Online alcohol marketplace BoozeBud has launched a new self-managed platform that allows alcohol producers to market and distribute their products directly to consumers across Australia.
The self-managed platform supports marketing, sales, order fulfilment and delivery processes. Producers can create their own profile pages, share tasting notes and wax lyrical about the history and background of their product. BoozeBud spruiks the evolution of its platform as the Airbnb of the alcohol industry.
“The alcohol industry needs shaking up. There are now tens of thousands of local wineries, breweries and distilleries and more coming to market every day and traditional bottle shops physically can’t keep up enough to support this growth,” BoozeBud co-founder Andy Williamson said.
“This means that most local producers don’t have an accessible avenue to effectively market and distribute their products across Australia and customers cannot access these products. We’re now giving them that opportunity, which is only possible through a new, technology-led business model.”
According to research by IBISWorld, consumer demand for Australian-made spirits, craft beers and other premium products is growing, even as per capita alcohol consumption continues its decade-long fall.
This is fueling a rise in online alcohol retailers, with the number of e-commerce sites in this sector growing 20 per cent over the past five years.
Pureplay online liquor retailer Mybottleshop recently announced its impending plans for an IPO on the back of that growth. And BoozeBud similarly is looking to capitalise on the trend with the evolution of its marketplace.
“Everyone wants to know where their product came from, how it was made, and the inspirations behind it. We put this information at their fingertips on our online platform. We’re giving producers an opportunity to build a long-lasting relationship with their customers, and for the customer to tap into a whole world of new and unique alcohol,” Williamson said.
