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How To Choose The Right Wine Distributor in Asia

Are you on the lookout for a distributor? Here’s how to choose the appropriate wine distributor.

If your winery has mastered the art of producing high-quality wines with attractive packaging and outstanding value for money, kudos to you.

Tips : How to Find a Distributor in Taïwan: A good way is to participate to the best event for this, new in 2023 but already almost full as all wineries want to exhibit there: Taiwan International Beverage Fair 2023 by Media International News.

But what’s next? You’ve got everything in place to start distributing your wine and getting it on supermarket shelves and restaurant wine lists, but how will you know which distributor is right for you?

Even for individuals who have been in the sector for a long time and are considered as old-timers, the distribution system set up by United States adopted in Asia Country can be a maze.

Following the repeal of Prohibition, set up by United States, other Asian country adopted a three-tier structure in which the supplier must deal with an independent, licensed wholesaler who takes ownership of the wine and then sells it to wine stores, supermarkets, cafés, and carriers.

In simpler words, the three-tier system is a Supplier – Distributor – Retailer.

Due to the three-tier system set up by United States and adopted in the Asian Country, it’s very important for a wine brand to choose the right distributor. You need to pick a distributor who will satisfy all your distribution needs.

Here’s what you need to do to find out how to pick the right distributor for your wine.

1. Think through and decide your distribution objective

What you really want to do is think through and figure out what your distribution objective is. For example, if your goal is to sell 1000 cases in a particular market, then make sure you work towards finding a distributor.

2. Set a minimum

Once you’ve decided what your distribution goal is, make sure you find a distributor who can assist you in achieving it.

Let us use 1000 cases as an example once more. If you want to sell 1000 cases, you should choose a distributor with roughly 5-6 sales people who service around 1000 retail customers, rather than someone with only 2 sales reps who service around 300 accounts.

Overall, you should determine your maximum case target and then determine which distributors can meet that goal.

3. Think about where you want your wine to be

It’s critical to determine whether the distribution company you’re considering is financially sound. Can they pay you right away after your cases are sold? Are they trustworthy enough to pay you when you require it?

Placing terms is one approach to see if the distribution company is financially sound. You could, for example, set a payment period of 50% up advance. When you’re a new wine brand, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of sales and send the purchase order to the distributor without first determining whether or not you’ll be paid.

Wine distribution is a difficult task. As a provider, you must recognize that distribution is a difficult task. In reality, being an importer or a supplier is easier than being a distributor or providing service to retailers. It’s a difficult jumble of logistics and connections. As a result, your chances of being paid on time as a provider are usually approximately 10%. So make sure you ask for a 50% deposit up advance to see how financially secure the distributor is – and if you’ll be able to retrieve your money on time.

So, using this strategy, eliminate and select the top 5 distributors who will say yes to anything you require. The distributor you’ll want is one who agrees to satisfy your wants and can reach your target after your purchase order is delivered. As a result, it’s critical to know whether or not a distributor can match your requirements.

5. Make sure you and your distributor both make money

When choosing a distributor for your wine, look for someone who is willing to strike a deal at a price that will benefit everyone in the chain. For example, if your wine is currently $10.99, a sensible strategy would be to raise the price by a dollar so that everyone profits. This will keep you, your distributor, and your retailer pleased, which will assist raise your sales from the distributor and retailer’s perspective, as opposed to a brand that is just interested in making money for itself and offers the distributor and retailer a very little margin.

6. Authenticity and seriousness

It’s critical to determine whether or not your distributor is serious about their business. In this scenario, the ideal technique for selecting a distributor is to select one from inside your own stream. If you’re a boutique provider, for example, you should go with a boutique distributor. If you’re a mass supplier with the goal of creating a million-case brand, you should collaborate with a larger distribution networks.

Fun fact: If you want to sell your wine in high-end restaurants, visiting to different restaurants and seeing which distributors they use will be really beneficial. This will help you create a list of distributors from which to choose, and then you can apply your own criteria to exclude and choose the ideal distributor for you.

With these pointers, you’ll be able to find the perfect distributor for your wine, one who can meet all of your needs while also assisting you in gaining a large presence and a healthy profit margin.

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Taiwan expects fastest growth in a decade this year on export boom

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Summary

  • 2021 GDP estimate +5.88%, vs previous forecast +5.46%
  • 2022 GDP estimate +3.69%
  • Q2 growth revised down to +7.43% y/y, from +7.47%
  • 2021 exports estimate +28.15% y/y, from +20.4%
  • 2022 exports estimate +5.22% y/y

TAIPEI, Aug 13 (Reuters) – Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has vowed to Taiwan’s economy will grow at its strongest rate in more than a decade in 2021, according to the statistics office, which upgraded the island’s prognosis on a robust resurgence in exports.

The modification came as the statistics office raised its export growth prediction for this year, citing a surge in global demand for the island’s technological items during the COVID-19 pandemic, when workers and students raced to acquire cellphones, tablets, and laptops.

GDP is predicted to grow 5.88 percent this year, the quickest rate since it grew 10.25 percent in 2010, according to the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics. This is up from a June prediction of 5.46 percent.

In its first projection for 2022, the office predicted that GDP would increase at a slower 3.69 percent following year.

“The epidemic’s distant business potential have spurred global organizations’ digital transformation, and demand for technological products is robust,” the statistics agency stated.

Despite concerns about virus variations, the future of global monetary and fiscal policy amid rising inflation fears, and the possibility of international carbon taxes, it sees a positive prognosis for Taiwan next year.

The office stated that Taiwan is ready to profit from the global economic recovery, especially with the domestic production of more advanced chip nodes coming online.

Taiwan’s exports are a leading indicator of demand for global tech giants like Apple Inc (AAPL.O), as the island is a key supplier of semiconductors, a global scarcity of which has spooked companies like automakers while boosting Taiwanese corporate profits.

Exports are expected to increase 28.15 percent year over year in 2021, up from a previous prediction of a 20.4 percent increase.

Exports are expected to grow 5.22 percent year over year next year, according to the report.

GDP increased by a revised 7.43 percent year over year in the second quarter, down from a previous reading of 7.47 percent, according to the agency. A rapid surge of domestic COVID-19 cases that began in May weighed on consumption, slowing growth from 8.92 percent in the first quarter.

Since then, the outbreak has been limited, and limitations on personal meetings and in-restaurant dining have been loosened.

Whisky in Taiwan

Taiwan’s Whisky Situation

Taiwan is one of the world’s top whisky users, placing fifth in 2017, after powerhouses such as the United States, France, and Germany. Its import purchases account for 4% of all worldwide imports. After Singapore, the state is Asia’s second-largest whisky importer, with $454 million in imports in 2017.

In Taiwan, whisky has the highest market share, with 61 percent. Seventy percent of all whisky products are single malt whiskies. High-end, craft bourbons, on the other hand, are gaining popularity. Also popular is Scotch whisky. Taiwan was the world’s fourth-largest importer of the industry in 2016, with imports exceeding US$2 million.

Taiwan is also home to two internationally known whiskey brands, Kavalan and Omar. Since its debut in 2008, Kavalan whisky has garnered a slew of prestigious prizes for its tropical-fruit flavour. Meanwhile, the government-owned Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corp owns Omar, who is equally as popular (TTL).

Whisky in Taiwan

Taiwan’s Love Affair with Scotch Whisky

By value, Taiwan is Scotch’s fourth largest market, with imports worth £75 million (US$93 million) in the first half of 2016. For many years, the state has been a big buyer of Scottish whisky, especially single malts. Scotch whisky is seen as a prestige symbol by many consumers, and it is especially popular as a luxury gift.

Scotch whisky was registered as a trademark in Taiwan in 2016. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) will now be able to take legal action against anyone attempting to create or sell phony Scotch as a result of the verdict. Consumers may now have even more confidence in the quality of Scotch they are purchasing thanks to the trademark. It also offered Scotch whisky companies exporting to the country a boost.

Only the Best for the Best

Due to its relatively wealthy consumer market, whisky distillers and retailers regard Taiwan as a major growth opportunity. The majority of these drinkers are drawn to higher-end varietals, especially rare and matured malts and blends. Many Taiwanese have become highly informed about the many types of whisky, and their tastes have become fairly sophisticated. Single malts, single casks, and limited-edition specialty types are among them. The average price of a bottle of whisky in Taiwan is £10 (US$ 12.5), which is higher than in France and the United States.

Limited Edition Whisky Brands in Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the few Asian markets where whisky auctions are held on a regular basis, with people gathering to bid on a variety of whisky items. A variety of limited editions are also being released exclusively for the Taiwanese market. The Glenlivet 13 Year Old Sherry Cask, the Macallan Boutique Collection, and the Dalmore 20 Year Old are just a few of the whisky brands available.

The Glenfarclas 180th Anniversary edition and the immensely popular Macallan AERA non-age-statement whisky are two more Taiwan exclusives. In Taiwan, Johnnie Walker also created a Blenders’ Batch series of limited edition whiskies. The Triple Grain American Oak, which has a 41.3 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), was released in April 2017.

Whisky consumption in Taiwan continues to rise, spurred by customers’ insatiable need for the premium spirit. There is considerable competition among brands since high-end and specialty whiskies may be imported into Taiwan at a comparatively cheap tariff compared to many other markets. Producers all over the world are putting more effort into product differentiation and marketing in order to pique the interest of rich Taiwanese consumers.

Taiwan : Types of Spirits Consumer

In Taiwan, consumer groups’ generational differences disclose a lot about their lifestyles, as well as their tastes and spending habits. Companies must adapt their products and marketing strategies to meet market demand and boost their chances of market success.

Types of Spirits Consumer in Taiwan

The Social Experience Seekers

This is the newest generation of customers, Generation Z. (20 years old and below). They’re known as trendy drinkers since they’re always the first to try new items on the market and are drawn to those with appealing designs and packaging. Gen Z is more inclined than previous consumer groups to be affected by ads and make impulsive purchases.

Drinking alcohol has a social context for the Social Experience Seekers. They enjoy drinking spirits when socializing with friends, at parties, or at other social occasions. The majority of them drink to unwind and relax after a long day. This group, which is young and adventurous, enjoys experimenting with novel flavors and combinations. Brands that reflect who they are and what they enjoy are appealing to them.

The Cultured Connoisseurs

These are the state’s Millennials (aged 21 to 34) that have a strong interest in alcohol and are eager to share their expertise with others. They are often in quest of something unusual or new to discover because they are sociable and have money at their disposal. When they’re out to dinner with pals, they like to drink a lot of alcohol. These youthful customers are also known for purchasing high-priced items that they believe are worthwhile.

The Cultured Connoisseurs are frequently described as mercurial, with fast shifts in brand loyalty. They have a lifestyle atmosphere that is termed as experiential. They require a significant amount of investment to persuade them to stick to a single product because they are more educated and more digitally savvy. To be patronized by this segment, brands must demonstrate their authenticity and relevancy.

The Easy-Going Bon Vivants

Taiwan’s Generation X customers are in the most stable stage of their lives, working full-time and often with their own families (35 to 49 years old). Their little income enables them to enjoy life and indulge in activities that bring them delight. They consider drinking to be an important part of their daily lives, a posh pastime that reflects their refined taste. These drinkers enjoy sipping spirits after a long day’s labor, whether alone or with others.

The Uncomplicated Bon Vivants are the state’s most mature and educated consumers. They recognize the relevance of product value and are more likely to stick with a particular brand. This group is nostalgic, and quality, value for money, and enjoyment are important to them. They’re also big fans of social media and internet shopping.

The Shrewd Traditionalists

Taiwan’s Baby Boomers (50 to 64 years old) and Silent Generation make up the oldest of the consumer groups (65 and up). They are generally linked with long-established spirits such as brandy, cognac, and whiskies, and they prefer to avoid trying new goods. While they enjoy consuming alcohol on occasion, they do so primarily for special occasions.

These elderly customers have more spending power than other demographics due to their substantial savings, pensions, and investments. They spend more money on items and services that improve their quality of life. The Shrewd Traditionalists, on the other hand, are financially astute and can be very price sensitive when making purchases.

While Taiwanese consumers may not have a long history of drinking spirits, they have been increasingly open to a larger range of alcoholic beverages in recent years. Companies have learned to adapt their marketing strategies to match the market’s changing consumer segments and cater to the evolving interests of drinkers. We’ll go over how to properly appeal to each demographic in upcoming articles.

Taiwanese craft beer

Taiwan’s Craft Brewing Scene

In Taiwan, beer is the most common alcoholic beverage. The market is well-stocked with imported beers, the majority of which come from the Netherlands, China, the United States, and Denmark. Lager is the most common beer in Taiwan, however craft beer has been increasingly popular in the last half-decade.

While craft beer has a small market share in Taiwan (about 1%), consumption is increasing at a rate of nearly 20% each year. Following the craft brewing boom of 2013, the island continues to see new breweries and bars open. In 2017, Taiwan had more than 25 independently owned breweries.

Meanwhile, the majority of Taiwan’s imported craft beers come from Belgium, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Younger, more urban, and open-minded consumers are the target demographic for these brews. In recent years, the number of young Taiwanese people interested in overseas flavors has constantly increased.

Taiwan is a small but burgeoning craft beer market.

Taiwan’s beer market is modest in comparison to Japan and South Korea, yet it is no less vibrant. Beer costs around NT$150-200 (approximately $5) per pint/500ml. This is projected to rise as consumption continues to rise and customers’ tolerance for higher prices grows.

While most normal beers are available in off-trade outlets like supermarkets and convenience stores, few craft brewers have been able to do so. In Taiwan, almost 75% of craft beers are sold on-premise.

They’re typically sold in specialty craft bars and taprooms, as well as Western restaurants and diners. Independent cafés, bistros, and bars are particularly popular.

Craft beers can be purchased off-premise in speciality craft beer bottle shops and high-end supermarkets. In Taiwan, nearly all craft beers available in supermarkets are imported. There is an increasing demand for American IPAs, session beers, stouts, and American wheat among craft beer lovers.

Taiwan’s Most Popular Craft Beer Brands

In 2013, the majority of Taiwanese breweries were restaurant-style establishments that served international-style craft brews from Germany and Belgium. Le Blé d’Or, Gordon Biersch, and Paulaner Brauhaus, for example, sell homebrewed German-style craft beers that pair well with a variety of foods.

Customers can choose from a wide range of specialty beers inspired by local fruits and flowers at local brewers like Sunmai and Alechemist. Winter melon sugar, local premium Oolong tea, and Changhua-grown jasmine blossoms are among the ingredients of Taiwan Head Brewers’ concoctions.

Craft beer in Taiwan is on the rise, thanks to a diverse range of styles and flavors that keep beer fans interested. High-end foreign craft beers are quickly gaining popularity among youthful drinkers eager for a change from their normal mass-market brews. Craft brewers are certain that it will soon become a big and appealing section of the Taiwan beer industry.

In Taiwan’s booming coffee market, there are more opportunities than ever before.

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Taiwan is a rapidly expanding coffee consumer market and a magnet for new companies, both major and small. With annual sales of approximately US$ 2.7 billion and per capita spending of US$ 112, the market for caffeinated bean-based drinks is well-established, with plenty of space for expansion. According to Statista, a research group, the medium-term forecast is particularly promising, with a CAGR of near 7% expected through 2025.

Consumer demand remains healthy even by Asia’s high growth standards, having survived the epidemic better than practically every other market internationally and with already high disposable incomes. Taiwan’s government is also investing in improving distribution infrastructure, signing free trade agreements, and stating that Taiwan is open to doing business with the rest of the globe.

Although convenience reigns supreme, with ready-to-drink coffee products accounting for the majority of coffee sales in Taiwan, at-home brewing and single-serve options—such as pods—are gaining traction. Consumers are upgrading to more expensive options and broadening their purchase patterns even in the RTD and instant coffee markets. Pour over coffee made with premium single origin beans or innovative and unique coffee styles are becoming increasingly popular among customers, particularly among the younger generation.

While major international brands such as Starbucks and Nestle continue to be major players in the market, they and other big brands have begun to lose market share to local and foreign upstarts as younger consumers (those under 40) move away from the staid options typical of their parents’ generation. This is creating more and more opportunity for new, small, medium, and niche brands to enter the market with unique branding or other strong selling features.

Given its location between areas that generate more headlines, such as Mainland China, and those that are already well-known to coffee brands, such as Japan and Korea, it is frequently disregarded. Taiwan is a high-growth consumer market for coffee in and of itself, with tremendous long-term potential for businesses willing and able to go in on the ground floor and make the necessary investments to create a brand—and sales—on the ground floor.

Taiwan’s Food Market : Emerging Trends

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Taiwan’s food market is worth about US$ 43 billion and ranks fifth in Asia in terms of per capita food spending, trailing only the region’s wealthiest countries like Singapore and Japan.

Taiwan, like many other prosperous Asian economies, is spearheading the region’s transition toward higher protein, healthier, and more diversified diets.

Taiwanese customers, like those in many other high-income economies, are becoming more health conscious and less price sensitive. Demand is shifting in favor of well-known overseas brands, higher quality, lesser sugar, and a willingness to try something new or different. Young people, in particular, are looking for meals and brands that fit their ideal lifestyle.

Because many Taiwanese are Buddhists, vegetarianism is prevalent, giving the island an ideal location for new dietary trends. Meat and dairy alternatives that do not contain any animal products, such as those offered by Beyond Meat (meat replacements) and Oatly (dairy replacements), can benefit from a small but growing market. Organic, ecologically conscious, or ethically sourced meals are increasingly gaining popularity, especially among young, well-educated, and urbane consumers. This pattern is expected to continue.

Food demand in Taiwan is surpassing wage growth, owing to the fact that much of that growth is in disposable income. Taiwanese consumers are upgrading their lifestyles by demanding more variety, novelty, and higher-quality food options.

This creates a compelling opportunity for both large and small businesses to provide healthy solutions that fit with today’s positive lives, which are often urban and convenience-oriented. While environmental and socially responsible businesses and goods are still making inroads in many Asian markets, they will be well-positioned to meet consumer needs in the long run.

Taiwanese e-commerce is growing.

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Fresh vegetables and groceries are helping to drive retail expansion in Taiwan.

Despite Taiwan’s strong reaction to Covid-19, the epidemic has fueled the expansion of e-commerce in Taiwan, as it has around the world, with fresh food playing a role.

Despite Taiwan being basically Covid-free, the USDA reports that Taiwan’s e-retail business has expanded from US$6.9 billion in 2019 to US$8.3 billion in 2020, since consumers choose “no-contact” buying choices to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

This tendency has been especially essential for the growth of online grocery orders, with Euromonitor forecasting a 10% increase in food and beverage e-commerce sales to US$806 million in 2020.

“Shoppers are gaining more trust in purchasing food and beverage products online, however obstacles exist for perishable products,” according to the report, citing improvements in supply chain systems and a shift in customer preferences.

“E-retail in the food and beverage industry has significant business potential, and an increasing number of shop owners and e-commerce platforms are capitalizing on newly emerging customer behaviors, particularly in the fresh product category.”

Businesses across the industry have adapted to keep up, with brick-and-mortar merchants joining e-retailers in an effort to meet the demand for fresh produce delivery.

According to the survey, “more brick-and-mortar retail players are aggressively investing in integrating their online and offline resources to give consumers with a more user-friendly purchasing environment.”

“PX Mart, 7-Eleven, Families, Simple Mart, RT Mart, Ai Mai, Costco, Carrefour, and Taiwan Fresh Supermarkets have all aggressively developed their e-retail platforms to service their clientele both offline and online,” according to the report.

“Moreover, both Momo Shop and PChome Online Inc have implemented logistics to provide fresh meal delivery.”

In Taiwan, what’s on tap? An analysis of Taiwan’s booze market

Taiwan, like South Korea, is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan and wealthy markets, making it a preferred entry point for international businesses. The island nation’s alcohol market is worth over US$20 billion and is expected to expand at a 6.47 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2025, thanks to rising earnings and consumer preferences for higher-quality beverages.

Beer

Beer, like most of Asia, accounts for the majority of alcohol sales in Taiwan, both in terms of volume and dollar value. In 2020, beer sales are expected to reach over US$13 billion. Although lagers account for about half of all beers sold in Taiwan, other styles such as wheat, IPAs, and stronger-flavored beers (such as stout) are becoming more popular. Many consumers, particularly those in metropolitan areas who are young and well-educated, are searching out higher-quality beers to enjoy socially rather than the light-flavored pale lagers that were popular at earlier generations’ dinner parties and business meetings.

Spirits

The second largest segment of Taiwan’s alcohol business, worth about $7 billion, is spirits, which include liqueurs. Dinner party classics for decades included baijiu, a native fire water, and cognac. This is quickly changing as customers of all demographics switch to whiskey, rum, gin, and other imported spirits. Even though foreign brands dominate, there is a young local whiskey business attempting to meet this expanding need.

Wine

Grape wines are becoming more popular. Whites are less common than reds, although roses are becoming more popular. Wines are seen as elegant, easy-to-drink low-alcohol alternatives to harsher liquors like baijiu. Wine, which is currently valued at about $2 billion, is expected to expand at a rapid rate in the coming years as part of a fundamental shift in consumer preferences.

The evolution of Taiwan’s alcohol market is being driven by differences in cross-generational preferences. Younger Taiwanese are looking for a combination of greater quality, new and innovative flavors, less alcohol, and healthier options. Demand for tasty full-bodied beers, international spirits, and grape wines is rising across the board as a result.

Taiwan’s economy has outperformed the rest of the world throughout the epidemic, increasing in 2020 and 2021. It should be a top priority for any company considering entry or expansion in Asia, with strong fundamentals, smart consumers, and expanding demand for most categories of imported beer, wine, spirits, and liqueurs.

The beverage industry in Taiwan is thriving.

Taiwan is a fast-growing beverage consumer market and a magnet for new brands, both big and small. Juice, soft drinks, bottled water, alcohol, and other key beverage categories are all experiencing strong year-over-year growth, making it a good alternative for businesses looking to expand or just diversify their market exposure.

Coffee

With annual sales of approximately US$ 2.7 billion and per capita spending of US$ 112, the market for caffeinated bean-based drinks is well-established, with plenty of space for expansion. According to Statista, a research group, the medium-term forecast is particularly promising, with a CAGR of near 7% expected through 2025.

Although convenience reigns supreme, with ready-to-drink coffee products accounting for the majority of coffee sales in Taiwan, at-home brewing and single-serve options—such as pods—are gaining traction. Consumers are upgrading to more expensive options and broadening their purchase patterns even in the RTD and instant coffee markets.

Alcohol

In 2020, alcohol brands generated over $17 billion in sales, with a 6.47 percent CAGR forecasted through 2025.

In Taiwan, beer is the preferred beverage. Consumers are abandoning basic lagers in favor of flavourful ales, IPAs, wheats, and stouts. Baijiu is giving way to whiskies, gins, liqueurs, and other imported spirits in the spirits market. Similarly, wine is becoming increasingly popular, especially among the young.

Juice & Soft Drinks

Carbonated beverages do not dominate in Taiwan, as they do in most other markets. Teas, coffees, bottled water, and other RTDs are the beverages of choice, with most customers preferring for teas, coffees, and the like. Taiwan is an appealing market, despite its fierce competition, because of its comparatively high discretionary incomes and exposure to overseas brands and buy possibilities.

In Taiwan, where summers are long, hot, and humid, cool and refreshing juices are a staple of daily life. Juice demand is high, and even as the market matures, it continues to increase year after year. The transition away from juice drinks with a lot of added sugar to 100% fruit juice beverages is hidden in this growth.

The market for juice and soft drinks in Taiwan is worth over US$3 billion and growing.

Taiwan’s GDP expanded by more than 2% in 2020 and is expected to expand by over 5% in 2021. Consumers are enthusiastic about the future and have a solid understanding of global brands and product possibilities because their incomes are high and expanding. Taiwan is a good alternative for firms searching for a robust export market that has functioned successfully in the face of the worldwide pandemic.