Happy 2026. This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS. A Deep-Dive Analysis of This Episode is Available at maffeodrinks.com 

In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, host Chris Maffeo welcomes guest Philip Duff, a renowned bar industry personality and brand owner.

They engage in a vibrant discussion about the complexity of creating and managing a brand in the drinks industry, drawing from Philip's diverse experiences.

Chris emphasizes the importance of learning and adapting in the ever-evolving beverage industry and the importance of never being afraid to take risks.

The discussion touches on brand creation, the demographic approach, and the significance of brand uniqueness. The conversation delves into identifying market gaps, consumer demographics, the evolution of drinking occasions, and how brands like Cointreau and Fireball succeeded by seizing opportunities.

They explore how timing and adaptability can be pivotal in making a brand successful, citing examples of industry giants who were once small players.

Throughout, Chris and Philip share insights on the significance of pivoting and continuously engaging with the evolving landscape of the drinks industry.

00:00 Welcome to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast

00:27 Introducing Philip Duff

01:40 The Journey of Brand Building

05:19 Navigating the Liquor Industry

07:48 Targeting the Right Audience

24:56 The Importance of Timing and Trends

38:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About The Host: Chris Maffeo

About The Guest: Phillip Duff

This episode is brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS, an Advisory helping drinks leaders execute bottom-up growth while managing stakeholder expectations. You can get in touch at [email protected]