Craft Brewers and Their Shipping Challenges
Craft beers are becoming more popular every day. They are a unique blend of ingredients that come together to create a beer that is full of flavors that aren’t found in the big brand beers. Many craft breweries have been successful in selling their beers locally and regionally. However, when it comes to shipping their beers directly to the consumer, many craft brewers face significant challenges.
The Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Opportunity
The direct-to-consumer shipping opportunity is a potential solution to the problem of shipping beer to consumers. It is a way for craft breweries to expand their reach beyond their local and regional markets. However, the process can often be complicated and confusing. Much like traditional retail shipping, direct-to-consumer shipping comes with numerous regulations and complex compliance requirements.
Sovos ShipCompliant’s Larry Cormier and Direct-to-Consumer Shipping
Sovos ShipCompliant is a company that understands the complexities of direct-to-consumer shipping. They offer solutions that can help craft breweries streamline their shipping processes and ensure compliance with laws and regulations that govern the sale and shipping of alcohol.
Larry Cormier, General Manager of Sovos ShipCompliant, is an authority on regulations impacting the alcohol industry and direct-to-consumer shipping. In a recent interview, he discussed the trends and challenges related to direct-to-consumer shipping and how Sovos ShipCompliant is helping craft breweries navigate those challenges.
The Challenges of Shipping Beer
According to Larry Cormier, one of the primary challenges of shipping beer is the patchwork of laws and regulations that exist from state to state. “The shipping of alcohol is regulated at the state level and can vary significantly from state to state,” he said. “Some states allow direct-to-consumer shipping, while others do not. Some states require permits and reporting while others do not. Even the labeling and packaging requirements can vary from state to state.”
Another major challenge is age verification. Shipping alcohol to minors is illegal, and age verification is critical to ensure that shipments are only delivered to adults of legal drinking age.
The Benefits of Direct-to-Consumer Shipping
Despite the challenges, direct-to-consumer shipping offers numerous benefits for craft breweries. It allows them to reach a broader customer base, especially those who don’t have access to their beers through traditional retail channels. Direct-to-consumer shipping can also help breweries build relationships with their customers through unique experiences and personalized communications.
Solutions from Sovos ShipCompliant
To help craft brewers navigate the challenges of direct-to-consumer shipping, Sovos ShipCompliant offers a suite of solutions that covers all aspects of the process, including compliance with regulations, age verification, and shipping logistics.
Their solutions include a compliance library that keeps breweries up-to-date on state and federal regulations, tools to help with age verification, and a shipping portal that manages all aspects of the shipping process, from label approval to delivery tracking.
The Future of Direct-to-Consumer Shipping
Despite the challenges, direct-to-consumer shipping is an opportunity that more craft breweries are exploring. As more states pass laws allowing direct-to-consumer shipping, the market is poised for growth.
Larry Cormier believes that the future of direct-to-consumer shipping is bright. “We’ve seen significant growth in this area over the past few years and expect it to continue,” he said. “Direct-to-consumer shipping offers a unique and exciting opportunity for craft brewers to grow their business and connect with customers in new ways.”
In conclusion, direct-to-consumer shipping offers a new frontier for craft breweries to expand their reach beyond their local and regional markets. However, the process can be complicated and requires compliance with numerous regulations. Sovos ShipCompliant offers solutions that can help craft breweries navigate the challenges of direct-to-consumer shipping and grow their business. With the industry poised for growth, direct-to-consumer shipping is an opportunity that craft brewers should explore.
