"Hyde" Sorgho Whiskey - Showing Early Market Strength in Critical California Market
"West Coast Craft Spirits" Leads Market Development Effort With 75 New Sorgho Whiskey Accounts
Feb 25, 2019 - West Coast Craft Spirits ("WCCS") is an importer and California distributor of fine spirits. Founded in 2002, its line now consists of over 150 artisanal brands. President Andy Ulmer boldly says of WCCS, "We believe in artisan spirits made by independent producers, who are passionately dedicated to their craft. We only work with spirits that we would drink ourselves".
We're honored that WCCS accepted James FC Hyde Sorgho Whiskey into its limited portfolio of elite craft spirits. When we discovered WCCS, we saw two things we found very attractive in a distribution partner: 1) WCCS is a gateway into California, the
largest spirits market in the US; and 2) WCCS has developed a business model, tailored to the distribution of elite craft spirits. A model built around the "self evident" premise that lessor known (for now) craft brands (like ours) need sales reps that will apply some TLC. Reps who will make appointments with decision makers; who will talk enthusiastically and passionately about the essence of the brand and the spirit; and who will spend the time necessary to close the sale.
WCCS's early market success with James FC Hyde Sorgho Whiskey (it now owns the distinction of being our fastest distributor to 75 placements), is solid evidence that their business model is on point and it has assembled an effective team of highly
professional; product knowledgeable and passionate sales reps, to execute it.
"We knew when we entered California it was so big (nearly 30,000 licensed sellers), it had the potential to drive our growth rate to a whole new level", said Steve Vanechanos, Executive Chairman Epec Holdings, Inc. "While we're always reluctant to spike the ball early, the results coming out of CA are beyond our expectations, and are fueling a high level of excitement,and optimism. A Special thanks to President Ulmer and his team for leading the effort on the ground in California and producing so much early market success", continued Vanechanos. "As we develop other markets, expect us to learn the lesson of WCCS, and to search for and pursue distribution partnerships with other craft
distribution specialists", concluded Vanechanos.
A special note to our whiskey loving owners / investors. In a prior email, we've mentioned our latest "Just Ask For It" campaign. You will help distributors of James FC Hyde Sorgho Whiskey, like WCCS in the California market, succeed if you go into your favorite liquor store, restaurant or bar and Ask For James FC Hyde Sorgho Whiskey. Continued support from our community of owners is a critical component of our long term success.