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 logistics providers do members recommend for shipping bottled spirits from the UK to Europe?
Members consistently recommend **JS Wines** as a reliable and competitive logistics provider for shipping bottled alcohol from the UK to Europe. Contact Michael Johnson at JS Wines on +44 1394 451070 — he is described as responsive, efficient, and competitively priced. Multiple members have used JS Wines for years with consistently good service and fast turnaround. Members suggest mentioning your referral from the community when contacting them, as this may help establish a good working relationship.
Which European wholesalers supply hospitality groups in key markets, and how do members access wholesale opportunities?
Members are actively tracking wholesale supply chains for major hospitality groups across Europe. The specific wholesalers serving chains like Soho House in France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Greece are a point of discussion, though details are sparse in current threads. **Key platforms and contacts:** - **EzTenda** — A tender platform where restaurant groups (including JKS Restaurants) post spirit purchasing opportunities. Members recommend joining; the platform sends regular newsletters with live tender links, making it a useful channel for wholesale access across multiple European markets. - **LWC (Local Wine Company)** — Has dedicated regional reps, including coverage for SW London; members seek direct rep contact numbers for account management. **Practical approach:** Members are using dedicated tender platforms to identify hospitality group opportunities rather than relying on traditional wholesaler relationships alone. This suggests a shift toward direct-to-group tendering as a route into key accounts. **Caveat:** The discussion doesn't provide a comprehensive list of named wholesalers by country. For specific market entry in France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Greece, members appear to still be researching, so this may require direct enquiry or networking within the collective.