COMPASSPOINT W&S ADVISORS
Advisors to the Wine & Spirits Industry
The United States is one of the world's largest and growing wine & spirits markets; yet a market that is one of the most complex and challenging for any new comer to successfully enter and grow.
The attraction is compelling given the size and breadth of the market along with the positive trends of consumption, and the dynamics of the US drinks culture. At the same time, there are signification barriers to entry that challenge the patience and resources of brands entering the US market.
We are here to help.
THE COMPASSPOINT APPROACH
We work with a number of highly experienced wine and spirits marketing, and sales professionals, as well as compliance & logistics specialists. Each project may require different levels of experience and competencies.
The team assembled will reflect the requirements of each project. The key to any successful project is to ensure that both parties are clear on the objectives, actions, and deliverables which will be identified and agreed-to through a formal proposal and work plan process.
OUR MISSION
BRINGING YOUR BRAND TO LIFE
Our mission is to work with our clients to clearly define the US roadmap; making sure that the brand has the right tools, the right resources, and the right partnerships necessary to deliver on a brand's goals and aspirations.
OUR SERVICES
UNLOCKING YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
CompassPoint is a full-service advisory designed to guide producers of wines and spirits, domestic and international, through the process of building brands in the US market. There are a number of services we can offer to unlock your full potential.
Strategic & Activation Development
- CompassPoint will work with the client in developing long term strategic plans including building from the bottom-up volume/distribution objectives, trade and consumer strategies, budgets, and 360 Marketing & Sales Activation programming.
- As required by the client, CompassPoint will develop a recommended list of agencies to support the Sales and Marketing of the brand - Communications agencies, Tasting agencies, POS agencies, etc.
- In addition, CompassPoint will assist the client in networking and connecting with the appropriate importers and distributors.
Product Design & Development
- A client may have a brand that is being produced outside the US; or, has a great idea for a new brand, but doesn't know how to bring it to market.
- Given our many years in new product development, CompassPoint is able to assist in packaging and product development; as well as sourcing contract distillers, bottlers, and dry supply producers to deliver the right style, quality, and price.
- As required, CompassPoint can also develop a brief and recommended agencies to conduct consumer and/or trade research to test the viability of a new offering.
US Agency Management
- In some cases, a company may not have the ability to provide an individual to manage the marketing and sales activities of a brand(s) in the US.
- CompassPoint has the ability to be the eyes and ears in the US overseeing importer/distributor management including goal setting, tracking performance, pricing, programming, in-market support, education/training, account presentations, etc.
Logistical & Compliance Oversight
Assisting suppliers through the maze of federal and state compliance and logistical complexities of the US market:
- Customs Clearance, Federal Excise Taxes (FET), CBMA (Craft Beverage Modernization Act
- Warehousing Selection
- FDA Food Facility Registration
- Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Formula Approval and Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) process
- State Brand & Pricing registrations
Navigating the Complex US Market
- A company new to the market, may simply require a tutorial on understanding the opportunities, challenges and complexities of the US market.
- Understanding the US 3 Tier system- Pluses/Minuses
- Traditional and non-traditional routes-to-market
- Pricing structures and market price positioning Identifying the competitive landscape
