Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What bottle sizes are permitted for spirits exports to markets like Brazil?
You should be okay selling 70cl bottles in Brazil — this is the standard bottle size accepted in that market, despite some initial confusion around whether 75cl was required. **Key points:** - 70cl is the acceptable standard for Brazil exports - Verify specific regulations directly with your distributor or importer in-country, as regulations can vary and change
How do I find importers and distributors in South America, particularly in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia?
South America distribution is complex and country-specific. The community suggests starting with local market research and leveraging existing networks. **Key options and insights:** - **Spirit Cartel UK** — have an established business in Brazil and may be a useful contact for understanding the Brazilian market. - **Mexico, Colombia, Brazil** — identified as starting markets for distribution if you can secure local partners, though lead times are slow. - **Colombia** — operates on a state-by-state licensing basis, so navigating the regulatory landscape is critical before approaching distributors. - **Brazil** — pricing is notably difficult; members flagged this as a major challenge when working with local partners. - **Venezuela** — currently a no-go market. **Process and caveats:** Members recommend building a global distributor list (similar to existing UK distributor lists) to share intelligence across the community. The process is described as slow; patience is essential. Some members suggested taking conversations offline for more detailed, personalised guidance on specific countries.