Just wanted to share a little bit of info that's been rolling around in my head based on something I noticed. You're all probably aware of the recent "celebration lunch" that was held for the staff on the day of the market launch. I realised from all of the Wine Depot socials that the lunch was held at China Lane, Sydney. In the industry, lunches like these are often celebrated at existing customers because you want to show support for their business (which is now essentially your business too). I think it would be very safe to say that perhaps China Lane would be involved with Wine Depot in some form or another, even if it is just to get a few wines and trial the system. Wine Depot were very persistent in promoting China Lane through their socials as well which further adds to the validity of what I am saying. I could be very wrong about this but hopefully my line of thinking would make sense to everyone.
It is worth noting that China Lane is a contracted customer of Pernod Ricard for spirits and champagne (First pour spirits, back bar, cocktails, champagne). I even noticed that there are a few wines from the Pernod Ricard portfolio (St. Hugo, Church Road) that are often listed to "juice up" the investment side of the contract for the venue. Ie. More listings and more sales translates into more $$$ for Pernod Ricard which is reciprocated into more $$$ for China Lane through support.
Let's say that China Lane are really enjoying the service and ease of use of the Wine Depot platform and would like to transition all of their ordering away from other wholesalers and streamline through Wine Depot. This can potentially trigger a series of events. Firstly China Lane asks the local Pernod Ricard Rep about whether or not they are able to buy PR products from Wine Depot as opposed to Wholesaler XYZ. The PR Rep most likely has never heard of Wine Depot and would therefore escalate the question to higher management. This simple step is how these big companies can start to pay attention to the smaller companies such as Wine Depot and can be the building blocks of additional rangings, agreements, and partnerships. It is in PR's best interest to ensure that their contracted customers are able to get their products through the channels that the venues prefer. The more platforms that range PR's products the more distribution spread (and sales) they may achieve. This goes for all suppliers.
This is where I see a huge advantage for Wine Depot. They are already playing in the same space as large companies like Pernod Ricard and it's only a matter of time before the big boys start paying attention. We just need the platform to do what it says it will and be a disruptive technology. The usability of some of the platforms through some of the wholesalers would make you feel like you were plugging in a computer for the first time back in the 90's. They're so clunky and difficult to use and even ordering via pen and paper would feel like a disruptive piece of technology.
I truly believe that the real revenue and profits will occur when Wine Depot is able to service all of the needs of a venue through all of its spirits, champagnes, wines etc. To put it simply, it is a thorn in the side for a venue to order a handful of products from multiple different wholesalers. If they can get everything they need through Wine Depot and the pricing, service, an ease of use is perfect then why order through anywhere/anyone else.
Apologies for the long winded post but I just wanted to regurgitate a few things that I have been playing through in my head. All my own opinion but hopefully some people can get an insight into the industry.
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