Tasting competitions have quietly become one of the most valuable sources of market intelligence in the spirits industry. Beyond awarding medals, these events gather submission data that often predicts category growth, brand momentum, and consumer preferences long before those patterns appear in retail sales reports.

On the latest episode of the Park Street Insider Podcast, Amanda Blue, President of The Tasting Alliance, joins to share how competition data is shaping our understanding of the market. Drawing from thousands of entries across diverse categories, Amanda highlights breakthrough innovations redefining established segments, as well as unexpected wins from emerging regional producers that are outpacing legacy brands. The conversation offers valuable insight for brand owners, distributors, and industry watchers seeking a competitive edge in an evolving market.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here.