Dino Dakuras: Building A Spirits Brand With Heart

The spirits industry is an exciting and dynamic segment within the food and beverage space, offering its own unique challenges. The business constantly evolves, with new products, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. How can these brands keep up and remain competitive?

With a clear mission, it is possible to create a successful brand in the crowded alcoholic beverage industry. A seasoned professional with a background in sales, distribution, operations, and manufacturing, Dino Dakuras has thrived in this industry. Despite the challenges posed by the presence of established brands and new entrants in the market, developing a unique and differentiated brand is possible. Dino explains why you must stand out and resonate with your target audience. It's essential to capture consumers' attention through a carefully crafted strategy and approach that considers market trends, consumer behavior, and brand identity. By focusing on building a brand that is not only unique but also sustainable, you can grow, evolve, and make a name for yourself.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney and Arnelle Mitchell talk with Dino Dakuras of Second City Beverage Co. and Durty Gurl Cocktails about building a spirits brand. Dino shares his diverse background, the trends in the alcoholic beverage space, the supply chain and marketing challenges he faces, and why having a well-crafted marketing strategy is vital.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • Dino Dakuras shares his diverse background and what led him to the alcoholic beverages industry

  • The expansion and growth of micro-distilleries

  • How Dino established himself at Second City Beverage Co. — and what he brings to the table

  • What's Dino's favorite part of the spirits industry?

  • Supply chain and marketing challenges within the spirits industry

  • The origin story of Durty Gurl Cocktails

  • Strategic social media strategies for growing a spirits brand 

About Dino Dakuras

Dino Dakuras works at Second City Beverage Co., the only micro-distillery in Augusta, Georgia. The company is a powerhouse in the spirits industry and has an expert team of master distillers, warehouse managers, mixologists, and sales and marketing professionals. Dino is also the President of Durty Gurl Cocktails, a company that focuses on providing high-quality cocktail mixers at competitive prices. With his extensive sales experience, Dino has worked in distribution, operations, and manufacturing for startups to Fortune 200 companies. He has a proven track record of creating successful, high-performing teams through strategic coaching, culture-building, and development initiatives.

Duncan Alney