A PORTFOLIO OF EMERGING ADULT BEVERAGE BRANDS THAT BRING NEW EXPERIENCES TO YOUR BAR.  

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This isn’t just about expanding your selection—it’s about crafting new experiences for your guests. We present a lineup of innovative brands that push the boundaries of flavor and tradition, brands for a diverse range of customers to explore. By featuring new brands, you create a buzz that encourages guests to  discover, and indulge. This  elevates the consumer's experience and positions your bar as a trendsetter. Embracing emerging brands reflects a commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach to hospitality, setting you apart in a competitive market.

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Featuring emerging brands can also be a smart economic move. Emerging challenger brands offer crafted, high-quality products- with experiences consumers will pay more for! While other established labels layer on price increases, emerging brands provide exceptional value, offering top-notch selections without inflating your costs. Innovative brands inject excitement and variety into your menu, creating new experiences for your patrons. Compelling brand stories will empower your waitstaff and servers to engage with guests in new ways, enriching the overall dining experience and setting your establishment apart as a trendsetter in the industry.

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THE SAME BRANDS ARE ON 90% OF EVERY BACK BAR IN AMERICA

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It time for change! Don't let the big companies tell you what to carry.. Read reviews, taste new products, and look for ways to upgrade your brands.  At Stellar Brands LLC we are looking to lead change with a portfolio of emerging brands that will challenge your thinking. There are a number of categories where changes are overdue.  Below are some quick thoughts on category changes and opportunities.  Stellar Brands LLC is your trusted partner.  We will ensure supply and take care of distribution issues.  We will also elevate your staff training and brand knowledge.  Let our professionals help you re-engage your consumers with exciting new brands

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Exciting things on the horizon to consider when making brand changes:

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TEQUILA: Check out the NOM#!! Is your tequila brand contract manufactured? Read the Tequila Matchmaker Review.  How many tequilas are produced at the distillery?  More isn't necessarily better...in many cases it is worse.  Are there additives or is it "Additive-Free"?  Read up, study and learn.  There are some great tequilas that are new and emerging that you should consider.  Please take the time to learn about El Tequileño Tequila.  Made at NOM#1108 by Master Distiller Antonio Salles, a descendent of the Cuervo Family.  Producing award winning tequila since 1959. ​​​

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RYE: People are questioning whether there is a Bourbon glut and if straight whiskey sales have plateaued. Meanwhile, Rye Whiskey continues to grow and now represents over 20% of Bourbon sales. PENNSYLVANIA IS THE HISTORIC BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN WHISKEY.PENNSYLVANIA RYE WHISKEY IS A UNIQUE
STYLE WITH DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS. Through the 19th Century and up until Prohibition, Pennsylvania rye whiskey was the premier American whiskey. At one time the #1 selling spirit sold in the US was a Pennsylvania Rye whiskey! Adding Pennsylvania Rye whiskey to your bar's selection connects patrons to a rich American tradition and offers a unique flavor profile. This distinguished whiskey not only enhances your menu but also sets your bar apart with its historical significance, captivating whiskey enthusiasts and drawing a wider audience. All of Dad's Hat Rye whiskies are made on site with rye grain sourced directly from local Pennsylvania Farms. 

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CORDIALS: There is some great new innovation being done in the Cordial Space with independent new entries that are beginning to produce some great cordial brands, and more importantly new cordial lines.  I believe that the big companies are walking away from Cordial Line brands.  As sales fall they are reformulating their products to reduce COGS.  Look for a few new upstart brands to bring new innovative flavors and a higher quality brand at a fair price.  These emerging brands will offer a better level of support to operators. ​​​

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VODKA: In the last few decades the only NEWS in Vodka, was when the established brands rolled out flavor after flavor.  Line extensions took over the back bar.  Smart bartenders and mixologists know that line extensions are not the way to introduce flavor into a great crafted cocktails.  Most established big brands are now line extending their product into higher priced iterations. I think these brands will hurt their own brand, when consumers discover that the brand they loved doesn't look like the best vodka anymore.  Look for a few great new emerging brands that going to challenge the status quo. I like Broken Shed New Zealand Vodka, Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, and Meili Vodka.  Try them out and see if they aren't better tasting than anything on your back bar.

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HEMP DERIVED THC: Keep an eye on this key trend change in consumer consumption. Bar and Restaurant patrons are increasingly seeking healthier and innovative beverage options. One notable trend is the rising popularity of hemp-derived THC cocktails, which offer a unique experience without the negative effects of alcohol. These cannabis-infused drinks are gaining traction, especially among younger generations who are more health-conscious and open to trying new alternatives. In 2023, sales of these beverages grew by over 143% and over $100MM in stores and bars in the US. Bars that incorporate these innovative cocktails are attracting a diverse clientele and staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving beverage industry. Outlets don't offer these types of alternatives are losing revenue. 

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IRISH: Irish whiskey had been achieving yearly growth since 2000, except for 2020, when the category fell due to the Covid. In 2021, Irish grew 12% and overtook blended whiskey as the 11th largest spirits category. Irish grew again in 2022 -- third highest among distilled spirits -- although at a slower pace of 4.3%. Irish whiskey is a 5.7 million 9-liter cases. I think it is time for something new in the category. One brand I have my eye on is Shanky's Whip, which is quickly becoming a hot brand. Launched in 2021, this Irish whiskey liqueur stands out with its unique blend of black Irish whiskey, vanilla, caramel, and a creamy stout-like finish. It has a smooth, rich flavor without the typical burn of whiskey. The brand has captured the attention of both whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers alike. I like the vintage-inspired packaging and the whimsical story of its namesake, a fantastical Irish jockey. Shanky's Whip is not just a drink; it's an experience that's gaining popularity for its innovative approach and delightful taste. 

   

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