Breaking into the U.S. market is a major milestone for any international spirits brand — but it’s also one of the most competitive and complex landscapes in the world. Between navigating the three-tier system, understanding regional buyer preferences, and standing out on retail shelves, the path to success is rarely straightforward.

That’s why the USA Spirits Ratings offers international producers a smarter first step: a platform to benchmark your spirit for U.S. market success and get evaluated by the very people who make purchasing decisions.

With the final deadline for international entries set for May 30, now is the time to enter.

Why the U.S. Market Demands More Than Just a Great Spirit

The U.S. spirits market isn’t just about taste. Retail buyers and distributors look for products that:

- Offer strong value for money

- Stand out through packaging and shelf appeal

- Are aligned with category trends and pricing expectations

In short: it’s not just about what’s in the bottle. It’s about whether your product fits into a competitive and consumer-driven retail environment.

How USA Spirits Ratings Helps International Brands

The USA Spirits Ratings competition was created with one mission in mind — to help spirits brands succeed in the U.S. trade environment. Unlike traditional competitions that focus purely on quality, USA Spirits Ratings scores entries across three essential criteria:

Quality – Based on blind tasting by professional buyers

Value – Is the product priced right for its category and market?

Packaging – Will it stand out on the shelf and connect with consumers?

This format provides international entrants with a clear benchmark of market readiness — and sends a strong signal to importers and retailers.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-54]]

Judged by the Buyers You Want to Reach

Every spirit entered is judged by a panel of top U.S. spirits buyers, including:

- National chain purchasing managers

- Independent liquor store owners

- Spirits distributors and importers

- On-premise buyers and mixologists from hospitality groups

These are the professionals who decide what gets listed — and winning a medal from them proves your spirit is market-worthy.

What Happens After You Win?

Entering the USA Spirits Ratings is just the beginning. Medal-winning brands unlock a range of post-competition benefits:

- Medal stickers and digital badges to boost shelf impact and trade communication

- Featured press coverage on Beverage Trade Network media channels

- Eligibility for BTN’s Route-to-Market Support, which helps connect winners with U.S. importers and distributors

- Visibility at USA Trade Tasting, the top show connecting global brands with U.S. buyers

Final International Deadline: May 30 – Enter Now

If you’re an international spirits brand ready to make your mark in the U.S., there’s no better platform to validate your product and open new doors than the USA Spirits Ratings.

Benchmark your spirit with U.S. retail and trade expectations
Get evaluated by real buyers
Access tools that help you grow beyond the competition

Enter the 2025 USA Spirits Ratings Here.  International Entry Deadline: May 30

Also Read:
How To Grow Your Distribution, Build Your Brand, and Sell More Cases In 2025.
Top 3 Winners to Gain Exclusive Access to NJ Retailers
What Judges Have to Say About USA Spirits Ratings