Beer Importers

[locokta]

Hey everyone.
I currently work at a small beer manufactery in a South Asian country. We produce lagers mainly and were thinking of expanding beyond the local market.
I just wanted to ask what your thoughts are on where we should go and if we could suceed. Our capacity would limit us from supplying major super markets or mega-chains...
so, what do u think we should do?
Also, if anyone can help us talk with some regional or national distributors, please contact me at newar84@gmail.com or just give me a heads up within the forum.
thanks

[chazwicke]

Tell us more about your beers.

[smeyrt]

yes i agree tell me more or even how we can try your beer and if worthy I always love spreading news of good beer

[locokta]

the first beer is called everest, its made with an mixture of local and imported materials coupled with himalayan water... i'm not the brewmaster obviously so i don't know many of the details but supposedly the water itself is supposed to have some unique properties. the other beer is called golden tiger, similar make up, more bitter, more alcohol content. both are still lagers.
We do have a couple new products coming out soon, will let u know when they do.
Right now they can only be found in Japan, so unless you're from there I'm not sure you'll be able to sample it.
i'm trying to get it imported at least initially by small but reputable import/speciality bars that cater to foreign and microbreweries. If one of you can help do that, I'd gladly spread the word where it'll be available.

[locokta]

Hey guys,
this mail is as a follow up to my last one. I've been looking and trying to American distribution companies to start exporting my company's beer to the U.S. at at least specialized pubs or similar establishments. So far, however, I haven't had much success in that I haven't recieved many replies to my correspondence.
Thus, putting my trust in the concept of 6-degrees of seperation (fyi - theory that everyone is connected by at most 6 ppl --> i.e. the Kevin Bacon Game) and appealing to the greater beer brotherhood this forum strikes me to be, I'd like to put out a request.
If you know somebody, or if that somebody knows somebody who knows somebody, etc... that has some connections within the beer distribution industry. Could you please give me the contact information, or give them my address (newar84@gmail.com).
Thanks in advance for everyone who tries.

(P.S. I'm not sure if this part of the forum is the best place to place this plea. but if anyone wishes to spread the word on my behalf or if the moderator can be kind enough to move this post to the best/appropriate part of the forum I'd be grateful.)

Locokta

[newportstorm]

Sorry, but you state you work for a brewery yet know little detail about the beers you want to sell. You don't disclose the name of the brewery, but give general descriptions of the beers that are only sold in the far east, so many of us wouldn't be familiar with them. You use a generic email address (gmail) for contact. If this is the information you are giving to prospective importers, I'm not surprised you've gotten no response.

This may sound harsh, but come up with a better sales pitch. Be informed about the products you want to sell. Talk to the brewmaster and get information. Disclose the name of your brewery, full descriptions and stats on your products and why people would want to buy them. The US craft beer/import market is growing and full of new brands. What makes yours so different and special that we should help you out?

Is this your beer?
http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer/everest-premium-lager/45505/

Cheers!

[Mill Rat]

Originally posted by newportstorm
What makes yours so different and special that we should help you out?

Newport's a little harsh here, but his question is close to the target. The question really is "What advantage do you offer to an importer/distributor that will make the investment that the importer/distributor has to make to carry and promote your products pay off in increased sales and market share?"

[locokta]

hey,
Thanks for your input. the thing is when i first joined this site I was only interested in learning more abt the product and how ppl enjoy them (other than going to a bar or a keg party). I'm a junior partner in my company and am still learning, i just approached the site for help because I wanted to impress my seniors if i manage to get proper potential contacts.
however, i will take the constructive critism to heart (though the gmail i don't generally use for business... only if i'm out of the office)
the rating link was the correct beer. I'm suprised that people have already tasted it though a bit disapointed with the rating. I personally do believe it is quite good and above the average beer. (at least compared to most non-northeuropean beers).

I'll approach you all for help once I do talk personally to the brewmaster and the mrkting mngr.
Will be talking to u,
locokta.

[Degarth]

For a Pale Lager on RateBeer that isn't a bad rating really. Pale Lagers get little love on RateBeer so anything north of 2.5 is actually pretty good. Granted there are few ratings.

I think you are in a tough situation as there isn't much Nepalese culture to exploit in the US. That is the way many small foreign breweries get distribution in the US. But, that isn't to say you couldn't find someone interested. Price points could work in your favor. If your beer after shipping is fairly inexpensive then someone might give it a go.

I'd start by using google and just doing searches for US Beer Importers and focus on brands that are in league with your own. You probably won’t get someone like Shelton Brothers to pick you up, but there are many importers that might be interested.

Secondly I'd learn the ingredients and process of your beers from raw ingredients to finish. Passion means having an unbridled enthusiasm for the minutiae and passion is contagious. If you are passionate you'll get others interested. In short don't approach these importers till you can speak about your product like it was your kid which will prepare you to speak to all the negatives the importer will bring up about your beer.