A Guide to
Comprehensive Security
In The Beverage Industry

1

Aspects of Your Business that Need To Be Protected

Let’s start by looking at what aspects of your business need to be protected. Beverage companies need to first think about their branding, including the company’s name, product names, logos, and slogans. Next, the company must think about the physical products,  including recipes, the look and feel of the products, the process of making them, and specific ingredients and supplies used to make the product. Another large aspect to consider is packaging, including individual products and bundles. Finally, for many businesses in the industry who are sold in retail stores/restaurants, storefront presentation such as displays, menus, etc. can all be protected. 

As a business in the beverage industry, these are the main aspects of your product that need to be protected through electronic security:

• Name of the company
• Name of the product
• Logos
• Slogans
• The product itself- including ingredients & supplies used in production which can be protected through video surveillance and managed access. 
• Packaging. 

Forms of IP to Protect Your Business

Company names, product names, logos, and slogans can all be protected through trademarks, as can logos and slogans. The power of trademarks to protect logos is a powerful thing, as many consumers use logos alone as brand recognition without even seeing or hearing a name. 

2

The Importance of Video Surveillance in the Wine Industry

No matter what industry you are in, security has become a top priority among business owners. Theft, injury, and damaged property have all been common within the world of business- and the wine industry is no exception. It is your job as a business owner to protect not only your property, but your employees and customers. This is why there has been such a rise for video surveillance as an added means of security in businesses. Today we want to share why you need video surveillance and how Sonitrol Security can equip your business with the security systems you need to stay protected. 

 Why You Need Video Surveillance

• To protect your employees and customers– Whenever your employees enter their place of work, they expect to be protected while on the job. In addition, your customers expect to be protected while shopping and/or enjoying your wine at your winery or business. 
• To catch any suspicious activity– Employee theft and violence occurs in the workplace more often than you’d think. While it is your job to protect your employees, it is also your job to protect others around them or your property if employees act wrongfully or steal from the business. 
• To protect your inventory/merchandise of wine– Burglars and thieves will take any opportunity they can get to steal merchandise whenever you are either not at your business or when nobody is actively paying attention. Theft happens quickly and often without notice if you do not have proper security measures set in place. A video surveillance system will catch all action and live play of interactions in your business when you are both present and not present at your business. It will act as your eyes when you can not see what is happening for yourself. 

3

Sonitrol's Video Surveillance Systems

We leverage the latest in Digital Video Recorders and Network and Hosted Video Recorders. You are able to store all of your recorded data for future use at your disposal. We have solutions for every type of business and budget. 

Monitored video is one of the fastest-growing security systems in the industry. It is a verified solution to ensure faster law enforcement response and reduce the number of false alarms. When connected with your Sonitrol audio detection system, the cameras activate the system when there is signs of burglary or theft. Then footage captured is recorded as a video and can be used for later playback. If your Sonitrol audio system is activated, our staff can see and hear a live scene what is happening at your business. We can alert the authorities of where the burglar is located in your building and describe their appearance. Our award-winning operators will have eyes and ears to protect your business when you are not there. 

We want your business to stay safe and protected at all times. Sonitrol is here to provide you with the security you need to protect your winery, wine shop, or other business in the wine industry. Read more about the importance of video surveillance in the wine industry in this blog. 

4

The Importance of Protecting Your Winery or Brewery From Fire

There’s no longer a “typical” California wildfire season after last year’s. Historically, wildfire season runs mid-summer through early autumn.  The largest and most deadliest California wildfires were recorded last year. The Mendocino Complex Fire was the largest and burned 458,123 acres. The deadliest was the Camp fire which took 86 lives. 

California wine country was tragically  affected by California wildfires in October of 2017. According to SFGate, 7 fires destroyed 8,889 structures total 94 of which were commercial buildings. If wineries and breweries were lucky enough to keep their main building in tact, they likely lost another building as 894 outbuildings were lost to the fires as well. 

Countless dollars of inventory and supplies were gone in minutes. While California wildfires are becoming increasingly unpredictable and dangerous, there are certain steps you can and should take to protect your winery and brewery and minimize damage. Read more about the need for protecting your winery or brewery from fire in this blog. 

5

The Impact of Fire Damage on California Businesses

OSHA estimates that fires cost businesses and schools more than 2.3 billion in property damage every year. Regarding the Northern California fires in October 2017, the California Department of Insurance stated that several major insurers said that the total insured losses from these fires topped $3 billion. That’s just the impact on the economy. The impact these fires had on physical and emotional health are impossible to capture in statistics and the scars remain. 

While the wildfires were heartbreaking for the entire country, not many felt the immediate effects. Forbes was keen on pointing out that these fires would indeed affect wine lovers across the nation. The fires had a direct impact on the supply of wine and it will continue to affect the taste of wine for the time being. Although, this could work in some winemakers favor as “smoky” is a desirable trait for some types of wine. In the same article, they also provided a list of all the wineries impacted. 

As mentioned in our recent blog about the vulnerabilities California wineries face, California produces 81% of the wine in the U.S and is the 4th largest wine producer in the world. These fires were devastating to the wine industry across the globe.

6

Protecting California Businesses From Fire Damage

When it comes to fire damage, early detection is the most important factor for minimizing damage. All California businesses should take the appropriate measures of protecting their property against fire damage by investing in insurance and a fire alarm system. 

Unfortunately, fire is one of the most common causes of property damage. Our fire alarm system operates 24/7 and covers

• Smoke and heat detection
• Water flow and sprinkler monitoring
• Temperature monitoring for temperature-sensitive areas such as freezers
• Elevator Recall
• Voice evacuation system.

7

Unexpected Challenges For Your Brewery or Winery

All small businesses have unique challenges when it comes to security. Since they’re usually not located in a large corporate office setting, they don’t have the luxury of a built-in security system and staff. The hope for small businesses is to maintain a steady stream of customers to come through the doors every day they’re open and they don’t have the typical 9-5 Monday through Friday work schedule. 

These factors can sometimes present unique challenges, especially for California wineries and breweries. The state makes 81% of the nation’s wine and craft beer movement started in California and continues to lead the industry’s growth. All of America pleads with California wineries and breweries to protect their assets so that wine enthusiasts, at-home beer brewers, and dinner parties with in-laws can continue going on as planned.