Drink With Your Eyes™ - Increasing sales through strategic branding for the alcohol beverage category.

5 Trends in Craft Spirits Packaging

February 6, 2019 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

The craft spirits boom has flooded the market with thousands of new brands that have successfully carved out a niche for themselves by leveraging package designs that promise quality through evocative design and hand-crafted sensibilities.

Over the past few years, many trends in craft spirits packaging have emerged. Some work well, others may be played out and one may be gaining traction. There is no silver bullet, however, knowing the lay of the land is critical and worth considering when … Continue reading

Branded House vs House of Brands for Alcohol Beverage Branding

June 19, 2017 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

For many start-up alcohol companies the question of whether to build a “branded house” or a “house of brands” is a critical one to answer for their company and brand’s future success.

Whether you plan on launching just one product or dozens, considering your company’s strategy for brand architecture and how it will evolve over time is a critical first step to ensure your brand’s success and ultimately, its strength in the market.

The “Branded House vs. House of Brands” … Continue reading

The Importance of Establishing a Marketing Plan & Budget for Alcohol Beverage Branding

March 31, 2016 by David Schuemann 4 Comments

Whether a start-up, or an established producer looking to expand, developing a realistic and well thought-out marketing plan and budget is crucial to success.

Rule #1: Remember, you are in the business of selling, more than you are in the business of producing.

Many a passionate producer has failed in thinking that the exceptional quality of their product alone would trump a well thought-out marketing strategy. In fact, your ability to influence consumer trial and cultivate brand loyalty are in … Continue reading

Website Redesign Tips for Alcohol Beverage Branding

February 3, 2016 by David Schuemann 5 Comments

Ensure your website redesign starts off on the right foot by following these key tips.

Often the most widely seen face of your brand, your website has to leave a good impression. As Director of Product Marketing for HubSpot Meghan Keaney Anderson points out in her article for Inc., companies retool their sites on average every 18-24 months. While the ever-changing online environment can make for new and unique challenges, these tips will help you prepare for your redesign with … Continue reading

Going Green – Earth Conscious Packaging Options for Alcohol Beverage Branding

September 9, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

4 ways alcohol beverage producers can reduce their packaging carbon footprint without sacrificing functionality or design.

Wineries and distilleries alike are showing their support for the environment by employing sustainable practices when it comes to their packaging. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, advances in sustainable materials and technologies are providing plenty of options for producers to “go green”.

Bottles:

While glass bottles have always been the gold standard for wine packaging, more recently, some cost sensitive and earth conscious … Continue reading

Copyright vs. Trademark for Alcohol Beverage Branding

September 4, 2015 by David Schuemann 2 Comments

Navigating the legal waters of intellectual property can be tricky – here’s what you need to know when it comes to the two most common terms.

Ensuring your brand is legally protected is crucial if you’re going to compete in the ever-crowding alcohol beverage market. When it comes to developing your logo, package design, and other intellectual property, it’s important to know the difference between Copyright and Trademark so that you know what to protect, and how. Failing to ensure … Continue reading

The Dos and Don’ts of Label Hierarchy for Alcohol Beverage Branding

June 25, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

When consumers are choosing a wine, spirit or beer from the shelf or at a restaurant, they are influenced both by analytical and aesthetic cues provided by the packaging and its hierarchy. Here’s what you need to know about this delicate balance to influence consumers to choose your product over your competitor’s.

Typical Hierarchy

In very general terms a typical label hierarchy from most prominent to the least prominent is as follows:

Brand Name
Product Type/Flavor (Gin, Pilsner, Cabernet Sauvignon,

Alcohol Beverage Branding: What’s your Budget?

June 4, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Sharing your budget with your creative agency up front will ensure a more efficient RFP process, an accurate proposal that addresses your specific needs, and the beginning of a business relationship that is based on trust and transparency.

Every time a prospect reaches out to my agency with an RFP, one of the first questions we ask is “What’s your budget?”. Some prospects are hesitant to share this information fearing agencies will just write their proposals to maximize their budget, … Continue reading

How to Write Market Positioning Statements for Alcohol Beverage Branding

May 27, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

If your marketing team is developing a new alcohol beverage or is repositioning an existing one, a good market position statement is a crucial component.

At the onset of every project I walk my clients through a comprehensive creative brief before beginning design. A good portion of this brief is devoted to analyzing and visualizing the market positioning goals of the brand so that we can develop a design solution that is not only aesthetically beautiful, but appropriately positioned … Continue reading

Bringing Your Brand to Market for Alcohol Beverage Branding

April 30, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Considerations brand owners should be aware of when developing their brand launch and distribution strategy.

You’ve finally done it, congratulations! You have created your product, developed your brand identity and packaging and now you are ready to get your finished labor of love into the hands (and mouths) of your consumers. While it may seem like the bulk of your work is behind you, you still have some big decisions to make with how your brand will be put into … Continue reading

Navigating the 3-Tier System for Alcohol Beverage Branding

April 15, 2015 by David Schuemann 2 Comments

How to choose the right distributor for your alcohol beverage brand.

Though the popularity (and legality) of direct to consumer sales is growing, the “bread and butter” sales channel for alcohol beverages is the 3-Tier system. Finding the right distributor for you is crucial to your brand’s success. Distributors come in all shapes and sizes but here are the 3 of the most common:

Top Supplier Distributor
These distributors often have a leading market share in particular state or region … Continue reading

The Importance of Marketing Materials in Alcohol Beverage Branding

February 23, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Well executed brand sales sheets, tasting notes, and shelf talkers will ensure that your brand is working hard for you in the market.

DON’T STOP…. You have completed so much hard work by establishing your brand story and your new package and now you are ready to introduce it to the world. Whether you are presenting to consumers directly, distributor teams or retail accounts, don’t enter the arena empty-handed.

4 Keys to Successful Marketing Materials

Written Copy

Make sure that … Continue reading

Maximizing Your Winery Direct to Consumer Sales – Alcohol Beverage Branding

February 20, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

How to leverage the Direct-to-Consumer sales channel to great success.

The Direct to Consumer channel while relatively new for the wine sector, is gaining popularity as a way to maximize profits for brand owners by avoiding the challenges of the three tier system.As new legislation continues to take affect, this powerful new opportunity is sure to grow. While this new channel provides both direct contact and communication opportunities with the consumer, it is crucial to manage it correctly in order … Continue reading

Implementing an Innovative Design for Alcohol Beverage Branding

February 19, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

4 packaging innovations and considerations brand owners should be aware of while implementing a new design.

Utilizing the latest packaging technologies and innovations is a great way to optimize your brand’s presence and win mindshare with consumers. Below are 4 great packaging innovations along with tips on how to implement them, sources and packaging examples where they can be used cost effectively.

Cast Metal, Pewter and Wood Labels

Labels are no longer relegated to paper alone. Now you can source … Continue reading

4 Ways Millennials are Changing Alcohol Beverage Branding

February 17, 2015 by David Schuemann 7 Comments

Check your pretense at the door – Millennials are taking the wine industry by storm, and it’s time for marketers to take note.

As Millennials come of legal drinking age they are consuming more wine than any other generation before them. This new demographic has brought a different type of demand to an industry that, up until now, has largely been driven by tradition. Not any more – from wine cocktails, to alternative packaging, Millennials are changing the way we … Continue reading

Revolutionary vs. Evolutionary Redesign for Alcohol Beverage Branding

February 16, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

A great redesign can reinvigorate a brand but it’s crucial to choose correctly between making an evolutionary vs. revolutionary change.

It’s commonly believed the motivation for a package design change is largely in hands of the brand´s owners, but in actuality it’s the competition that compels the need for change.

It’s the brand owners however that must spend the time to diagnose their brand thoroughly in order to decide whether to make an evolutionary change vs. a more revolutionary change. … Continue reading

How to Choose the Best Creative Agency for your Alcohol Beverage Branding Project

February 3, 2015 by David Schuemann 1 Comment

Working with creative agencies can deliver fantastic results and provide you with a tangible return on your investment, but finding the right fit between your company, brand and an agency can be a daunting task.

To set you out on the path for success BEFORE your project even begins, you should take some important factors into consideration as you search for the right creative partner. A little bit of due diligence will pay off later by saving you the headaches … Continue reading

Alcohol Beverage Branding: Will Capsules Become a Thing of the Past?

February 2, 2015 by David Schuemann 4 Comments

Rising dry goods costs, new innovations and tamper-safe concerns may lead to the end of capsules as we know them.

Key phrase here – as we know them.

Capsules have long been thought as the finishing element on a bottle of alcohol, a secondary closure over a cork or other bottle closure that acts as the “crown” finishing touch on a bottle for wine and spirits – but a shift has been gaining momentum in recent years.

The 3 developments … Continue reading

The 9 Attributes of Highly Successful Alcohol Beverage Brands

February 1, 2015 by David Schuemann 2 Comments

Like great entrepreneurs, effective leaders, and influential individuals, successful brands have a distinct set of traits that set them apart from the rest.

Competition for market share in the wine, beer, and spirits categories has never been fiercer, making it more important than ever to assess whether your brand has the qualities necessary for success.

The following are the most common qualities of successful alcohol beverage brands.

Consumer Knowledge
The most successful alcohol brands have a thorough knowledge of their

The Pros and Cons of Custom Glass in Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 30, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Custom bottles can provide a unique look and provide large brand benefits, but brand owners must evaluate the pros and cons.

Everyone knows that your alcohol brand package has to work hard on the retail shelf and on the back bar to attract consumer attention. Custom bottles are a powerful way to achieve this end, especially when finished with complimenting packaging components.

But brand owners must fully consider the ramifications of committing to a custom bottle before choosing … Continue reading

Why Color Matters for Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 25, 2015 by David Schuemann 1 Comment

How color plays an integral role in reaching your consumer, driving engagement, and boosting SALES.

Color, though one of the most obvious elements of your brand’s identity and packaging is often one of the most overlooked, underleveraged, and misunderstood. In an article titled, Why Color Matters, color psychologist, brand expert, Jill Morton, shares from substantial research, how color impacts your branding and marketing efforts. Here are three highlights from her article along with my insights for alcohol beverage branding.… Continue reading

Alcohol Beverage Branding – A Look at the American Wine Consumer

January 24, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Important insights in to how and why Americans buy wine today.

Sonoma State University conducts an annual survey on the American wine consumer. Their most recent research answers some elusive questions including: How do they choose a wine? Where do they purchase their wine? and do they leverage social media?

How American Consumers Decide To Purchase a Wine

Despite what many may assume, after considering price and varietal, consumers decide to purchase a wine largely on brand (74%) and rely … Continue reading

The Selling Power of Stories in Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 20, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Creating a narrative that engages your consumer and embraces their lifestyle will build brand loyalty and bolster your bottom line.

The power of storytelling in consumer engagement is undeniable, but often deciding how to develop your alcohol brand’s story presents a more difficult challenge. In the following article, I’ve outlined some keys to developing killer stories that will appeal to your consumer, grab their attention, and engage their imagination.

The goal of telling effective stories about your brand should … Continue reading

Leveraging Confirmation Bias in Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 18, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Whether we are aware of it or not, deeply rooted subconscious cultural assumptions often drive our purchase intent and reinforce our decision after purchase.

Confirmation bias is the tendency for people to favor information that confirms their preconceptions or hypotheses regardless of whether the information is true. As a result, people gather evidence and recall information from memory selectively, and interpret it in a biased way. The biases appear in particular for emotionally significant issues and for established beliefs.… Continue reading

The Psychology of Wine Labels for Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 13, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Jonathan Becher is a technology and marketing expert and the Chief Digital Officer at SAP. He recently wrote a Forbes article entitled, “The Psychology of Wine Labels” and was kind enough to reference my book, 99 Bottles of Wine:

“In his new book, 99 Bottles of Wine: The Making of the Contemporary Wine Label, Schuemann reveals the strategy behind the company’s most successful packaging designs. The book contains a wide variety of photographs of some of the most eye-catching … Continue reading

How to Write an Outstanding Creative Brief for Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 13, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

A thorough creative brief is the secret to getting the most effective, targeted, high quality work possible from your creative agency.

Why write a creative brief?

They include key contacts
They include budget and timelines
They capture all background information and mindshare
They define your audience
They set style, tone and creative parameters
They connect objectives with a strategic sales initiatives
They set the benchmarks for which the work will be judged against

A Great Creative Brief Should Include

Budget… Continue reading

Wine Packaging & Disruptive Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 10, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

It’s time to get disruptive with your wine packaging or risk becoming invisible to consumers.

As the number of brands in the wine industry continues to skyrocket, the task ahead for marketers is more difficult than ever. In 2014 alone, the TTB approved over 100,000 new wine labels. Compounding the issue is the wine consumers’ declining ability to differentiate between this myriad of choices within a category where product attributes overlap considerably. With the number of SKUs on-shelf growing at … Continue reading

The Importance of Proper Tiering in Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 9, 2015 by David Schuemann 2 Comments

Distinct pricing, clear hierarchy, product connection, and thoughtful planning are crucial for consumer engagement and vertical growth.

Proper tiering plays a powerful role in alcohol beverage branding. Designing the packaging appropriately for each price point, product type and quality level is crucial in order to avoid confusion amongst the various tiers. A properly designed system will help attract consumers seeking products at particular price points and provide a strong family look for your brand portfolio. If designed improperly, products in … Continue reading

Packaging vs. Advertising for Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 7, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

3 reasons why you may want to focus more on packaging rather than advertising when trying to influence purchase.

Sure, packaging and advertising are both crucial components to any marketing mix, but which has more influence at the time when consumers make their purchase decision? And more importantly, which is giving you a better ROI?

The correct balance is even more crucial for smaller brands with limited budgets where packaging is a proven ally on the front lines at retail.… Continue reading

How to Research a Package Effectively for Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 6, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

While no consumer research is foolproof, following simple steps can ensure you avoid making critical mistakes (and wasting a lot of money) when conducting research on a new package design.

There’s nothing like having that extra security of research to validate what your gut-instinct is telling you about your packaging. Here are 3 suggestions to consider for your next research project:

Plan Ahead – What do you want to learn or confirm?

Make sure the research you will conduct can … Continue reading

The Heart of Every Successful Brand for Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 5, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Every brand has a story, tell it well and you’ll give your customers a reason to believe and better yet, to buy.

Volumes have been written about how to build a strong brand, but where should you start? While there many ways to develop strong brands, there is a common DNA that runs throughout all successful brands — a strong, well thought out and clearly defined brand essence.

The brand essence is the most elemental part of your brand.… Continue reading

The 80/20 Rule for Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 3, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Why Consumers Purchase Package Over Product

One of the keys to creating a successful alcohol beverage brand that breaks through the ever-growing crowd of offerings is exceptional design and packaging. There is no question about it: with all sorts of consumer products including alcoholic beverages, visually appealing packaging piques our interest, invites trial, and assists our recall of a brand we tried. New research even suggests that packaging even affects our taste perception of the quality of the product.

If … Continue reading

Alcohol Beverage Branding: Professionals Never Seem Expensive Once You’ve Paid Amateurs

January 2, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Why bargains for design and branding services may not be such a great deal after all.

Over the past few years there have been an alarming number of stories from colleagues and clients alike that were burnt by a “bargain” from a design firm or freelancer. Initially thinking they were getting a deal they later discovered their projects ended up costing them a small fortune in time and money and/or results that fell short of expectations. Here are a few … Continue reading

Marketing to “HENRYs” for Alcohol Beverage Branding

January 1, 2015 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

HENRYs “High-Earning Not-Rich-Yet” are the lucrative next generation of consumers being targeted by luxury wine and spirits brands in the US where the middle class is no longer the dependable mass market it once was.

Wine and spirit producers that have traditionally targeted the middle class must focus on new consumer segments when seeking to grow their sales. While the affluent are the next logical group to target, according to the Robin Report, there is a large sub-group of … Continue reading

Alcohol Beverage Branding: What’s in a Name?

December 31, 2014 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Discover the 10 rules for developing a killer brand name for alcohol beverage branding.

Naming and branding can be a powerful combination when developed correctly. Together they form the vision and the essence of your brand, communicate the benefit of your product, and ultimately support an emotional connection with your target consumer.

Developing and choosing a name is a delicate balance of art and science. Names that follow these 10 key rules will have the greatest chance of success:

Fit

When it’s Time to Redesign for Alcohol Beverage Branding

December 31, 2014 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

6 telltale signs that it’s time for a package redesign.

Whether you’re a boutique producer or a multi-million case global brand, the time will inevitably come for a package redesign. For better or for worse, market success simply doesn’t allow for stagnancy – it demands change to keep up with trends, expanded product lines, and maintain engagement with your core consumers.

In this article for Wines & Vines that Jane Firstenfeld interviewed me for in May 2014, I touch on … Continue reading

Alcohol Beverage Branding: Why You Can’t Market to Millennials

December 24, 2014 by David Schuemann 2 Comments

If you’re still using “boomer” marketing tactics, your brand is destined to be a “bust”.

Love them or hate them, Millennials currently represent $200 billion in direct spending power, 25% of the population, and are on track to make up 75% of the total workforce by 2025 (CMSwire.com).

I work with Brand and Marketing Managers on a daily basis that struggle with how to make their brands appeal to the next generation of the American consumer. What’s … Continue reading

Back in Black: Alcohol Beverage Branding Goes to the Dark Side

December 18, 2014 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Black labels were once assumed to be recessive and ominous, but today black is one of the hottest new colors in alcohol packaging.

Your packaging is, in many cases, the first experience the consumer has with your brand. Use of color can communicate volumes to your consumer before they ever pick up your product.

Black has been a standard in sectors like consumer electronics and automotive for years, but was considered taboo for the food and beverage categories. Previously thought … Continue reading

Alcohol Beverage Branding: Making Your Package POP on Shelf

December 16, 2014 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

With the marketplace becoming increasingly crowded, learn how to make your packaging POP on shelf.

With the introduction of new products, package redesigns, and an abundance of general point of sale materials, the wine and liquor isle at your favorite market can be a tough place to compete for the consumer’s attention – all the more reason your packaging needs to POP!

Ensure you are reaching your core consumer in the best way:

Take the time to do a little … Continue reading

Avoiding Production Nightmares in Alcohol Beverage Branding

December 16, 2014 by David Schuemann Leave a Comment

Save money, time, and headaches with some simple considerations.

You’ve spent months developing a new brand package and all that is left is to get it produced. Unfortunately, there is no easy button…There are, however, several easy things to consider that will ensure you new packaging is flawlessly produced.

Bottle – Size Does Matter.

A label has to be applied to something… and most of the time it’s a bottle. If you are developing a custom bottle mold, you should … Continue reading

3 Things Exceptional Packaging Can Do for Your Alcohol Brand

December 15, 2014 by David Schuemann 4 Comments

Packaging is a crucial driver of initial trial, perception of quality, and repurchase decisions.

Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the extrinsic versus intrinsic factors when consumers are making their purchase selection. One common theme appears across many of the studies: if a consumer likes the packaging they will be more likely to both purchase and enjoy the product. The key is to set appropriate quality and price point expectations, connect with your consumers’ lifestyles, and deliver against brand … Continue reading

The craft spirits boom has flooded the market with thousands of new brands that have successfully carved out a niche for themselves by leveraging package designs that promise quality through evocative design and hand-crafted sensibilities.

For many start-up alcohol companies the question of whether to build a “branded house” or a “house of brands” is a critical one to answer for their company and brand’s future success.

Whether a start-up, or an established producer looking to expand, developing a realistic and well thought-out marketing plan and budget is crucial to success.

Ensure your website redesign starts off on the right foot by following these key tips.

4 ways alcohol beverage producers can reduce their packaging carbon footprint without sacrificing functionality or design.

Navigating the legal waters of intellectual property can be tricky – here’s what you need to know when it comes to the two most common terms.

Sharing your budget with your creative agency up front will ensure a more efficient RFP process, an accurate proposal that addresses your specific needs, and the beginning of a business relationship that is based on trust and transparency.

If your marketing team is developing a new alcohol beverage or is repositioning an existing one, a good market position statement is a crucial component.

Considerations brand owners should be aware of when developing their brand launch and distribution strategy.

How to choose the right distributor for your alcohol beverage brand.

Well executed brand sales sheets, tasting notes, and shelf talkers will ensure that your brand is working hard for you in the market.

How to leverage the Direct-to-Consumer sales channel to great success.

4 packaging innovations and considerations brand owners should be aware of while implementing a new design.

Check your pretense at the door – Millennials are taking the wine industry by storm, and it’s time for marketers to take note.

A great redesign can reinvigorate a brand but it’s crucial to choose correctly between making an evolutionary vs. revolutionary change.

Working with creative agencies can deliver fantastic results and provide you with a tangible return on your investment, but finding the right fit between your company, brand and an agency can be a daunting task.

Rising dry goods costs, new innovations and tamper-safe concerns may lead to the end of capsules as we know them.

Like great entrepreneurs, effective leaders, and influential individuals, successful brands have a distinct set of traits that set them apart from the rest.

Custom bottles can provide a unique look and provide large brand benefits, but brand owners must evaluate the pros and cons.

How color plays an integral role in reaching your consumer, driving engagement, and boosting SALES.

Important insights in to how and why Americans buy wine today.

Creating a narrative that engages your consumer and embraces their lifestyle will build brand loyalty and bolster your bottom line.

Whether we are aware of it or not, deeply rooted subconscious cultural assumptions often drive our purchase intent and reinforce our decision after purchase.

A thorough creative brief is the secret to getting the most effective, targeted, high quality work possible from your creative agency.

It’s time to get disruptive with your wine packaging or risk becoming invisible to consumers.

Distinct pricing, clear hierarchy, product connection, and thoughtful planning are crucial for consumer engagement and vertical growth.

3 reasons why you may want to focus more on packaging rather than advertising when trying to influence purchase.

While no consumer research is foolproof, following simple steps can ensure you avoid making critical mistakes (and wasting a lot of money) when conducting research on a new package design.

Every brand has a story, tell it well and you’ll give your customers a reason to believe and better yet, to buy.

Why Consumers Purchase Package Over Product

Why bargains for design and branding services may not be such a great deal after all.

HENRYs “High-Earning Not-Rich-Yet” are the lucrative next generation of consumers being targeted by luxury wine and spirits brands in the US where the middle class is no longer the dependable mass market it once was.

Discover the 10 rules for developing a killer brand name for alcohol beverage branding.

6 telltale signs that it’s time for a package redesign.

If you’re still using “boomer” marketing tactics, your brand is destined to be a “bust”.

Black labels were once assumed to be recessive and ominous, but today black is one of the hottest new colors in alcohol packaging.

With the marketplace becoming increasingly crowded, learn how to make your packaging POP on shelf.

Ensure you are reaching your core consumer in the best way:

Save money, time, and headaches with some simple considerations.

Packaging is a crucial driver of initial trial, perception of quality, and repurchase decisions.

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