The way distribution is evolving right now, there’s a growing need for models that meet both suppliers and distributors where they are—not where the system used to be. That’s exactly what led to the launch of Best Brands On Demand in Tennessee. LibDib has expanded its On Demand network to Tennessee by partnering with Best Brands , a leading distributor with deep statewide reach and a strong reputation for execution. The result is a model that blends the strength of an established wholesaler with the flexibility of a just-in-time, technology-enabled platform. For brands, it opens the door to Tennessee without the traditional hurdles of inventory commitments or long onboarding timelines. For Buyers, it creates broader access and discovery through Best Brands’ e-commerce platform, where products are now visible and available for order across the state. This model works seamlessly because it fits within the three-tier system and removes friction from the proc

Papapietro Perry Winery and Four Roses Bourbon Take Top Honors (March 6, 2026) — Winners have been announced in the fifth annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. A pinot noir from Papapietro Perry (Sonoma County, Calif.) and a small batch bourbon from Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, Ky.) topped their fields to be named Best of the Best. The competition was established in 2022, in conjunction with Los Angeles-based beverage professionals (representing both the on- and off-premise channels), to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world, and to introduce those producers to the largest market of consumers in the United States. Judging took place February 18-19, 2026. Competition this year was stellar, says event producer Debra Del Fiorentino of Wine Competitions Management & Production: “Year after year, our judges continue to be impressed with the depth in each category. The quality of product was fantastic!” Wh

Wakefield Taylors Wines and 1800 Milenio Take Top Honors July 14, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 18th annual Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWWSC). The competition, which took place recently in Santa Rosa, Calif., was founded on the premise that the majority of wine purchased for home consumption is bought by women. The IWWSC judging panels consist entirely of professional women in the wine and spirits industries — winemakers, distillers, marketers, buyers, sommeliers, educators and journalists.  This year, Wakefield Taylor Wines 2024 Estate Riesling and 1800 Milenio Extra-Aged Añejo took top honors. Wakefield Taylor, a heritage winery in Australia’s Clare Valley (a region known for quality Reislings), wowed judges with its “mouthwatering citrus blooms” and “gentle salinity.”  A representative from 1800 Mileno remarked, “1800 Milenio is backed by 11 generations of tequila-making e

The calendar flip from 2024 to 2025 heralded several new packaging regulations, rulemaking updates, and bills with significant implications for consumer packaged goods in North America and Europe. Recent packaging legislation is reshaping packaging requirements for waste reduction, recyclable materials, circularity, and sustainability. However, actions by the Trump Administration may defer regulatory action at the U.S. federal level and shift packaging-related policies. EPR Packaging Laws Five U.S. states—California, Colorado, Oregon, Maine, and Minnesota—have passed extended producer responsibility laws for packaging. While each state's requirements vary, they share common goals of reducing packaging waste, enhancing recycling efforts, and holding producers (e.g., brand owners) accountable for the life cycle of their products. Since the start of the year, nine states have introduced or re-introduced EPR packaging bills. They include Washington, Tennessee, Hawaii

Garrison Brothers Distillery and Ledson Winery Take Top Honors  (March 17, 2025) — Winners have been announced in the fourth annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. A merlot from Ledson Vineyards & Winery (Sonoma County, Calif.) and a small batch bourbon from Garrison Brothers Distillery (Hye, Texas.) topped their fields to be named Best of the Best. The competition was established in 2022, in conjunction with Los Angeles-based beverage professionals (representing both the on- and off-premise channels), to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world, and to introduce those producers to the largest market of consumers in the United States. Judging took place February 25-26, 2025. Says event producer Debra Del Fiorentino of Wine Competitions Management & Production, “Year after year, our judges continue to be impressed with the depth in each category. The quality of product was fantastic!” Competition this ye

Afternoon Brief: Alecia Moore, Winemaker and Two Wolves Wine Founder, Announced as Keynote Speaker for 2025 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

The Unified Wine and Grape Symposium is proud to welcome Alecia Moore, winemaker and founder of Two Wolves Wine, as the keynote luncheon speaker to kick off the 2025 show on Tuesday, January 28...

San Jose, CA, December 3, 2024 – LibDib, the leading web-based alcohol distributor, proudly announces its recognition for “Best Technology Innovation” by Beverage Wholesaler in their prestigious Distributor Best Practices Awards. This accolade underscores LibDib's commitment to transforming the beverage alcohol industry through cutting-edge technology, specifically the company's LibTech SaaS division.  "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition as it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team to push the boundaries of what's possible in the beverage distribution space,” said Richard Brashears, COO of LibDib and General Manager of the LibTech Division. “Our mission has always been to transform the industry through cutting-edge technology and this recognition affirms that we have built the leading platform. The LibTech division now brings this platform to any beverage alcohol industry player.&rdquo

LibDib SaaS Division’s Proven Technology Gains Traction with Midsized Wholesalers Across the Country  San Jose, CA, and Nashville, TN, July 1, 2024𑁋LibDib is pleased to announce that Best Brands has implemented LibTech’s innovative ordering and reporting platform as part of an ongoing digital transformation initiative. LibTech provides comprehensive experiences for numerous stakeholders, including:   Best Brands Sales Teams: Providing on and offline sales ordering capabilities including access to real-time pricing and availability information, a collaborative Sales Customer shared cart, sell sheets, and lists.   A Robust Distributor Data Experience: Dashboards, reporting and analytics to easily manage sales teams’ daily routes, activities and goals.  “LibDib has proven to create the best online and offline experience for the distribution industry,” said Ryan Moses, Chief Executive Officer, Best Brands. “I am thrilled to wo

Afternoon Brief, May 29th

Oregon Wineries Sue Pacificorp for $100 Million for Smoke Damage: Some 30 wineries in Willamette Valley are suing Warren Buffett’s energy company PacifiCorp for negligence surrounding the 2020 wildfires that caused catastrophic smoke taint to their crops...

OAK FARM VINEYARDS AND STEELBOUND DISTILLERY TAKE TOP HONORS IN 2024 LOS ANGELES INVITATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS CHALLENGE  MARCH 6, 2024 – Winners have been announced in the third annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. A Barbera from Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, Calif., and a Bourbon from Steelbound Brewery & Distillery in Ellicotville, N.Y., topped their fields to be named Best of the Best.  The competition was established in 2022, in conjunction with Los Angeles-based beverage professionals (representing both the on- and off-premise channels), to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world, and to introduce those producers to the largest market of consumers in the United States.  Judging took place February 26-28, 2024. Says event producer Debra Del Fiorentino of Wine & Spirits Competitions Management & Production, “The competition grew again this year to attract close to 1,100 entries, and our