overall bottom-up trade. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 2:16 Role of Convenience & Occasion 8:51 Ascension of Flavor 15:38 Pressurization 18:35 On-Trade In Europe 23:05 Euro Cocktail Trends 30:51 Gen Z & Drinking Occasion 36:42 Euro Drinking Categories 41:41 American Drinking Trends 46:14 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Emmett Strack

In Episode 56, I continued the conversation with Georgie Bell, The Heart Cut's co-founder from Ep.55. She has extensive industry experience, having previously worked at Diageo, Bacardi, and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. We discussed how to explain a product, starting from a liquid, going into taste profile, storytelling, and target occasions. We closed with a dive into the life of a start-up with learnings and course correction to build bottom-up. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:24 Where Do You Start 4:46 Importance Of Follow Up 7:41 Importance Of Normal Bars 13:05 Importance Of Off-Trade 15:18 When To Wholesale? 17:09 One Bottle, One Case, One Pallet 23:40 Building Demand With Partners 30:56 The Drinks Ecosystem 34:20 Start Up Challenges 47:34 Contact Details 49:19 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Georgie Bell

In Episode 55, I enjoyed chatting with The Heart Cut's co-founder Georgie Bell. She has extensive industry experience, having previously worked at Diageo, Bacardi, and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. We discussed how to explain a product, starting from a liquid, going into taste profile, storytelling, and target occasions. We closed with a dive into the life of a start-up with learnings and course correction to build bottom-up. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 2:03 Brand or Liquid? 6:43 Social Currency 12:43 Story Telling 23:22 Taste Profile 25:39 Target Consumer Vs Target Occasion 36:35 Women In Whisk(e)y 36:24 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Georgie Bell

In Episode 054 I had the pleasure of speaking with Vani Gupta Dandia. I was a guest in her Marketing with Vani Podcast were she interviews marketing people from various industries. We dived into the Drinks Industry, looking at it from outside. I hope you will enjoy our chat Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:26 Background 2:00 What Differentiates Alcohol 3:05 Target Occasions 7:35 Bridging Categories 9:22 Gender Stereotypes 11:12 Tracking What You Can Track 13:47 Educating Consumers 18:11 Role Of Storytelling 20:24: Bottom Up Trade 24:17 Being Everything To Everyone 26:40 Playing with Variations 31:39 Cross Generational Appeal 36:36 Functional VS Recreational 39:54 Building Brands Bottom Up 46:17 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Vani Gupta Dandia

In Episode 053, I continued the conversation with Justin Medcraft from Episode 052, so feel free to listen to that as well. He is the Founder of Mate Maker Hard Kombucha. He brings a wealth of previous experience in Spirits and Beer. We discussed building demand for a start-up drinks brand, standing out amongst a sea of products, and focusing on building momentum. I hope you will enjoy our chat. One last thing: If you enjoy this podcast, you will also like the MAFFEO DRINKS Guides. You can subscribe free or paid on maffeodrinks.com Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:24 When To Open New Markets 10:31 Community Driven Marketing 15:45 Growing From Your Community 18:33 Getting The SKU In, Increasing Rotation 26:33 Advantages Of Small Brands 36:19 Discipline 39:15 Contacts 39:54 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Justin Medcraft

In Episode 52, I enjoyed chatting with Justin Medcraft, the Founder of Mate Maker Hard Kombucha. He brings a wealth of previous experience in Spirits and Beer. We discussed how to build demand for a start-up drinks brand, stand out amongst a sea of products, and focus on building momentum. I hope you will enjoy our chat. One last thing: If you enjoy this podcast, you will also like the MAFFEO DRINKS Guides. You can subscribe free or paid on maffeodrinks.com Time Stamps 0:00 Introduction 2:04 Building Demand 3:49 Building Community: Brand Or Liquid? 6:15 Mate Maker Elevator Pitch 11:26 The Consumer Pitch 13:07 The Ring Road 19:39 Determining Direction 26:05 Home Turf Advantage 35:09 Growing Beyond Your Hometown 38:01 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Justin Medcraft

In Episode 051, I continued the conversation with Ilias Mastrogiannis from Episode 050 so feel free to listen to that as well. I hope you will enjoy our chat Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:15 Winning Large Retailers 5:28 Securing The Foundation 8:34 Non-Scalable Tasks 13:31 1% Better Everyday 17:57 The Necessity of Obsession 25:07 Wrap Up 27:24 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Ilias Mastrogiannis

In Episode 050 I had the pleasure of chatting with Ilias Mastrogiannis. He is the Founder of Distillery Nation Podcast and Mastrogiannis Winery and Distillery, based in Washington State, inspired by Greek tradition. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:51 Ilias' Podcast 3:59 Building Demand 5:30 Starting Product 6:46 Traditional Vs Modern Occasions 10:38 Ring Road of Messaging 16:23 Event Driven Messaging 20:26 Event Specialized Products 24:25 Dusty Vs Vibrant Categories 28:22 Primacy of Cocktail List? 30:52 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Ilias Mastrogiannis

In Episode 049 I continued the conversation with Stephanie Jordan from Episode 048. She is the Co-Founder of B-Corp Avallen Calvados. She brings fantastic insights as he runs her Sales & Marketing Consultancy, Drinking Out Loud. Before that, she ran Sales & Global Advocacy for la Hechicera Rum and was the Global Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray Gin after starting her career in drinks on the Global Diageo graduate scheme. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:14 Sustainable Packaging 9:36 Selecting Sustainable Outlets? 13:18 Role Of An Importer 16:10 Ensuring Wholesaler Rotation 20:00 Big Fish Small Pond, Small Fish Big Pond? 23:19 Biggest Professional Change Becoming A Founder? 31:38 Wrap-Up 33:12 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Stephanie Jordan

In Episode 048 I had the honor to talk to Stephanie Jordan. She is the Co-Founder of B-Corp Avallen Calvados. She brings fantastic insights as he also runs her Sales & Marketing Consultancy, Drinking Out Loud. Before that she has ran Sales & Global Advocacy for la Hechicera Rum and was the Global Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray Gin after starting her career in drinks on the Global Diageo graduate scheme. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 3:04 Bringing A Non-Trendy Category To Market 5:54 Brand Or Liquid Led 9:19 Target Occasion Vs Category 14:58 Multi or Single Target Occasion 24:11 Sustainability Messaging 30:03 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Stephanie Jordan

In Episode 047 I continued the conversation with Jack Orr-Ewing from Ep. 046. He is the CEO of the Westbourne Drinks Company - The Duppy Share. He brings an incredible experience of the various stages of brand development from the start to reaching scale in a market. We dived into efficient marketing spend and how to align the route to market to each brand stage. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction 00:14 Shifting Into Management 6:52 Dangers of Overeating as a Brand 9:48 Systematizing Selling To 100's of Bars 25:21 Adapting To Local Ecosystems 29:01 Best Brand Awareness Tools 33:15 The Fools Gold of Big Brand Events 38:23 Sponsoring Events: Invisible Downsides & How To Capitalize 43:38 Ending Segment About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Jack Orr-Ewing

In Episode 046 I had the pleasure of chatting to Jack Orr-Ewing. He is the CEO of the Westbourne Drinks Company - The Duppy Share. He brings an incredible experience of the various stages of brand development from the start to reaching scale in a market. We dived into efficient marketing spend and how to align the route to market to each brand stage. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Building Demand 5:09 Entering A New Market 10:43 Selecting Bars 15:11 Differentiating Your Brand For On-Trade 23:08 Utilizing Portfolio To Enter Bars 28:47 The Target Consumer 31:45 The Duppy Share 34:21 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Jack Orr-Ewing

In Episode 045, I continued the conversation with Francesco Sapienza from Episode 044. He disclosed some tips about Drinks Photography and unveiled the behind-the-scenes of working with some of the best bars and restaurants in NYC. It is also in video on Spotify and YouTube. Time Stamps 0:00 Introduction 0:22 A Food Photographer's Red Flags 6:39 Creating The Photograph 10:34 The Role of Light in Sales 16:24 Ensuring a Follow Up 20:04 The Value of a Professional 27:20 Photographic Tricks 29:33 Difference Between Food & Drink Shots 32:40 Taking Shortcuts 35:48 Best Color For Liquid 40:17 Pragmatic vs Aspirational Imagery 44:50 The Professional as an Educator 55:00 Ending Remarks 57:09 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Francesco Sapienza

In Episodes 044 I had the pleasure to chat with one of my best friends, Francesco Sapienza. He is a NYC-based Food & Drink Photographer. An Engineer by trade, he left a successful career in Stockholm, Sweden to pursue his dream in NYC. We spoke about how to best work with the different players in the hospitality ecosystem. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 2:09 About The Guest 3:57 Choosing a Niche 9:36 Choosing Your Target Customers 11:45 Photographer-Brand Communications 15:00 When The Customer Doesn't Know What They Need 20:00 Creating Demand As A Photographer 25:36 Outro About the Host: Chris Maffeo About the Guest: Francesco Sapienza

In Episode 043 I continued the conversation with André de Almeida from Episode 042. In this part we digged into GTR, Global Travel Retail as a Bottom-up Channel. André is a Drinks Industry Consultant and Founder of the "Inside the Cask" website. André has 20 years of experience having worked with Loch Lomond Group, William Grant & Sons, Edrington, and other drinks companies. He is also a Drinks Jury Member at Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:14 Global Travel Retail Logistics 7:55 Segmenting Airports 10:31 Local Airport Advantage 13:42 Airport Stakeholders 18:35 Staffing Airports 22:11 Identifying Your Consumer 34:42 Local vs. Standardized Airport Selection 41:07 Wrapping Up About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Andre De Almeida

In Episode 042 I had the pleasure of chatting with André de Almeida. He is a Drinks Industry Consultant and Founder of the "Inside the Cask" website. André has 20 years of experience having worked with Loch Lomond Group, William Grant & Sons, Edrington, and other drinks companies. He is also a Drinks Jury Member at Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Time Stamps 0:00 Introduction 1:39 Starting From Brand or Liquid? 3:51 Bringing In New Whisk(e)y Drinkers 9:18 Whisk(e)y Education 12:53 Category Bridging For Whisk(e)y 18:53 Category Jumping With Wood 25:41 Clear Target Occasion Vs Pigeonholing 27:38 Recruitment Via Cocktails 35:22 The Role Of Bottom-Up Trade 40:49 Outro About the Host: Chris Maffeo About the Guest: Andre De Almeida

In episode 041, I had the pleasure of chatting with Arturo Isola, Co-Founder of Amazzoni Gin. An architect and designer by training, he entered the Drinks Industry co-creating the first Brazilian Gin on his journey to craft the perfect Negroni. I hope you will enjoy this inspiring Founder’s story. Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 2:16 The First Brazilian Gin 8:48 Brand or Liquid Led Business? 13:14 Conceiving The Business Idea 20:06 Breaking into the On-Trade 23:02 Starting Without Investors 27:45 Entrepreneurs and Consistency 32:21 Should You Adapt to the Market? 37:00 Committing to The Dream 41:34 Contact Info & Ending About the Host: Chris Maffeo About the Guest: Arturo Isola

In Episode 040, I continued the conversation with Julian Davies from Episode 039. Feel free to listen to that, as well. He started as a Sales guy for Stella Artois in the UK, then moved to SABMiller where he wrote the brand-building strategy, before taking a Senior Marketing role at Bombay Sapphire. He now consults start-ups and is the Founder of Ostara English vermouth. I hope you enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction 00:15 The Importance of Bartenders 04:27 The Social Entourage 07:37 The Limits of Misaligned KPIs 16:30 Developing Healthy KPI Habits 20:00 A Certain Occasion For A Certain Person 23:53 Liquid vs Story for Brand Building 31:22 Story Has a Purpose 34:08 What's Your Angle? 37:39 Wrap Up About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Julian Davies

In episode 039, I finally caught up with my old friend and colleague, Julian Davies. He started as a Sales guy for Stella Artois in the UK, then moved to SABMiller where he wrote the brand-building strategy, before taking a Senior Marketing role at Bombay Sapphire. He now consults start-ups and is the Founder of Ostara English vermouth. I hope you enjoy our chat. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Background 03:54 Communicating Bottom Up Philosophy 10:51 Brand Lifecycles 16:42 Difference Between Large and Small Drinks Companies 19:56 Role of The Brand Owner 26:58 Podcast and Brand Similarities 31:23 Why Start a Brand? 41:40 Outro About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Julian Davies

In Episode 038, I continued the conversation with Daniel Szor from Episode 037. Feel free to listen to that, as well. He has an incredible story as he left his 30-year Investment Management career in NYC, Paris, and London behind to build one of the first English Whisky Distilleries. I hope you will enjoy our chat. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps (0:00) Introduction (0:10) Home Turf Advantage (3:05) Starting A Distillery: Sales (8:44) Bridging Categories (16:34) Discerning Your Market (20:46) Home Turf Authenticity (27:57) Creating A Sales Team (33:51) Small Brand Owner Expectations About the guest: Daniel Szor About the Host: Chris Maffeo

In Episode 037, I had the honor of chatting with Daniel Szor, Founder of the Cotswolds Distillery. He has an incredible story as he left his 30-year Investment Management career in NYC, Paris, and London behind to build one of the first English Whisky Distilleries. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps (0:00) Introduction (1:14) Building Demand & Background (8:02) Why England? (12:52) Developing English Whisky (19:49) Whisky Innovation (25:58) Distilling Brand Messaging Down (32:09) Getting Your Foot In The Door (36:33) The Beauty of Off-trade About the Host: Chris Maffeo About the Guest: Daniel Szor

In Episode 036, I continued my conversation with Sebastian Barnick in Episode 035. Feel free to listen to that, as well. Starting life in the Royal Navy, he became a certified distiller and WSET educator with a wealth of experience in wines and luxury spirits. He is an NPD professional and runs a sustainable contract distillery in the UK. I hope you will enjoy our chat. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps (0:17); Authenticity in Brands (11:23); Modern and Traditional Target Occasions (17:17); Hometown Authenticity (22:28); Bridging Categories (26:43); Categories from a Distiller's perspective (33:55); Early Adopters (38:28); Best Part of being a Distiller About the Host: Chris Maffeo About the Guest: Sebastian Barnick

In Episode 035, I chatted with Sebastian Barnick, Director at Pleasant Land Distillery. Starting life in the Royal Navy, he became a certified distiller and WSET educator with a wealth of experience in wines and luxury spirits. He is an NPD professional and runs a sustainable contract distillery in the UK. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Timestamps (1:36); Origins of a Liquid and Brand (7:48); Rectifying Vs Distilling (11:10); Disconnect between Pricing and Quality (18:42); The Bottom Up Era (20:04); Value Chain Construction (27:01); Where Do The First 10,000 Pounds Go About The Host: Chris Maffeo About the Guest: Sebastian Barnick

This bonus episode was recorded at Bar Convent Berlin 2023, where Chris Maffeo held a presentation as a guest of Park Street University. Interested in having the slides? Download them here: https://chrismaffeo.gumroad.com/l/demystifyinggenz?_gl=1*1dg8lxc*_ga*NzY1NzcyNzM1LjE3MDAzMTE5Nzk.*_ga_6LJN6D94N6*MTcwMDUxMzAyMC41LjAuMTcwMDUxMzAyMC4wLjAuMA.. About the Host: ⁠Chris Maffeo⁠ About the venue: ⁠BCB - Bar Convent Berlin⁠ All rights reserved: ⁠Park Street⁠

In Episode 034, I spoke to Gaetano Chiavetta. He heads UK & Italy On-trade at Everleaf Drinks | B Corp. He has previously worked for Global Brands and brings Bar Manager and Bartender experience from several On-trade venues in London. I hope you will enjoy our chat. Time Stamps (2:26); Building Demand (7:46); Targeting Via Wholesalers (17:17); Building Systems For Connection (26:28); Value of The Cocktail Menu (29:58); Do The Homework (39:10); Growing Beyond Your Home Market (42:12); Contact Gaetano About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Gaetano Chiavetta