Product Selection and Importation

   With more than four decades of experience with wine direct-sales companies, Lionstone International's primary service is the planning, sourcing, and importation of wines and spirits specifically designed for these programs.

   Direct-selling has unique requirements, among which are the need for exclusive labels, special packaging, and products with interesting stories. Of course, quality and value are always extremely important.

  Lionstone has taken more than 30 years of experience and applied it to the work it performs for various internet companies in need of unique products for their niche. Lionstone has successfully maintained innovative wine programs for its agents which are optimized for direct marketing in all of its forms. Currently Lionstone works with more than 700 suppliers worldwide and has over 200 exclusivities in its portfolio.

   An expanding network of international contacts has also enabled Lionstone to design and outsource a number of unique wine accessories, from corkscrews to wine-totes, which have been marketed to such national companies as Costco and Trader Joe's.

	Legal - the management of Lionstone International has worked closely with Siegel, Moses, & Schoenstadt, one of the leading authorities in alcoholic beverage law. Together they maintain open communication with the state regulators for alcoholic beverage control, getting their advice and approval for the marketing plans of the company's affiliates.
	Compliance - the repeal of Prohibition came with a couple of conditions. Most importantly each state was allowed to set up its own regulation of alcoholic beverages. This has led to a Byzantine system of registration, label approvals, and postings that requires specialists to effectively manage the tasks of compliance. Lionstone has a staff of experts in getting the necessary approvals in a timely manner.
	Bioterrorism - registering all products with FDA in accordance with 2004 Bioterrorism regulations for imported goods.
	Three-tier Network - the government also set up a required three-tier system of distribution with suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers.  Products must flow through each of these 'tiers'. Lionstone has not only established a one-of-a-kind 'network' of wholesalers and retailers in all of the states with significant consumption, but is working to expand its own base by establishing licenses and premises in most of these locations. Current licenses are held in Illinois, California, New York, Missouri, and Texas. In addition Lionstone has NRD (Non-Resident Dealer) licenses in 27 states where it is affiliated with 'network' wholesale partner, with licenses pending in 6 further states.
	Clearance - besides working with the products selected and imported by Lionstone itself, the company also provides clearance services for companies looking to distribute their own products, utilizing the network described above.  There has been a strong response from small wineries both here at home, as well as abroad, looking for efficient access to consumers around the U.S.  For further information go to "Alliances" or "Winery Direct".
	Sourcing- Lionstone currently maintains relationships with more than 700 producers throughout the world, and attends major wine fairs such as Vinexpo(Bordeaux), Vinitaly(Verona), and Pro-Wein(Dusseldorf).    The company is strongly engaged in the marketplace for Fine and Rare wines and works with contacts across the globe to source these hard-to-find products.

For a detailed list of Services and Fees that Lionstone Provides please CLICK HERE.

 

For More Information Contact:

Lionstone International

13801 West Laurel Drive

Lake Forest, IL 60045

 

Tel: 847 247-8755

 

Fax: 847 247-8441

Internet: info@lionstone.com