BCB2024 | Winning with Distributors: From Your Home Market to Export | Park Street University | Michael Vachon, Soren Hansen, Emily Pennington, Chris Maffeo | 090

Join The Maffeo Drinks Substack for Episode Analysis!This Episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast features a roundtable discussion from BCB Bar Convent Berlin 2024 hosted by Park Street University. Emily Pennington moderates a discussion on distribution strategies in the European market. Joined by guests Soren Hansen (Bemakers), Michael Vachon (Maverick Drinks), and Chris Maffeo (MAFFEO DRINKS), the conversation centers around the role of distributors in brand building and entry strategies for EU markets. Key topics include identifying the right distributors, pricing challenges, maximizing event activations, and focusing on sell-through rates. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into building a successful beverage brand in Europe, with practical advice on market research, brand involvement, and leveraging different sales channels. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:32 Welcome to Park Street University Stage 01:13 Panelist Introductions 02:03 Understanding Distribution Strategies 04:31 Differences Between Importers, Distributors, and Brokers 08:19 Challenges in Pricing Across Markets 12:23 Market Observations and Trends 19:35 Finding the Right Distributor 22:24 Understanding Market Logistics 23:47 Building Brand Presence 24:42 Navigating Economic Challenges 26:35 Effective Market Entry Strategies 29:45 Timeline for Market Penetration 32:00 Leveraging Digital and Omni-Channel Strategies 35:40 Event Activation Best Practices 42:36 Direct-to-Consumer Models 43:49 Key Takeaways for Distribution Relationships 46:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS.MAFFEO DRINKS is a leading drinks business podcast, listened to in 120 countries with 130+ episodes. How the industry actually works, from the bar and what it means for the boardroom.Wanna know what the conversation above means for your team? It's in the paid section.You get access to Maffeo Confidential (Private Podcast), this analysis, and the full catalog of 130+ episodes, each one translating industry conversation into the commercial decisions underneath it. Find out more at maffeodrinks.com or on Substack.