EBev.com

eBev provides a specialized digital marketplace for the wholesale beverage sector, connecting hospitality venues directly with a broad spectrum of beverage suppliers. The company was established in 2014 by Ian Jagor, Drew Bilbe, and Frank Mocerino, who brought together their collective experience in hospitality, technology, and finance to address inefficiencies in the beverage procurement process. Their platform digitizes the historically manual tasks of ordering, invoicing, and payment, aiming to streamline operations for businesses such as pubs, clubs, restaurants, and hotels across Australia. The system consolidates offerings from various suppliers, including boutique and major producers of wine, beer, and spirits, into a single interface.

The business operates on a B2B model, catering specifically to the needs of on-premise and off-premise licensed venues. eBev's revenue is generated through commissions on the transactions facilitated through its platform. For hospitality venues, the service is presented as a time-saving tool that simplifies inventory management and financial reconciliation. Key features include a centralized ordering system, electronic invoicing that integrates with accounting software like Xero and MYOB, and consolidated payment processing. This approach provides venues with greater visibility over their purchasing data and access to a wider market of suppliers than they might engage with individually. For suppliers, the platform offers a direct channel to a large network of potential buyers, reducing sales and administrative overhead.

Significant milestones for the company include its initial launch in Sydney and subsequent expansion across Australia. In 2018, eBev reported facilitating over $100 million in wholesale beverage orders through its platform. The company has also integrated with major industry players; for instance, a 2019 partnership with Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM), a subsidiary of Metcash, significantly expanded the range of products available on the platform by incorporating the entire ALM portfolio. This collaboration allows venues to order from both ALM and independent suppliers through one consolidated account. The platform continues to evolve, focusing on enhancing its data analytics capabilities to provide users with insights into purchasing trends and pricing.

Keywords: beverage procurement, hospitality tech, B2B marketplace, wholesale beverage, order management, liquor industry, online ordering, supplier network, accounts payable automation, procurement platform