Today we’d like to introduce you to Trudy Hanna
Hi Trudy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
– My passion for wine started in my childhood in South Carolina. My sister and I would pick wild blackberries and muscadine grapes to make wine as part of a club we created with our neighborhood friends. Gardening with my grandmother also played a significant role in fostering my love for plants and the soil, showing me how the earth can be nurtured to create a successful garden.
This early interest led me to major in Biology, where I deepened my understanding of the science behind cultivating and engineering in the winemaking industry. I was fascinated by how wine can enhance our senses and the intricate process of its creation.
In 2018, I started Wine and Culture Gift Baskets, focusing on gift baskets that celebrated diverse wine cultures. However, I soon realized that I wanted to make a broader impact. In 2020, I rebranded and restructured the business into PIE IMPORTS, LLC, shifting to an import and wholesale distributorship model.
Today, PIE Imports curates and distributes unique, high-quality wines from small, family-owned wineries around the world, including minority-owned suppliers in Texas and California. Our services include coordinating and managing wine tastings and assisting with food pairings. Our mission is not only to bring exceptional wines to our customers but also to increase the presence of minorities and women in the wine industry.
Our journey has been driven by a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the wine business, partnering with organizations that share these values and supporting initiatives that foster an inclusive wine community. PIE Imports is a reflection of my dedication to science and love for wine and my vision of
creating a more equitable industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
– Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. Like many in the wine industry, we’ve faced numerous challenges. Transitioning from a small gift basket business to a full-scale import and wholesale distributorship was a complex and demanding process. We had to revamp our operations, supply chain management, and overall business strategy. Currently, we’re working on a partnership with a grocery chain to expand our distribution beyond Georgia. While this is an exciting opportunity, scaling up our operations to meet the increased demand is challenging.
Securing capital has been another significant struggle. We’re seeking a grant to help accelerate our business by expanding our inventory and preparing to efficiently serve our grocery chain client. Additionally, building relationships with corporate clients requires substantial resources and capacity.
Attracting and retaining skilled professionals, particularly a sales team with expertise in the wine industry, has also been tough. The competitive nature of the distribution sector means we need increased capital for competitive compensation, comprehensive training, and ongoing education to attract top talent.
Despite these challenges, our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the wine industry keeps us motivated. Each obstacle has taught us valuable lessons and reinforced our dedication to creating a more equitable and successful business. While the road has been anything but smooth, these experiences have strengthened our resolve and prepared us for future growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of PIE Imports, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Founded by Trudy Hanna, a Sommelier and wine enthusiast, PIE Imports was born out of a desire to challenge the lack of diversity in the wine industry. As a minority-owned and woman-owned business, we are committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive wine industry, from the vineyards to the boardroom.
At PIE Imports, our mission is to curate and distribute quality and unique wines from around the world while promoting diversity and inclusivity in the wine industry. We believe that everyone should have access to quality wines, regardless of their background or identity, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community around our products.
We work with small and medium-sized, generational/family-owned wineries from around the world to bring you unique, artisan/ scientific produced, and quality wines. Our portfolio includes a range of terroir-driven wines from classic regions such as France, Italy, and Spain, to other regions such as Portugal, Canada, South Africa, and South America (Argentina). We also have wines from minority-owned suppliers in Texas and California.
At PIE Imports, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the wine industry. We partner with organizations that share our values and support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
– Over the next 5-10 years, I anticipate several significant trends and shifts that will shape the wine industry. Firstly, there will likely be an increased emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Consumers are progressively seeking wines made with eco-friendly practices, and wineries are responding by adopting organic and biodynamic farming methods. This shift will drive further innovation in sustainable packaging and vineyard management.
Secondly, the diversity and inclusion movement will gain significant momentum within the industry. There’s a growing awareness of the importance of supporting minority-owned wineries and fostering a more inclusive environment. At PIE Imports, we are deeply committed to this mission, and I believe it will become a broader industry focus, leading to more opportunities and greater visibility for underrepresented groups.
Technological advancements will also play a critical role in the evolution of the industry. Innovations such as precision viticulture using drones and AI to enhance vineyard management, and blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability in the supply chain, will revolutionize the production, distribution, and marketing of wine.
Another notable trend will be the rise of direct-to-consumer sales. With the increasing popularity of online shopping and wine subscription services, wineries and distributors will need to adapt by strengthening their digital presence and customer engagement strategies. This trend will also lead to more personalized marketing and curated wine experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Lastly, the industry will continue to face economic pressures, as indicated by the recent ‘near 0% value growth’ report. This may result in more competitive pricing, flash sales, and discounts becoming more common. To navigate this, businesses will need to focus on building strong brand loyalty and differentiating their products through quality and unique value propositions.
Overall, while there are challenges ahead, the wine industry is poised for exciting transformations driven by sustainability, inclusivity, technology, and evolving consumer behaviors. At PIE Imports, we are excited to be part of these changes and look forward to contributing to a more diverse and innovative future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pieimports.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pieimports/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/pieimports
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PieImports
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineandculturebyPIE
- Other: https://www.alignable.com/atlanta-ga/pie-imports-llc
