5 Alcohol Products Business Success Stories [2024]
An alcohol products business encompasses the process of producing, distributing, and selling a wide range of alcoholic beverages. These beverages can include beer, wine, and spirits, among others.
Entrepreneurs in this industry work towards crafting high-quality drinks while navigating regulations, establishing efficient distribution channels, and creating a brand that resonates with responsible consumers who enjoy consuming alcoholic beverages in moderation.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a alcohol products business:
1. BeatBox Beverages ($132M/year)
Justin Fenchel, co-founder and CEO of BeatBox Beverages, came up with the idea to create a party version of boxed wine with his friend Brad Schultz. They noticed the popularity of boxed wine like Franzia, but realized people weren't buying it for the taste, but for the affordability and convenience. Inspired by flavored malt beverages, they decided to create a fun flavored version of boxed wine for millennials. After testing their product at parties and receiving positive feedback, they knew they were onto something. With no prior alcohol industry experience, they navigated the complex laws and manufacturing process to bring their unique product to market. Since launching, they have grown their sales to $2.4 million in 2018 and hit $2 million in revenue in 2019.
How much they make: $132M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
Current team size: 164
BeatBox Beverages, a wine-based cocktail company, grew sales from $700k in 2016 to $2.4m in 2018 and is on track to hit $6m+ in 2019 through a unique and differentiated product, social media marketing, and an appearance on Shark Tank.
2. Drake’s Organic Spirits ($10.8M/year)
Mark Anderson, the CEO and Founder of Drake's Organic Spirits, came up with the idea for his business after realizing that many popular spirit brands were made from genetically modified corn ethanol. With his background in organic farming and experience as the largest importer of non-GMO verified, organic cane sugar, he wanted to create a spirit with the purest, freshest, and most sustainable ingredients. Thus, Drake's Organic Spirits was born, offering certified USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, and Kosher spirits, mixers, and ready-to-serve cocktails.
How much they make: $10.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $320K
Current team size: 20
Drake's Organic Spirits, the largest organic alcohol company in the US and the first to achieve all five certifications, has achieved success through producing sustainable spirits that are good for both consumers and the environment, and has experienced rapid growth, with a 2020 sales of 40,000 9L cases and projected sales of over 100,000 for 2021.
So... can you actually make money with a alcohol products business?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
3. TopWhiskies ($210K/year)
Ed, one of the co-founders of TopWhiskies, came up with the idea for the business while working in Financial Services in Hong Kong. He and his best friend Evan started a whisky blog as a hobby, focusing on social media to connect with fellow whisky enthusiasts. As they posted about unique independent whisky brands, their followers began asking where they could purchase these brands, leading them to launch an eCommerce site specializing in independent whiskies. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 10,000 subscribers on YouTube, the eCommerce site has seen a monthly turnover of around $17,500 and continues to grow.
How much they make: $210K/year
How much did it cost to start: $300
Current team size: 0
TopWhiskies, an eCommerce store celebrating the best independent whisky brands, started as a social media hobby in 2016, and, after building a large following, pivoted to an eCommerce site in October 2020, achieving an average monthly turnover of around $17,500 with sales up around 50% year on year.
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
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- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
