Brand Battle is the beverage alcohol industry’s version of Shark Tank, where up-and-coming brands pitch live in front of an audience of wholesalers, suppliers, and media. Judges represent major distributors like Republic National Distributing Company, Breakthru Beverage Group, Young’s Market Company, and more. This panel does not pull punches, offering candid feedback on everything from packaging and messaging to market placement.
Audience members hear directly from distributors what attributes they’re looking for in potential partners. It’s a prime opportunity to spot incoming trends and to gauge whether competitors will become winning brands in their markets.
2018 winner Gray Whale Gin used Brand Battle to help launch its handcrafted small-batch gin, taking home the Hot New Now Media Award and a Spirits Tasting Competition silver medal. Big winners in 2017 were Chapel Gate Whiskey and Bedlam Vodka, which was later featured in a Jason Derulo video and at ESPN’s ESPY Awards pre-party.
New this year, Brand Battle will be part of the convention’s General Session, guaranteeing a large and engaged audience. You don’t have to exhibit to enter.
In addition to bragging rights, Brand Battle winners receive a $2,000 cash award and two complimentary registrations to the 77th Annual Convention & Exposition in 2020. Winners’ brand information will be shared on the convention website, mobile app, social media channels, and in official press releases.
Watch highlights of last’s year’s action-packed Battle. Think your brand is Battle-ready? Enter by February 28.
#WSWA76 will take place March 31 – April 3. This year’s event features a new Retailer & Consumer Day, the lively Taste of the Industry grand tasting, mixology and tasting competitions, two grand Exhibit Halls, and more.
Visit wswaconvention.org to see the full slate of events, photos, competition winners, attendee pricing, and more.
WSWA is the national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesalers, distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 370 member locations in 50 states and the District of Columbia and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the U.S. Visit www.wswa.org to learn more.