The decade bet: why spirits supply chain decisions in 2026 will define who wins in 2035
Spirits supply chain decisions aren’t just operational anymore—they’re long-term bets.
- What you decide in 2026 will shape:
- What inventory you’re sitting on in 2030
- Which brands you can scale (or can’t)
- How much working capital is tied up for years
- Whether you can respond when demand shifts
The challenge? Long aging cycles mean today’s decisions are locked in long before the market reveals what actually works.
That’s why leading spirits companies are shifting from reactive planning to long-range, scenario-driven strategies, connecting demand, supply, and capital decisions earlier than ever.
We break down what’s changing, and what it takes to stay ahead.
#SupplyChainPlanning #Forecasting #BeverageIndustry #BevAlc #SpiritsIndustry #LongTermPlanning #InventoryStrategy #DemandPlanning
Your BevAlc company is leaving money on the table. Here’s where to find it.
Money is leaking out in ways that are easy to miss:
- Excess inventory tying up cash
- Small stockouts quietly killing sales
- Teams spending hours reconciling spreadsheets
- Forecasts that don’t align across the business
Individually, these feel manageable. Together, they add up to a meaningful hit to margin.
The reality is that many wine and spirits companies are leaving money on the table—not because of a lack of strategy, but because planning is disconnected across sales, operations, and finance.
We break down exactly where that money is hiding—and how to start uncovering it.
Read the full article here:
https://claret.app/blog/your-bevalc-company-is-leaving-money-on-the-table
#SupplyChainPlanning #Forecasting #BeverageIndustry #BevAlc #WineIndustry #InventoryManagement #DemandPlanning #WineBusiness
New resource: Beverage alcohol supply chain ROI calculator
How much is your planning process actually costing you? 🍷🧮
We just launched a free ROI calculator for beverage alcohol operators, and the numbers are eye-opening.
Excess inventory, planning hours, stockout losses. Most teams have a rough sense of these costs but rarely see them added up in one place.
We built a short calculator that estimates your potential annual savings across all three. It's based on conservative industry benchmarks and takes about two minutes.
If you're curious where your operation stands, check it out:
🔗 https://claret.la/roi-win
The origin story of Claret Profit Maximizer
We are sharing the backstory of the development of Claret Profit Maximizer.
Discover how our founder, Shawn Zizzo, leveraged his early career experiences and AI innovations to craft a service that revolutionizes wine blending by marrying traditional expertise with modern technology.
Read the full story here:
https://claret.app/blog/the-origin-story-of-claret-profit-maximizer
Join our founder and CEO, Shawn Zizzo, for a walkthrough of Claret Profit Maximizer.
In this video, Shawn goes through a demo of the model behind the service and shows how the outputs shine the light on how we can help maximize your profits while respecting label constraints, wine styles and more!
Discover how we combine expert insights with technology to help winemakers craft outstanding blends, tailored to their unique needs.
Learn more about our service at claret.app/profit-maximizer
Avoiding Stockouts: Strategic Safety Stock Calculation for Supply Chain Success
Effective safety stock calculation is key to navigating the unpredictable demand in the beverage alcohol industry. Master the essentials of maintaining optimal inventory levels and ensuring your shelves are never empty nor overly stocked.
Key formulas explained
Understanding safety stock is crucial for avoiding stockouts and managing excess inventory. In our article, learn the key formulas and data needed to calculate your safety stock accurately, ensuring that you always have the right amount of inventory when demand fluctuates.
Influencing factors
Factors such as forecast error, order size, and desired service levels play crucial roles in determining your safety stock levels. Our team expands on these concepts, providing detailed guidance on their practical application in inventory management. We also discusses how to use historical data and the Z value to fine-tune your safety stock levels for maximum efficiency.
Get the insights
Ready to enhance your supply chain skills? Read the full article for in-depth insights into safety stock calculations and how to apply them effectively in your operations.
https://claret.app/blog/avoiding-stockouts-strategic-safety-stock-calculation-for-supply-chain-success
Engaging stakeholders in tech transformations:
Securing stakeholder buy-in is crucial for successful tech transformations.
This is especially true in the beverage alcohol industry, where companies are often stuck in their traditional—and sometimes inefficient—ways of getting things done.
We explored the essential steps in tech transformation for BevAlc in our latest article. Here's a preview of the topics.
Understanding stakeholder needs: The Foundation
Before delving into strategies, it's crucial to understand who stakeholders are and what they need. This process entails identifying key stakeholders, gathering initial feedback, and conducting stakeholder analysis.
Laying the groundwork for stakeholder collaboration
Once key stakeholders are identified, the focus shifts to gaining support, fostering relationships, and ensuring engagement. This stage involves demonstrating value, addressing concerns, and recognizing the impact of technology on stakeholders.
Guiding stakeholders through the transformation
With stakeholders actively involved, the emphasis moves towards guiding them through the transformation journey. This includes involving stakeholders in decision-making, managing expectations, and showcasing the impact of digital transformation.
Get the insights
Learn more in our article:
https://claret.app/blog/engaging-stakeholders-in-tech-transformations-the-next-steps
Uncorking innovation: crafting compelling cases for tech transformation
Delving into essential strategies and tools for driving tech innovation in the beverage alcohol sector. This article provides valuable insights into scoping requirements, options analysis, and crafting compelling business cases tailored to industry needs.
Scoping Requirements:
Understanding project objectives and stakeholder needs lays a solid foundation for tech transformation. Access our Project Scoping Template, guiding you through the process and ensuring alignment with business goals from the start.
Options Analysis:
Navigating the landscape of software solutions with confidence is key. Learn effective strategies for evaluating and comparing options, driving your transformation forward. Our Options Analysis Template provides a structured approach to selecting the right solution for your business.
Business Case Development:
Explore the process of building a compelling business case for tech adoption. Discover strategies for showcasing the tangible and intangible benefits of software solutions, aligning with strategic objectives, and securing stakeholder buy-in.
Ready to take your tech transformation to the next level? Dive into the full article for expert insights and downloadable templates to streamline your project from start to finish.
claret.app/blog/uncorking-innovation-crafting-compelling-cases-for-tech-transformation
The benefits of supply chain collaboration in the three-tier network
In the beverage alcohol industry, the three-tier network refers to the distribution system mandated by law in many countries, including the US. This system consists of three tiers: producers, distributors (wholesalers), and retailers.
From streamlined logistics to enhanced customer experiences, learn how supply chain collaboration drives success in the beverage industry.
Increased efficiency and cost savings
When stakeholders in the three-tier network collaborate effectively, they can streamline processes, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.
This can lead to significant cost savings and increased efficiency throughout the supply chain process.
Improved inventory management
Supply chain collaboration can help stakeholders better manage their inventory levels by sharing information on sales, stock levels, and consumer demand.
This allows for more accurate forecasting and replenishment, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstocking.
Enhanced customer satisfaction
Collaborative efforts between the three tiers can lead to better alignment with consumer preferences and improved product availability.
This, in turn, can result in a seamless shopping experience for the end consumer.
Increased innovation and product quality
By working together and sharing insights and expertise, stakeholders in the three-tier network can drive innovation and improve product quality.
This can lead to the development of new products and offerings that better meet the needs of consumers, ultimately boosting the competitiveness of the entire industry.
Discover the power of collaboration across the three tiers of the beverage alcohol industry!
In the full article, the Claret team dives deep into the benefits of seamless cooperation between producers, distributors, and retailers.
Read the full article at:
https://claret.app/blog/the-power-of-partnership-how-collaborative-planning-in-the-beverage-alcohol-supply-chain-drives-success
Forecasting for BevAlc: Two unique factors
Forecasting is the linchpin of a successful supply chain, guiding production decisions crucial for success. In the beverage alcohol industry, it goes even further, with significant cost implications.
Two unique factors amplify the importance of accurate, long-term forecasting:
1. The tie to agriculture:
Raw materials are at the mercy of nature. Accurate forecasting helps identify gaps in supply contracts, plantings, and farming practices.
2. The aging process:
Many beverages have an aging period. Failing to invest in accurate long-term forecasts ties up capital or misses surplus opportunities.
Want to dive deeper into the world of forecasting?
Read the full article: The art and science of forecasting