If you run a hotel, a restaurant group or a travel retail operation in Spain, sourcing Italian wine and food does not have to mean dealing with Italian suppliers, customs paperwork or long lead times. Working with a distributor already established in Spain gives you Italian products with Spanish invoicing, local stock and a single point of contact. Here is what to look at before you choose one.
Buying direct from Italy vs. buying from a distributor in Spain
Both Italy and Spain are part of the EU single market, so there are no customs duties between them. That does not mean importing is effortless: alcoholic drinks are subject to excise rules and electronic movement documents, food businesses must be registered with the Spanish health authorities, and labelling has to comply with EU regulations. Setting up that structure only pays off at high volumes. For most hospitality operators, a distributor who already holds those registrations is faster and cheaper.
What to check before choosing a supplier
- Local stock and delivery times: ask where the warehouse is and how quickly they can restock a fast-moving reference. Stock held in Spain is the difference between a next-day delivery and a two-week wait.
- Paperwork in order: health registration, excise registration and full traceability documents should come as standard, with Spanish invoices and VAT shown separately.
- Range depth: wine, spirits, beer, soft drinks and food from one supplier means fewer orders, fewer deliveries and simpler admin than juggling five specialists.
- Direct producer relationships: a distributor working directly with Italian producers has better continuity of supply and more room on price than one buying through intermediaries.
- Support for your team: tasting notes, staff training and help building the list turn a delivery into actual sales.
What matters for each type of buyer
Hotels and restaurant groups need consistency across sites: the same references available in every location, all year round. Wholesalers care about margin, packaging formats and reliable replenishment. Travel retail needs recognisable Italian brands, compliant labelling and suppliers who can handle volume peaks in season. Ask a potential partner how they handle your specific case before signing anything.
Start with a short, well-chosen range
You do not need fifty Italian references to build a credible offer. A sparkling wine for aperitivo, a fresh white, two reds of different weight, a classic Italian spirit for after dinner and a handful of food staples already cover most menus. Start there, measure what sells, then expand.
Grupo Adamo is a food & beverage distributor with operations in Ajalvir (Madrid) and a structure in Genoa, Italy, supplying Italian wine, spirits, beer, soft drinks and food to hospitality, wholesalers and travel retail. Request the catalogue and trade conditions here.