Empire Merchants Company Profile
Background
Empire Merchants is a leading wine and spirits distributor in the metropolitan New York area, with a history tracing back to the end of Prohibition. Formed in February 2007 through the merger of Charmer Industries Inc. and Peerless Importers Inc., the company is a partnership between Bulldog Ventures Ltd., owned by the Magliocco family, and Charmer Industries, Inc., owned by the Drucker and Merinoff families. With over 1,500 employees and state-of-the-art facilities, Empire Merchants serves more than 10,000 restaurants, bars, hotels, nightclubs, and retail outlets.
Key Strategic Focus
Empire Merchants specializes in distributing a diverse portfolio of over 8,500 unique beverage alcohol products from more than 150 global supplier partners. The company's strategic focus includes leveraging advanced warehouse management and sortation systems to ensure efficient tracking and next-business-day delivery of products. By maintaining centrally located offices and warehouses in Queens and Brooklyn, Empire Merchants effectively caters to the dynamic demands of the New York metropolitan market.
Financials and Funding
Empire Merchants operates as a privately held company with estimated annual revenues ranging between $500 million and $1 billion. The company employs approximately 1,141 individuals. Specific details regarding funding history and capital utilization are not publicly disclosed.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Empire Merchants distinguishes itself through the implementation of sophisticated warehouse management and sortation systems, enabling precise tracking of individual cases throughout the distribution process. In May 2022, the company launched Empire360, a cutting-edge B2B digital sales platform developed in collaboration with City Hive Inc. Empire360 offers features such as 24-hour online ordering, product discovery, and account management services, enhancing operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Leadership Team
- Eric Pfeil – President/Chief Executive Officer: A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Business Economics, Eric has extensive experience in the wine and spirits industry, including leadership roles at Breakthru Beverage of Florida and E & J Gallo Winery.
- Tony Magliocco – Chief Operating Officer: Tony led the consolidation of Empire's warehouses and the implementation of advanced systems, contributing significantly to the company's operational efficiency. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Peerless Importers.
- Terrence A. Arlotta – Chief Financial Officer: Holding both a B.S. and an M.B.A. in Accounting from St. John’s University, Terry has over 40 years of experience in accounting and operations within the wine and spirits industry.
- David C. Drucker – Executive Vice President, Sales: With a background in law and a B.S. from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, David oversees all sales and marketing activities at Empire Merchants.
- John Marciano – Vice President, Off Premise Sales: John has extensive experience across various roles in the wine and spirits industry, contributing significantly to Empire Merchants' sales divisions.
- Fedele Miranda – Executive Vice President, Sales, Freedom Division: A graduate of Seton Hall University, Fedele has held multiple sales management positions within the company, including the design and implementation of the first dedicated Moet Hennessy division in the U.S.
- Cristian Yanez – Vice President, Sales, Freedom Division: Cristian brings international experience from his tenure at Moet Hennessy Argentina and Moet Hennessy USA, focusing on sales and marketing roles.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The wine and spirits distribution industry in New York is highly competitive, characterized by a diverse range of products and a dynamic consumer base. The market's growth is driven by evolving consumer preferences, the introduction of new brands, and the expansion of on-premise and off-premise retail channels.
Competitor Analysis
Empire Merchants faces competition from several key players in the industry, including:
- Martignetti Companies: With approximately 1,500 employees and estimated revenues of $1.1 billion, Martignetti Companies is a significant competitor in the wine and spirits distribution sector.
- Horizon Beverage: Employing around 775 individuals and generating estimated revenues of $574 million, Horizon Beverage is another notable competitor.
- Columbia Distributing: With a workforce of about 3,000 and estimated revenues of $979.7 million, Columbia Distributing presents substantial competition in the market.
- Winebow: Employing approximately 2,793 individuals and generating estimated revenues of $1.7 billion, Winebow is a major player in the industry.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Empire Merchants has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position and product offerings. In May 2024, the company partnered with Garrison Brothers Distillery, Texas' first legal whiskey distillery, to distribute their bourbon whiskey in New York. This collaboration aims to introduce Texas craftsmanship to the Empire State and expand Garrison Brothers' presence in the market.
Additionally, in March 2023, Empire Merchants extended its longstanding partnership with William Grant & Sons USA for another five years.
