In early April, Rogue Baron (OTCMKTS: SHNJF) announced a distribution deal with UK-based Oak & Still.
The deal focuses on the marketing and distribution of SHNFJ’s award-winning Japanese whisky brand Shinju.
This deal with Oak & Still—the marketing arm of UK wine and spirt distribution giant Fine Wine Sellers—ensures that Shinju will be placed alongside some of the most notable names in European and international spirits.
Now, as Shinju’s presence grows, so does the demand for bottles of the whisky. This could lead Rogue Baron into new networks and additional distribution channels.
Additional distribution networks could mean exponential growth for Rogue Baron and the Shinju Japanese Whisky brand.
How would this work?
First let’s take a look at some major players in the UK spirit distribution scene.
Noteworthy UK Spirit Distributors and Wholesalers
Fine Wine Sellers
Let’s start with SHNJF’s current distribution partner—Fine Wine Sellers.
Started in 2006, Fine Wine Sellers focuses on providing wines, beers, and spirits at affordable prices.
“Our aim is to offer a great selection of fantastic wines, beers and spirits, but at realistic and reasonable prices. We source and supply products that are all of restaurant quality and that we would all be more than happy to drink ourselves (and do).” (FineWineSellers.com.uk)
Under their current deal with Rogue Baron, Fine Wine Sellers and Oak &Still are marketing and selling the 8-year expression of the Shinju brand, with a goal of pushing the 12-and-15-year expressions in the coming years.
LWC Drinks Ltd.
With more than 7,000 products of its own and 6,000 on-trade customers, LWC boasts a massive network, unmatched by most other wine and spirit distributors in the UK.
LWC serves some 13,500 customers and is known as the United Kingdom’s largest independent drink wholesaler.
Brands that conduct business with LWC are working with a partner who has built a massive wholesaling success over the last 45 years.
LWC distributes larger brands like 1800 Anejo Tequila and Dewar’s Whisky but also has relationships with smaller brands looking to play alongside industry giants.
Cellar Trends
Cellar Trends could be a well-suited distribution partner for Rogue One.
Cellar Trends is the UK’s leading independent distributor of specialty wines and spirits.
Furthermore, Cellar Trends has an acute focus on international brands—such as Shinju Japanese Whisky.
Cellar Trends focuses on building brands, rather than relying on well-known names.
Given its focus on building these specialty and international brands, Cellar Trends can improve its own position by generating strong demand and brand recognition for its clients.
3 Factors That Make a Strong Distributor for Shinju
1. Capitalizing on the growing whisky market—specifically the Japanese Whiskey market, which continues to make up a larger share of the whisky market every year.
2. Promoting Shinju’s gold medals and other awards. As recently as last October, Shinju Japanese Whisky won double gold and best in class at the Sante’ International Spirits Competition. It was also one of two entrants to earn a perfect score from the judges.
3. Highlighting the unique brand of Shinju Japanese Whisky. Rogue Baron doesn’t simply need a sales channel, but truly a partner in the building and development of its brand.
Why Investors Should Care
As Rogue Baron’s Shinju brand continues to gain exposure, both at home and abroad, sales will follow closely behind.
Currently, Rogue Baron (SHNJF) is trading at $0.10 per share, with roughly 3,000 cases sold annually of the Shinju Japanese Whisky product.
CEO Ryan Dolder has made it clear his goal is 10,000 cases sold annually.
It is Dolder’s belief that reaching this sales goal could drive the company’s valuation as high as $50 million or even $100 million.
Investors who get in now could very well reap the rewards of these new UK distribution networks.
This article is part of a sponsored investor education program.
