Ep. 2617 Small Markets, Big Potential: Selling Italian Wine in the Northeast US with Kevin Di Lucente | Masterclass US Wine Market

Welcome to Episode 2617 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo is in conversation with the wine sales and brand development leader, Kevin Di Lucente, focusing on small regional markets in the Northeast US. Together, they discuss promising cities and areas, the advantages these markets offer compared to major metro areas, price “sweet spots”, and the common mistakes brands make when entering these markets.

Key Takeaways:

• Why smaller Northeast markets offer strong growth potential.
• How to adapt portfolio, pricing, and positioning for regional markets.
• What to understand about distribution, depletion, and velocity outside major metro areas.

More about the guest: 

Kevin Di Lucente is an experienced leader in wine sales and brand development, with over 16 years of experience growing premium portfolios. He is an ambassador for the Vinitaly International Academy and a specialist in Italian wines. Kevin has focused much of his career on expanding distribution for family-owned producers in smaller communities across New York State. Outside of wine, Kevin is a musician, improv comedian, and proud cat dad.

Connect: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-di-lucente-a830712a/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdilucente/ 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5PVU6Atuoj0pwejKUlFYjt 

More about the host:

Juliana Colangelo is a leading communications and marketing professional for the beverage alcohol industry. Currently, Juliana is a Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman, where she is focused on building their Italian wine portfolio. Prior to that, she led the California Division as a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. for over 10 years. 

During her tenure at C&P, Juliana led the development of the California office, growing the agency’s domestic presence to a dedicated office of 15 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022, Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julezcolang/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/

Twitter: https://x.com/JulezColang

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/

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Until next time, Cin Cin!