iKAG — Quarterly Brief #1

Last Quarter

Priority 1 · What's Blocking Progress

Resolve Import Compliance

Complete

TTB approved August 12. Labels cleared for all four SKUs August 28. The gate is open.

Priority 2 · Where to Focus

Rebuild Pricing Architecture

In Progress

Forward and reverse models complete. Torrontés and entry Malbec viable at target SRP. Gran Reserva pricing still under discussion — margin tension remains.

Priority 3 · What Needs to Get Done

Targeted Importer Strategy

In Progress

Shortlist of 6 importers built. Two introductory conversations — one strong fit (boutique South American specialist, FL/TX presence). NYC market visit scheduled October.

iKAG Take

Diagnostic phase delivered what it needed to — compliance is resolved and pricing architecture is modeled. The October NYC trip is the most important week of this engagement so far. If María Elena is stretched too thin to prepare properly, we lose momentum we can't afford to lose.

Next 90 Days — Three Priorities

What's Blocking Progress

Close an Importer Partnership

Due: December 2025

What You Do

Confirm October NYC dates. Prepare: 6-bottle sample set (lead Torrontés), printed pricing model from Pricing Architecture, brand one-pager, availability sheet. Walk in with the paper and the wine.

What iKAG Does

Schedule 3 meetings from the shortlist. Gina preps María Elena with importer-specific talking points. iKAG attends the lead meeting. Touchpoint Map tracks every follow-up. Debrief within 48 hours.

Where to Focus

Finalize Gran Reserva Pricing

Due: Before NYC Trip

What You Do

Open Pricing Architecture — Gran Reserva model. Two scenarios loaded: (A) adjust ex-cellar by €0.80, SRP lands at $58; (B) allocation-only, hold price, limit to 150 cases. Hand printout to finance. Circle one. The importer needs your answer before the meeting.

What iKAG Does

Tariff impact modeled — +$0.35/bottle absorbed. Both scenarios run through LIFT DA for importer/distributor margin impact. Brian delivers recommendation with the brief. Investment Planner reflects whichever path you choose.

What Needs to Get Done

Build Trade Presentation Materials

Due: October 1

What You Do

Send Gina: high-res label images, winery photos (vineyard, cellar, family), 200-word origin story in Spanish (we translate), and any existing tasting notes. If you don't have notes in the format we need — we write them.

What iKAG Does

Gina produces: one-page brand story (English), U.S.-format tasting notes for all 4 SKUs, trade presentation PDF. If label or packaging needs a U.S. refresh, iKAG connects you with a design specialist — one call. Materials delivered 2 weeks before NYC.

Market Context

Tariff

New tariff on Argentine wines effective October 1: +$0.35/bottle landed cost. Manageable for Torrontés and entry Malbec. Narrows the Gran Reserva margin buffer — already modeled.

Trend

U.S. DTC data: continued volume decline, record-high average bottle price. Market consolidating around fewer, more intentional purchases. Reinforces Aurora's quality-first positioning — if pricing stays disciplined.

Opportunity

Two importers on our shortlist are actively looking to add Argentine Torrontés — a variety gap they've identified independently. Timing is favorable.

Here's What I'm Watching

"The October NYC trip is the most important week of this engagement so far. If María Elena is stretched too thin to prepare properly, we lose momentum we can't afford to lose."

The bandwidth question from the Assessment still stands. If an importer signs, the cadence of communication and market activity will exceed what one person can manage alongside winery operations.