01/10/2025

San Francisco, CA – October 5, 2025  – The International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS), North America’s leading trade event for bulk wine, bulk spirits, and private label, announces its 2026 conference theme: “New World, New Consumer, New Economics.”

The industry has completed a once-in-a-generation reset. Tariffs, pricing, and supply-chain frameworks are largely set. Now the winners will be the companies that adapt faster, execute better, and build for growth. IBWSS 2026 will equip producers, distributors, importers, and retailers with the practical playbooks to plan the next five years of sales and revenue.

“The reset is done. The rules are set. 2026 is about speed, execution, and growth,” said Sid Patel, CEO, Beverage Trade Network. “IBWSS will give the trade the playbooks to adapt faster and capture the next wave of demand.”

Why this theme—now

- New World: Trade realignments, sustainability mandates, and re-engineered logistics demand new sourcing and go-to-market strategies.

- New Consumer: Gen Z & Millennials drive moderation, RTDs, low/no alcohol, functional formats, convenience, and values-led purchasing.

- New Economics: With rules clarified, the focus shifts to business development—which channels to prioritize, how to reach consumers faster, and which models deliver resilient, profitable portfolios.

2026 IBWSS Conference Program:

The Topics That Will Shape Your Next Five Years. The IBWSS San Francisco 2026 conference is designed to give producers, distributors, importers, and retailers the practical playbooks they need to grow in today’s transformed market. 

Each session will focus on real opportunities and challenges — from private label expansion and retail strategies to consumer trends, certifications, and the rise of AI in sales. These aren’t abstract discussions; they’re actionable insights you can apply directly to your business to plan your next five years of sales and revenue growth.

Confirmed topics at the 2026 IBWSS Show:

1. The Retail Spirits Playbook: Private Label & Exclusive Brands
National and regional retailers are doubling down on private label and exclusive spirits programs. This session unpacks what’s driving the boom, how retailers are making decisions, and what suppliers need to do to win these high-volume, high-margin opportunities.

2. From Tank to Brand: How to Sell Bulk Spirits & Private Label in 2026
Selling bulk and private labels isn’t just about supply — it’s about trust, contracts, and long-term relationships. Learn the roadmap to move from “tank” to brand, and how to position your products to scale with national retailers and hospitality groups.

3. Stamped for Success: Certifications That Win Deals
From organic and sustainable to carbon-neutral, certifications are no longer optional — they’re deal-clinchers. This session shows you how to achieve them, why they matter to buyers, and how they can set you apart in competitive pitches.

4. Future of Drinks: The Innovations Everyone Will Be Talking About
RTDs, no- and low-alcohol, functional formats, outsourced manufacturing, packaging innovations, and private label as a service — these trends are redefining the market. Discover which innovations will dominate consumer demand over the next five years and how to build them into your portfolio.

5. Inside Hotel Chains: Building Private Label Wine & Spirits Programs
Hotels and resorts are quietly becoming one of the most lucrative channels for private label. Hear directly how major groups build programs, what they expect from suppliers, and how you can position your products for long-term contracts.

6. Behind the Buy: How Spirits Buyers Are Sourcing in 2026
From whiskey oversupply to agave spirits and RTDs, spirits buyers have shifted their sourcing playbook. This session gives you an inside look at what categories are hot, what’s cooling off, and how to align your products with current demand.

7. The Distributor Perspective: Building Portfolios with Bulk & Private Label
Distributors are under pressure to build profitable, future-ready portfolios. Learn how they evaluate suppliers, balance tariffs and pricing, and choose the right private label partners to keep their business growing.

8. Private Label Signals: Data, Loyalty, Brand Equity & The Membership Club Effect
From Costco to wine clubs, data-driven loyalty and private label are becoming unstoppable forces. This session reveals how private label builds brand equity, drives retention, and creates consumer magnets.

9. On-Premise Secrets: What Bars & Restaurants Really Want
Bars, restaurants, and hospitality groups are increasingly customizing beverage programs. Learn what they look for in partners, how they evaluate private label opportunities, and what suppliers must deliver to stand out.

10. The Voice of Wine: Associations on Tariffs, Trade & Growth
Global wine associations share their perspective on tariffs, advocacy, and opportunities for bulk and private label producers. If you want to understand where wine trade policies are heading, this session is essential.

11. Building Your AI Sales Process
AI is no longer a theory — it’s powering growth today. This session features CPGBuyerAI.com, the world’s biggest CPG buyer discovery platform, and shows real use cases for how wine and spirits brands are using AI to find new customers, build smarter pipelines, and scale sales.

Why Exhibit at IBWSS 2026

Exhibiting at IBWSS 2026 gives you direct access to decision-makers who are actively sourcing bulk, contract, and private label partners. It is a unique opportunity to showcase your offerings in the right context, in front of buyers who are ready to brief, sample, and shortlist suppliers for real business. 

Exhibitors don’t just gain visibility — they convert it into a pipeline of tangible, qualified leads. With its reach across both the U.S. and international trade, IBWSS provides a truly global platform for your business to grow.

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What’s New in 2026 for Exhibitors

IBWSS San Francisco Introduces Exclusive Pitch Sessions – Only 8 Slots Available

For the first time, exhibitors can take part in Pitch Sessions, a powerful platform to present directly to 20 pre-qualified buyers in a small, meeting-style environment. Each 15-minute pitch includes a sampling table and roll-up banner, with buyer interest forms collected and shared for follow-up. Only 8 slots are available — and you must be an IBWSS exhibitor to participate.

Why Attend IBWSS 2026

Attending IBWSS 2026 is about setting your business up for the next five years. The conference agenda is designed to give you data-driven insights and real-world case studies to guide your strategy. 

Visitors will discover smarter ways to source bulk wine, bulk spirits, and private label solutions, while also learning what’s working right now in distribution channels, pricing, and portfolio design. Beyond the sessions, IBWSS offers powerful networking with industry leaders who can help open new markets, form partnerships, and accelerate your growth.

Registration Now Open

Exhibitor Registration – Secure your booth and get in front of high-value buyers.
Visitor Registration – Join global leaders, source from top suppliers, and bring home a plan for five-year growth.

Register as Exhibitor | Register as Visitor

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IBWSS San Francisco Introduces Exclusive Pitch Sessions – Only 8 Slots Available
Why Distillers Are Growing Their Contract Bottling and Private Label Business
The Rise Of Restaurant-Owned Private Label Wines