In this article we look at how buying groups in the wine trade work and why their members join.
As with any commodity, buying wholesale wine can save quite a lot of money compared to buying in small volumes Buying groups specializing in wines are a fairly new idea. There have always been wine merchants who specialized in selling fine wine to wealthy individuals, but this new trend is different. The millionaire club continues to grow with more people joining the super rich elite every day. Many of these people like to buy fine wine. As wine prices continue to increase it is harder for those without massive resources to get involved in investing in wine.
This is something that has been combated by the advent of specialist wine buying groups. A group of wine enthusiasts working together and sharing resources can actually take on the wealthy investors. Some clubs are quite formal and business like, others less so. Some members join primarily to gain access to the most high calibre wines, to create that much sought after perfect cellar, while others are more focused on the potential financial gains that come with owning such in demand and exclusive product.
There are many business advantages to involvement in a buying group. Fine wines like anything are cheaper when bought in bulk. Each member can then choose to sell this on at a higher price, ideal for restaurants. Alone, a restaurant owner may not be privileged to such wines but by being a member of a buying group they now have the option. Thus gaining a wealthier clientele who seek the finer wines. Many customers are attracted to a restaurant with a great wine cellar. As a united buying group they can also go directly to wine merchants and suppliers and establish first rights for exclusive produce, creating a unique selling point for your company.
You will often find that members of a buying group are spread across the country to ensure that their products remain exclusive in their own area. The ability to be exclusive but still to buy in bulk has huge appeal for many businesses. The business model can be quite flexible. Some members may not be able to afford to contribute as much as others, so their amount of product will be distributed accordingly. A restaurant that wants to avoid holding lots of stock can still be involved. These smaller orders pool together and soon create large orders. What was once an extremely exclusive trade is now becoming available to many more people due to wine buying groups.
Sarah Haines enjoys the finer things in life and remains very excited about the possibility of buying wholesale wine from the best wine merchants at discount prices.
