Welcome to Episode 1996, where we present the session recordings from the wine2wine Business Forum 2023. In today's episode, we delve into- Establishing the Foundation for a Long-lasting and Mutually Beneficial Importer/ Supplier Relationship with Peter Mondavi Jr, Marilisa Allegrini Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Business Forum and we are pleased to present this series of market focus sessions, recorded during the Forum held in Verona in November 2023. wine2wine Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually in Verona, Italy since 2014. The event is a key annual reference point for wine producers and wine professionals from around the world, providing an opportunity to network, develop and expand their wine business worldwide. About the session:  Choosing the right importer - and import model - for your business is the most important decision you will make for success in the critical US market. Is a large, established national importer the right fit for your business? Better to be a “big fish in a small pond” with a boutique, specialist importer? What about the human connection: Should family-owned wineries align with family-owned importers? Setting expectations from both sides is critical: What are the expected sales for the first year? First 5 years? What marketing support does the importer expect from the supplier? What is a reasonable expectation? How can the importer partner with the supplier to stay top-of-mind with the critical distributor audience?   Peter Mondavi Jr., family proprietor of Charles Krug Winery and C. Mondavi & Family, will explore these questions and more in his seminar. A historical Napa Valley producer, Charles Krug has now expanded into the import business. This session will explain why this legendary Napa producer is going into the import business and what value they bring to their suppliers. Peter will also share what he looks for in a supplier relationship and how his company sets realistic expectations for sales, marketing and brand-building. He will discuss the necessity of shared values, passion and vision for a successful relationship, the need for open and regular communication, and how quality throughout the organization - from the vineyard and winemaking to sales and marketing - is paramount as he builds his import portfolio. Find more about wine2wine Business Forum: https://wine2wine.net/  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for tuning in! Listen to more stories from the Italian Wine Community here on Italian Wine Podcast!