Ooberstock launches with 300 brands

As Peach Report has reported, Ooberstock has launched with a new model that claims to cut out the middle man between brands and customers and give greater transparency and flexibility to deals.

Early drinks clients on board with the new venture include Coca-Cola, Britvic, Budweiser Budvar, Red Bull and Wells & Youngs. In total more than 300 beer, wine, spirit and soft drink products are now available through Ooberstock. Around 4,000 pubs, bars, clubs and hotels have also registered, with a recruitment campaign now in place to raise that figure by 70,000 more licensed outlets.

Founder and managing director Arran Heal, pictured, said: “We have had a very positive and enthusiastic response from the vast majority of drinks brands in the UK who have embraced the innovation we are bringing to the wholesale sector through our online technology and distribution platform.”

Wine suppliers including Bibendum and real ale brands distributed via the Society of Independent Brewers will be added soon, Heal said. “By the end of the summer retailers will be able to buy from the ranges of four out of the top five spirits companies, and we plan to bring other niche suppliers including speciality spirits, wines, world beers, ciders, premium soft drinks and additional cask ales.”

Heal said Ooberstock’s flexibility and efficient delivery service had been particularly welcomed by clients. Mobile phone apps and social media-based services will be added to the service in due course. “We have brought a whole new dimension to wholesaling in the licensed trade through using the sort of technology consumers have been familiar with for years. Moving forward we see no reason why we can’t further improve the dialogue between brands, retailers and the end customer by targeted campaigns through social media sites and mobile applications.”

For more about Ooberstock, click here.