The BCMPA, the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics, has seen one of its members secure new international business following an Association-supported trade visit to the United States.
Brand Tap, a sales, distribution, and co-packing company specialising in distilled spirits, has partnered with Spirit Hound Distillers, based in Lyons, Colorado, to manage the importation, warehousing, and UK sales of its spirits to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers.
The relationship was initiated during a trade mission to Colorado in May 2024, organised by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). The CDA is proactive in forming relationships and facilitating introductions with manufacturers in both the USA and UK, helping brands to access the right supply chains and more easily identify the best partners when looking to establish local production.
The trade mission involved BCMPA CEO Emma Verkaik, together with four Association members, including Brand Tap CEO Chris Sadler. The visitors were hosted by several brands, including Spirit Hound Distillers, where the initial discussions with Brand Tap began.
Brand Tap works with producers looking to establish or grow their presence in the UK market, offering end-to-end support from importation and logistics through to sales, and retailer and wholesaler relationships. The company prides itself on being a hands-on partner, rather than simply a route to market.
“Brand Tap’s success with Spirit Hound Distillers underlines the power of trade associations in helping members open up new opportunities,” said Emma Verkaik. “The CDA asked the BCMPA to identify companies for the trade mission who met the requirements to be onshoring partners. At the same time, the visit enabled the BCMPA to promote its full membership and the co-manufacturing and co-packing services they offer, as well as highlighting some of the differences in UK regulatory practices.
“The need for onshoring to address the growing demand for shorter, more resilient supply chains formed a key part of the discussions and, with the many supply chain challenges and global uncertainty, this will only become more important for brands looking to expand into different markets.”
The current phase of Brand Tap’s partnership with Spirit Hound Distillers is a first step into UK sales and distribution for the business. The initial 2026 shipment included over 580 cases and 3,500 bottles across four different spirits. Brand Tap is also in early-stage discussions regarding potential co-packing opportunities, which could introduce an exciting onshoring element to the partnership.
“Partnering with Spirit Hound Distillers has been an exciting journey from the very first tasting in Lyons,” said Chris Sadler. “The quality of their spirits speaks for itself, and we’re proud to be bringing an exceptional American Single Malt Whisky to UK drinkers. The support of the CDA and the BCMPA has been instrumental in making this happen. It’s a brilliant example of what’s possible when producers and trade bodies work together to open new markets.”
Emma Verkaik added: “It’s great to see a company like Brand Tap benefit from its membership of the BCMPA by winning new business and bringing an established US brand to the UK market. We are delighted to have this strong collaboration with the CDA which really demonstrates the ways in which membership of a trade association can bring added value.”
