Technology has quickly become an indispensable resource in every industry – including liquor.
Brands are using technology to streamline every aspect of production and selling experiences as well as online sales of liquor products. Here are three examples of how technology is changing the liquor industry: 1. Alcohol delivery apps
1. AI-generated gins
The alcohol industry has taken to using automation and smart technologies to streamline production, distribution and consumption. From automated label design to AI-powered spirit creation, these technological trends are revolutionizing how alcohol is manufactured and consumed.
Though the alcoholic beverage industry has undergone considerable change, we can anticipate even greater innovations and advancements in the coming years. That is why many breweries, wineries and distilleries are adopting cutting-edge technologies in order to remain competitive in this rapidly-evolving field.
Circumstance Distillery in Bristol collaborated with Tiny Giant and Rewrite Digital to craft Monker’s Garkel, the world’s first AI gin. Available for sale online from 5 November 2019, Monker’s Garkel contains juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root prunes clementine zest and marigold flowers and features limited-edition release features this limited edition release gin from Tiny Giant/Rewrite Digital.
Ecommerce has grown increasingly popular within the alcohol sector due to convenient delivery options and increased revenue streams that online sales provide. While e-commerce may never completely replace physical stores, it has allowed the alcohol industry to flourish by opening new revenue channels.
Startups have quickly taken to alcohol delivery services as an alternative to traditional shopping experiences, providing fast transactions and an extensive range of products for consumers to select. Furthermore, ecommerce solutions have proven helpful in streamlining alcohol inventory management – with their GL-coded integrations matching bookkeeping for simplified reconciliation that save bar managers precious time.
2. Bioengineered whisky
If the idea of GMO ingredients bothers you when drinking whisky, switching brands might be necessary. That doesn’t mean having to give up enjoying spirits altogether — just choose wisely when shopping around for labels with such information, including any references to GMO use. Whisky production abides by stringent transparency standards which require distilleries to disclose essential data on their labels regarding this issue – such as whether GMO ingredients have been included.
Whiskies have taken steps towards becoming more transparent as consumers demand non-GMO products, with several Scotch brands leading the way by publishing comprehensive sourcing disclosures on their websites – helping meet this rising consumer demand while at the same time improving both their reputation and that of the entire industry.
Transparency has also revolutionized the liquor industry by creating more sustainable supply chains. This is important considering whisky’s energy-intensive production requires considerable amounts of heat and power; producing just one bottle may generate up to 20 tons of waste according to some estimates.
Warn the whisky industry against overemphasizing physical terroir. Yes, where grapes were grown has an enormous effect on quality; similarly soil, water and sun conditions during cultivation all play an integral part. But consider this: 40% of whisky production contains ethyl alcohol which has been identified as carcinogenic by numerous studies – it kills 88,000 people annually either directly from overdoses or indirectly through manifestations of long-term diseases.
3. Ecommerce sites
Online sales of alcohol have experienced significant growth over recent months, driven by consumer shifts away from bars towards home consumption, as well as rising disposable incomes and affluence leading to premiumization in alcoholic beverages, with customers looking for innovative ingredients and experiences with which they can spend their money.
Ecommerce platforms provide a convenient and accessible alternative for purchasing alcohol, enabling consumers to easily browse, order and receive products at their leisure – with digital payment systems making transactions even simpler. Furthermore, these platforms give alcohol brands an opportunity to sell directly to consumers rather than through traditional three-tier distribution models with associated fees.
Specialized alcohol delivery services like Drizly have taken notice and are quickly expanding their footprint. Not only that; Amazon now offers one-hour delivery in select US markets through Prime Now; while Uber Eats now delivers wine, beer, and spirits directly to homes across multiple states.
Alcohol ecommerce presents numerous marketing and distribution advantages for alcohol brands and retailers alike, leveling the playing field for smaller retailers, and offering consumers more cost-effective prices by bypassing three-tier distribution networks and selling direct. To take full advantage of its potential benefits, however, brands must ensure a seamless customer experience regardless of where or how their customers purchase their products.
4. Personalized alcohol experiences
Technology continues to transform the liquor industry by increasing convenience and providing tailored experiences for consumers. From beer with built-in flavors to virtual reality bar experiences, beverage alcohol brands who take note of current trends will remain viable players in this competitive sector.
Ecommerce sites independent from liquor stores have grown increasingly popular among consumers seeking an easier way to purchase alcohol. Startups like Tipple allow alcohol brands to sell directly to customers while handling taxes and logistics for them; additionally they provide analytics and insights that help beverage companies optimize marketing strategies and grow sales.
Fintech’s PaymentSource allows businesses to automate submitting and collecting both cash-on-delivery and term payments for alcohol invoices, saving both time and resources.
Though some larger producers may be wary of tech entering their territory, younger generations of buyers are accepting technological innovations in the drink alcohol space with enthusiasm. They appreciate tradition but want experiences that are distinctive and refined – to meet this demand, brands are leveraging modern technology and material science to revolutionize traditional product production, branding and packaging processes.