Brand Battle

• 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 2022 or later or have limited distribution (less than 5 states). 
• All new product launches since 2022 are welcome to submit an entry. Widely distributed products launched since 2022 are welcome to submit an entry. Widely distributed products launched before 2022 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, will be reviewed and considered for the competition.
• All selected contenders must exhibit at Access LIVE 2025 OR purchase a Brand Battle Contender package (options and pricing listed above) no later than November 15, 2024 to be officially entered into the tournament. This ensures all finalists can compliantly promote and sample their product at the Brand Battle Championship in Denver. 
• Category winners must be present at Access LIVE for the final Championship round.
• Presenter(s) must be 21 years old or older.

• Raise your brand's profile, prestige, and credibility with industry decision-makers and influencers.
• Opportunity, if selected as a competitor, to showcase your product to top wholesaler decision-makers from across the country and receive valuable feedback.
• Competitors are promoted in advance of and throughout the tournament. All competitors also receive digital images to promote their participation in this tournament.
• 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.
• We work with our media partners to highlight the competitors and winners.
• Winners receive benefits in 2025, as well as at Access LIVE in 2026.
• Contenders all are invited to an exclusive reception at Access LIVE only for Brand Battle contenders, industry media, and wholesalers.

The following details the criteria the Selection Committee will evaluate when reviewing all applicants and determining competitors in each category. 

• Review the entry form and product description.
• Watch the entry video to determine if the presentation 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 4-5 contenders per category based on information provided in the entry form and video.
• 2025 Access LIVE exhibitors will receive priority consideration to enter the tournament.
• All entrants will be notified, whether or not they are chosen to move forward as a contender.
  • Entrants selected to compete during the virtual event will receive detailed instructions on how to send samples of their product to the judges for their competition.

As a winner of a category or the overall tournament, you will receive many benefits in addition to the bragging rights that your product was “Best in Category” or “Brand Battle Champion.” Being a winner will give the industry confidence that your brand is a rising star positioned for success in the industry!

Each Best in Category Winner receives: 

• Complimentary 2025 WSWA Access LIVE TASTE Table ($650 value, if purchased in advance a refund will be applied).
• $500 discount off a 2026 WSWA Access LIVE HQ Exhibit Booth with priority placement opportunity.
• Interviews with select media.
• Best in Category digital award file for use in marketing collateral.
• Promotion on WSWA website, in email marketing and on social media.
• Automatically entered to participate in the final Brand Battle Championship Event, live on stage at Access LIVE, February 4, 2025.

Brand Battle Champion receives: 

• The same awards as each category winner, PLUS the addition of 1 (one) complimentary 10”x10” Exhibit Booth at the 2026 Access LIVE ($3,500 value) in lieu of a $500 discount.
• Brand Battle Champion Award, presented on the Main Stage at Access LIVE 2025.
• Brand Battle Champion digital award file for use in marketing collateral.
• $1000 cash award.
• Invitation to sit on the WSWA Access Craft advisory board.
• Additional exposure to industry experts!

Criteria to be a judge:

• Are you a Wholesaler interested in judging a Brand Battle Tournament, either virtually or live on state? Please email Lisa Koenig at lisa.koenig@wswa.org
• Must work for a WSWA wholesaler member in good standing or a retailer in the wine & spirits industry.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be able to receive samples at your wholesaler warehouse in advance of the competition. 
• Must have an expert understanding of the specific category you are interested in judging. Ability to articulate specific characteristics that make brands successful and insight into new products that will have a strong chance at succeeding in the marketplace.
• Must be willing to spend up to 60 minutes on a run-through preparation webinar and 60 minutes the day of the tournament on a virtual platform.
• Consent to the tournament being recorded for viewing at a later time.
• Industry designations are a plus, but not required.