Drinks Strategies & Brand Advocacy with Kaitlin Wilkes | 101

Join The Maffeo Drinks Substack for Episode Analysis!Join host Chris Maffeo as he chats with Kait Wilkes, an industry veteran with 15 years of global experience (just nominated #40 on the Drinks International Top 100 List). The episode was recorded during the Mirror Hospitality Expo, hosted by Mirror Bar in Bratislava (Just nominated #62 on 50 Best Bars).Kait shares her journey from bartending to advocacy, offering insights on navigating the drinks and hospitality industry. They discuss the different perspectives between bartenders and brands, the importance of a well-thought-out drink strategy, and how smaller brands can thrive. Kait also emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships, authenticity, and mentorship in the industry. Tune in to understand how to build a sustainable brand bottom-up and hear Kaits' expert advice for upcoming bartenders and brand advocates.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Maffeo Drinks Podcast00:26 Guest Introduction: Kait's Journey in the Drinks Industry03:35 The Disconnect Between Drinks and Hospitality Industries05:53 Building Authentic Brand Partnerships11:54 Challenges and Strategies for Small Brands18:26 Long-Term Brand Advocacy and Relationship Building21:25 Crafting a Purposeful Drink Strategy22:01 The Role of Drink Strategy in Brand Promotion22:32 Simplifying Cocktails for the Consumer24:22 Understanding Drink Trends and Market Adaptation28:07 Supporting Bartenders and Their Career Growth31:48 Navigating Cocktail Competitions37:04 Final Thoughts and Authentic Connections 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.