Brand Battle
After another wildly successful battle in 2026, WSWA's Brand Battle returns for the 11th year in Dallas!
Brand Battle, for new and emerging beverage brands, will once again bring together the best of the best, in a highly attended, Shark Tank style format. A panel of top wholesaler and retailer judges will offer game-changing insights and real-time feedback as these brands fight for the crown.
To participate in Brand Battle, you need to meet entry criteria, apply to be considered and, if chosen, commit to one of the participation levels at WSWA's Access LIVE detailed below.
Enter to compete live, on stage on Tuesday, February 2, 2027!
“Winning both Brand Battle and the Hot, New, Now! Award at WSWA in 2018 was a pivotal moment for Gray Whale Gin. The exposure immediately put us on the radar of distributors across the country and helped catapult the brand into the hearts and minds of distributor partners nationwide. We had direct inbound interest from 36 distributors following the event. Those relationships and the momentum generated at WSWA's convention directly contributed to the growth of the brand and ultimately led to our 2019 joint venture partnership with Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, followed by their full acquisition of Gray Whale in 2024. For an emerging brand looking to break through, I can’t think of many opportunities that can have the kind of impact WSWA's Brand Battle had on us.”
“Winning the 2025 WSWA Brand Battle was an incredible milestone for Amante 1530! The experience gave us unparalleled exposure and the chance to showcase our product alongside so many other amazing brands and to present in front of some of the industry's most respected professionals. The connections we made and the recognition we received have been game-changing for our growth. What an honor to take home the victory and share our story with the industry!”
"What a fun process! Any emerging brand out there needs to experience this. The amount of people you get to meet within the community of your spirit is worth more than you can imagine.”
“Participation in the WSWA Brand Battle was a BIG DEAL for us! We were thrilled at the opportunity to share our story and take center stage among such wonderful people and innovative brands. What an experience…. the exposure was unbelievable and the feedback so insightful."
“We were thrilled to participate in the 2024 Brand Battle! The event provided us with fantastic exposure to new distributors and the opportunity to connect with other competitors and learn their brand stories. In the months following we have been able to expand our distribution footprint with wonderful partners. Brand Battle was a significant milestone in the NightOwl journey.”
Exhibiting Requirement Options
To participate in Brand Battle, you need to meet entry criteria, apply to be considered and, if chosen, commit to one of the exhibition options detailed here.
Option 1: Full Exhibitor
Includes one (1) 10 x 10 booth, (2) complimentary passes to Access LIVE, (1) complimentary Taste table at the TASTE event. The cost starts at $4000. *Must stay in one of WSWA contracted hotels to receive this discounted rate and complimentary badges.
Option 2: Brand Battle Package
Includes one (1) 10 x 5 booth in the Innovation Pavilion, (1) complimentary pass to Access LIVE, (1) complimentary Taste table at the TASTE event. Cost $2500. *Must stay in one of WSWA contracted hotels to receive this discounted rate and complimentary badge.
- Any wine, spirit, low-alc/no-alc, or hard seltzer brand new-to-market or emerging in the U.S. may enter. Product must have been recently introduced in the U.S. in 2024 or later or have limited distribution (less than 5 states).
- All new product launches since 2024 are welcome to submit an entry. Widely distributed products launched since 2024 are welcome to submit an entry. Widely distributed products launched before 2024 are not eligible.
- Company must have a TTB license, and the product must have a Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (COLA).
- All product entries must be listed on a completed registration form, and a 2-3 minute video submission must be received by dates noted in application. Failure to submit any of these items properly may result in disqualification.
- All entrees submitted accurately and on time, by November 20, 2026, will be reviewed and considered.
- All selected finalists must exhibit at WSWA's Access LIVE 2027 OR purchase a Brand Battle package (options and pricing listed above) no later than December 16, 2026. This ensures all finalists can compliantly promote and sample their product at Brand Battle in Dallas, TX.
- All selected finalists must be present at the WSWA's Access LIVE 2027 for Brand Battle.
- Presenter(s) must be 21 years old or older.
November 20, 2026: Brand Battle applications due
December 11, 2026: Finalists notified
December 16, 2026: Deadline for all finalists to have confirmed their place in Brand Battle and indicate how they are participating at WSWA's Access LIVE 2027
January 5, 2027: Contenders and judges to be announced
February 2, 2027: Brand Battle Championship on the Main Stage
- Raise your brand's profile, prestige, and credibility with industry decision-makers and influencers
- Opportunity to showcase your product to top wholesaler and retailer decision-makers from across the country and receive valuable feedback
- All finalists will receive digital images to promote their participation in this event
- Establish confidence that your product has what it takes to excel in a dynamic marketplace
- Learn how to improve your marketing, product and pitch
- Gain insider insight into what makes brands successful
- WSWA works with media partners to highlight the finalists and champion
- Champion will receive benefits in 2027, as well as at WSWA's Access LIVE 2028 in Orlando, FL
- All finalists are invited to an exclusive reception at WSWA's Access LIVE that includes industry media and wholesalers
The following details criteria the Selection Committee will evaluate when reviewing all applicants and determining Brand Battle finalists.
- Review the entry form and product description
- Watch the entry video to determine if the presentation is dynamic and the story and/or product compelling. 2-3 minute entry video can be anything from a highly produced asset to a simple selfie-style video recording of your brand story
- Selection Committee will choose the Brand Battle finalists based on information provided in the entry form and video
- 2027 Access LIVE exhibitors will receive priority consideration to enter the battle
- All entrants will be notified whether or not they are chosen to move forward as a finalist
As a chosen finalist and/or winner of Brand Battle, you will receive many benefits in addition to the bragging rights that your product was declared the "Brand Battle Champion.” Being a winner will give the industry confidence that your brand is a rising star positioned for success in the industry!
Brand Battle Finalists receive:
- Complimentary TASTE table
- Finalist digital assets to use to promote participation in advance of event
- Promotion on WSWA’s website, in email marketing, and on social media
- Recognition in Dallas, TX on show floor and at TASTE
- Opportunities to meet with industry media
- $500 discount on 2028 Exhibit Booth in Orlando, FL!
Brand Battle Champion receives:
- 1 (one) complimentary 10”x10” Exhibit Booth at WSWA's Access LIVE 2028 ($4,400 value)
- Brand Battle Champion Award, presented on the Main Stage at WSWA'S Access LIVE 2027
- Brand Battle Champion digital award file for use in marketing collateral
- Additional exposure to industry experts and media