Procurement password for beer distributors

Last year, a client came to me for consultation with a quote from a German brewery. At a glance, I spotted the hidden...EXW Pitfalls—The ex-factory price is low, but it doesn't include domestic transportation and export document fees. This is a typical "naked price game," which often catches newcomers off guard.FOB/CIF ConversionIt was only then that we realized the actual cost had increased by 20%.

Global Premium Sourcing Guide

• European market
  • Germany: Pay attention to the certification mark of the Beer Purity Law.
  • Belgium: Monastery Breweries Must Verify Authorization Documents
• Emerging Forces in the Americas
  • American craft breweries often require a 30% deposit upfront.
  • Mexican Tequila Beer requires a special quarantine certificate.

Three Fatal Details in Supply Chain Management

On one occasion, while assisting a client with processing...Compensation for Cold Chain DisruptionCase: Temperature monitoring failed for 5 containers of Belgian white beer during transit in Southeast Asia, ultimately resolved throughMaritime transportThe temperature recording clause on the bill of lading successfully secured compensation. This reminds us that:

• The transportation contract must specify the full-range temperature fluctuation limits.
• Choose a logistics provider with ISO 13485 certification.
• The insurance policy should cover the risk of microbial deterioration.

The devil's trap in customs clearance operations

Recently processedMisreporting of HS codesCase: An agent declared fruit-flavored beer as "other fermented beverages," resulting in seizure by customs. In fact, according to the 2025 tariff schedule:

• Alcohol content >0.5% must be classified under heading 2203.
• The inclusion of fruit ingredients requires separate declaration of the addition ratio.
• The pull-tab can packaging requires the declaration of an aluminum recycling certificate.

Three Common Cognitive Misconceptions Beginners Often Make

• Superstitious about origin prices: The quoted price from a Dutch manufacturer includes 19% VAT, which can be refunded upon export.
• Disregard the minimum order quantity.: Traditional German breweries typically require a minimum order of one 20-foot container.
• Underestimating hidden costs: Including but not limited to:
  • Bottle deposit system (e.g., Norway)
  • Environmental Packaging Surcharge (EU 2025 New Regulation)

Remember three years ago when a client was obsessed with a certain Czech beer, only to find out that the brand already had an exclusive agent in China. Now it's saved in my work computer.Global Beer Trademark DatabaseBefore accepting each order, we conduct cross-checks on intellectual property registration records. In this industry, the most valuable assets aren't channels, but these hard-earned lessons paid for with real money.