NEW ITEM LISTINGS
Cycle Overview
Beginning January 1, 2026, DABS will conduct four structured listing cycles each year, each focused on specific category groups. This approach balances innovation, customer demand and optimized shelf space.
Key elements of the listing process:- Category focus areas are published annually but may shift with reasonable notice
- Products approved through the review process receive one of several status designations (General, Limited, Allocated, or Seasonal/Test)
- Off-cycle (“exception-based”) submissions may be accepted for time-sensitive national launches or urgent market needs, at DABS’ discretion
- Presentation meetings may be scheduled during designated scheduling windows throughout the submission month and are capped at 30 minutes. Meetings are optional and will not impact listing decisions. Virtual meetings are preferred, and suppliers should limit presentations to their highest-priority items that are relevant to the categories under review for that listing cycle.
- Newly accepted products must arrive at the DABS Warehouse Distribution Center at least two weeks before the on-shelf date
Listing Cycle Timeline
Spring Cycle (May On-Shelf)
Categories evaluated:- Cider
- Beer
- RTDs (Spirits- and wine-based canned cocktails, FMB)
- Soju
- Vodka
- Small package spirits
- Small package wine
- Domestic white wines
- Imported white wines
- Submissions due: January 31
- Presentations: January
- Sample requests: February 15
- Decisions communicated: Week of March 1
- Inventory due: April 15
Summer Cycle (August On-Shelf)
Categories evaluated:- Gin
- Rum
- Tequila
- Orange wine
- Fruit wine
- Rosé wine
- Boxed wine
- 1500mL wine
- Submissions due: April 30
- Presentations: April
- Sample requests: May 15
- Decisions communicated: Week of June 1
- Inventory due: July 15
Fall Cycle (October On-Shelf)
Categories evaluated:- Beer
- RTDs (Spirits- and wine-based canned cocktails, FMB)
- Cider
- Whiskey
- Small package spirits
- Domestic red wines
- Sparkling Wines
Key dates:
- Submissions due: June 30
- Presentations: June
- Sample requests: July 17
- Decisions communicated: Week of August 1
- Inventory due: September 15
Winter Cycle (February On-Shelf)
Categories evaluated:- Tequila
- Brandy
- Liqueurs
- Imported red wines
- Dessert wines
- Fortified wines
- Cocktail modifiers (Triple Sec, Vermouth)
- Sake
- Submissions due: September 30
- Presentations: September
- Sample requests: October 16
- Decisions communicated: Week of November 1
- Inventory due: January 15 (no December receiving of new items)
How to Submit a Listing Application
Vendors/representatives must submit their applications through the Utah DABS Online Licensing & Permitting System.
- High-resolution product image
- Images of unit and case UPCs
- Accurate sell unit and case dimensions
- NABCA code (required before PO issuance)
- Federal Certificate of Label Approval (COLA)
- For malted beverages: DABS Compliance label approval
Incomplete or late submissions may be excluded at DABS’ discretion.
Evaluation and Selection Process
- Initial Screening
Conducted by a Purchasing Agent and the Consumer Purchasing & Merchandising Division Director to:
- Validate completeness
- Identify items that address category gaps and opportunities
- Review brand performance in Utah and comparable markets
- Screen for customer requests or unmet demand
- Committee Review Items advancing from screening undergo committee evaluation by representatives from DABS Purchasing, Merchandising, and Retail Enterprise. Criteria assessed include:
- Product sampling evaluation (when applicable)
- Market support plans
- Vendor reliability and fulfillment history
- Packaging compliance and customer appeal
Evaluation Criteria
Products are evaluated using a structured framework based on both quantitative and qualitative factors.
Primary Evaluation Areas Category Alignment- Fit with category priorities and strategic goals
- Role within category (core, premium, innovation)
- Price-tier performance expectations
- Historical sales (Utah and proxy markets - includes Utah Special Order sales)
- Customer requests
- Brand recognition or relevance
- Tasting results
- Packaging and shelf presence
- Compliance with federal/state standards
- Fulfillment history
- Communication responsiveness
- Past compliance with DABS warehouse receiving requirements, including labeling and pallet configuration
- Planned engagement with licensees
- Participation in merchandising programs (e.g., Product Information Cards)
- Demonstrated ability to support Utah performance
Sample Requests
When requested by the DABS, vendors/representatives may submit product samples for official evaluation as part of the listing review process. Samples are provided voluntarily and will not be purchased or reimbursed by the DABS under any circumstances.
Sample Authorization- Samples must be requested in writing by the DABS Consumer Purchasing & Merchandising Division
- Unsolicited samples will not be accepted or reviewed
- Maximum 2 units per product
- Preferably in the same size as the selling unit
- In accordance with state and federal law, samples must be shipped by common carrier (not USPS). Samples may not be hand-delivered or dropped off at DABS offices, and any such deliveries will not be accepted.
- Labeled: “Department Samples – Utah DABS”
- Include a cover letter listing the FOB cost
- Attn: Consumer Purchasing & Merchandising Division – Department Samples
- Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services
- 1625 South 900 West
- Salt Lake City, UT 84104
For more details on the Product Management process, please see the Vendor Manual.
