ABS Communications Manager Melissa Romeo and Breakthru Beverage Division Sales Director Joe Giardina join host Jocelyn Rawat to discuss the ten most purchased products by category.  The episode highlights the wide range of products available through the ABS warehouse and explains how new items are introduced to the Montgomery County market. Guests also share recommendations for popular mixed drinks made with top-selling liquors.   

The ABS wholesale division operates a 210,000-square-foot warehouse with more than 35,000 products in active inventory. Its fleet of 27 trucks makes more than 86,000 deliveries per year, an average of 20,000 cases of product per day. 

Although many top brands have remained consistent over the years, ABS and the alcohol industry nationwide have seen tremendous growth in the ready-to-drink (RTD) category.  RTD cocktails are pre-mixed beverages that are bottled or canned and ready to serve.  Whether made with malt, wine or liquor, RTDs have grown in popularity because of their convenience and portability. 

“With nearly 1,100 different brands offered, it’s a big deal to break into the top ten of the most purchased products,” said Romeo. “Any product that is available in Maryland is also available through the ABS wholesale division, so there is something for every taste, whether you like your go-to brand or prefer to try something new.” 

The podcast helps residents and businesses better understand alcohol products, industry trends and policies in Montgomery County. The podcast is posted on the department’s website and is available on several podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to the podcast by selecting the “follow” or “plus” button on your provider’s podcast platform. 

Listeners are encouraged to email ideas and questions for future episodes to [email protected]. 

The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) provides technical support for the ABS podcast. 

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that otherwise would be funded by County tax dollars.  

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