How AI is Changing Alcohol Shopping for Sales Professionals
A recent survey by L.A.-based DRINKS, a leading alcohol e-commerce platform, shows that 76% of consumers expect artificial intelligence (AI) to play a major role in alcohol shopping within five years. The survey, which included 1,000 U.S. adults over 21, also found that 31% have already used AI to help choose their drinks. Even more telling, 71% said they would be interested in using AI tools offered by liquor stores or online sellers.
This shift presents a clear opportunity for sales teams in the alcohol industry. Consumers are warming up to AI recommendations—not just for personal purchases, but also for social occasions:
- 44% trust AI to recommend a wine or liquor for themselves.
- Over 40% would rely on AI to suggest drink pairings at restaurants.
- 26% would let AI pick a cocktail order at a bar.
- 39% would use AI to select drinks for parties or gatherings.
Interestingly, only 30% of consumers say human expert advice is “very important” for their alcohol purchases. This suggests that AI tools are quickly gaining credibility and could become a key differentiator for retailers and sellers.
Why AI Recommendations Work
Consumers often find wine or liquor choices intimidating due to “rules” or lack of confidence in their taste preferences. AI, acting like a virtual sommelier, removes this friction by understanding individual preferences and matching drinks to occasions. This helps buyers feel confident about their selections and can boost sales.
DRINKS uses a patented AI system called PAIR (Predictive AI Retailing) that analyzes wine label designs—color, fonts, imagery, and more—to predict the emotional response a bottle might trigger, such as “romantic” or “adventurous.” This emotional insight helps deliver recommendations that resonate more deeply with customers.
The results speak for themselves. DRINKS reports over a 50% increase in click-through rates compared to traditional “You may also like” suggestions. Combining this with conversational AI that takes natural language input on taste preferences creates a seamless shopping experience, driving engagement and sales.
What Sales Teams Should Take Away
- Embrace AI tools: Consumers are ready for AI recommendations. Offering these tools can increase customer trust and sales conversions.
- Focus on personalization: AI can capture emotional and taste profiles that go beyond basic product attributes, helping customers find drinks they will enjoy.
- Use AI to reduce friction: Many buyers hesitate due to uncertainty. Positioning AI as a friendly guide eliminates hesitation and speeds up decisions.
- Enhance social occasions: AI-powered drink suggestions for parties, bars, and restaurants open new sales channels and customer interactions.
For sales professionals looking to get ahead, understanding how AI fits into customer journeys is critical. Learning more about AI applications in sales and marketing can help you stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations.
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