If you’re thinking about growing your wine brand in Asia, there’s one video you should definitely check out. In the video titled “How to Grow in Asia – Advice for Wine, Beer, and Spirits Brands,” Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, shares straightforward and practical advice for wine brands looking to expand into key Asian markets like Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia.

Sid starts by addressing a common mistake that many wine brands make—thinking of Asia as one single market. The reality is, Asia is a diverse region where each country has its own drinking culture, price expectations, and consumer behavior. What works in Japan won’t necessarily work in Thailand, and how consumers buy wine in Singapore is very different from how it’s consumed in Vietnam. Understanding these differences is the first step toward building a successful strategy.

The video features a conversation between three experienced industry leaders: Bob Paulinski MW, Bree Stock MW, and Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network. Bob Paulinski MW is a seasoned wine industry expert with extensive experience in global retail, sourcing, and wine program development. 

Bree Stock MW brings deep expertise in wine education, market development, and producer consultancy, especially focused on emerging markets. Together, they share valuable insights on how wine brands can navigate the complexities of entering Asian markets, offering practical advice on consumer trends, pricing strategies, and distribution models tailored for Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the broader Southeast Asia region.

Singapore’s wine consumers are more focused on premium products, sustainability, and unique stories behind the brand. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Thailand are seeing growing interest in wine among younger consumers who are exploring wine in social settings like bars and lounges.

Sid also highlights how buying decisions are made across different countries. In Singapore, consumers often look at brand image, quality certifications, and awards. In Thailand and Vietnam, it’s more about the social experience, affordability, and the excitement of trying something new. This is a critical insight for wine brands that are thinking about how to position themselves in these markets.

Another key topic covered in the video is distribution. Sid talks about the importance of understanding local laws, tax structures, and licensing requirements. He emphasizes that the rules around wine distribution can vary greatly between countries, and having the right local partner can make or break your entry into the market.

Packaging and storytelling also play a huge role in Asia. In Japan, consumers appreciate clean, simple, and elegant designs that reflect quality. In Singapore, premium cues like gold foil, embossed labels, and eco-friendly messaging can make a difference. In more nightlife-driven markets like Vietnam and Thailand, bold and eye-catching packaging works well in bars and retail.

The video also points out common mistakes that wine brands often make when trying to enter Asia. These include not adjusting pricing for local markets, assuming that one marketing approach fits all countries, and overlooking how important it is to understand local drinking habits and preferences.

Overall, this video is a must-watch for any wine brand serious about expanding into Asia. It provides a realistic, honest overview of how these markets work and what it takes to succeed. Whether you’re just starting to explore Asia or already have some presence there, the advice is actionable and valuable.

If you’re looking to build credibility in these markets, entering Asia Wine Ratings is a smart next step. A medal from Asia Wine Ratings shows importers, distributors, and buyers that your wine meets the highest standards for Quality, Value, and Packaging—three things that matter most to buyers in Asia. Enter Asia Wine Ratings 2025 and start growing your presence in Asia today.

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