Buyers adding Asian beverages rarely start with the whole category. The better question is which one segment suits the accounts you already serve. RTM Imports represents five: wine-based soju, soju, Korean beer, Asian RTDs, and craft beer.
The five categories
Wine-based soju: Makes up most of RTM’s Asian beverage portfolio. Because it is classified as wine, it can be sold in any account with a wine license, including many grocery and convenience stores. It also fits well on-premise, because many outlets hold only a wine and beer license, which does not allow them to sell spirits. The wine-based soju article explains the classification.
Soju: Traditional and flavored soju is a distilled spirit, so in many states it requires a spirits license. California and New York allow spirit-based soju to be sold under wine and beer licenses.
Korean beer: Premium import beer from South Korea.
Asian RTDs: Ready-to-drink beverages built on Asian flavor profiles.
Craft beer: Japanese craft and specialty beer, including Hokkaido Beer.
Which category suits which account
| Account type | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery | Wine-based soju, Asian RTDs | Wine-licensed accounts can carry wine-based soju, and RTDs are ready to drink |
| Convenience | Wine-based soju, Asian RTDs | Ready-to-drink formats suit a quick trip, and wine-based soju fits a wine license |
| On-premise (bars and restaurants) | Wine-based soju, soju, Korean beer, craft beer | These are poured or served with food, suit table sharing, and benefit from staff recommendation, and wine-based soju suits outlets that hold only a wine and beer license |
| Specialty retail | Craft beer | Craft beer carries a provenance story that specialty shoppers look for |
| Craft or import beer set | Craft beer, Korean beer | Both are beer, and both fit an existing beer section |
Use the table as a starting point. Your license types and shelf space decide the final choice, and license rules vary by state.
Starting with one segment
Pick the row that matches your largest account type and start with the first category listed. If you are new to Asian beverages, an importer that already carries these categories can help you decide where to start. The full range is on our Asian beverage portfolio page, and wholesale partners can see how we present it on the wholesalers page.
To discuss which of these categories fits your wholesale or retail portfolio without commitment, contact our team through the RTM Imports contact page.