The dissertation is devoted to solving an urgent scientific and practical task concerning the formation and development of a wine distribution system in Ukraine under conditions of market transformation, uncertainty, wartime challenges, and digitalization of supply chains.
The theoretical foundations of wine distribution system formation have been developed and its key stages of establishment and development in Ukraine have been systematized. The role of own import in transforming distribution processes has been substantiated as a means of reducing intermediaries, optimizing logistics, increasing supply chain transparency, and improving quality control. The concept of “formation of a wine distribution system” has been refined as a process of creating and developing interconnected logistical, marketing, behavioral, and socio-cultural components aimed at creating consumer value and ensuring wine availability. Wine distribution has been systematized according to twelve characteristics covering assortment formation, scale of activity, sales channels, sales organization, price positioning, digitalization, logistics, producer integration, distribution strategy, supply chain control, adaptability, and green orientation.
A comparative analysis of wine distribution systems in international markets has been conducted, and key trends in the transformation of the global wine market have been identified, including changes in consumer preferences, development of premium, organic, and low-alcohol segments, and the influence of climate, economic, and logistical factors. A comprehensive assessment of the Ukrainian wine distribution system has been carried out, taking into account wartime risks, logistical constraints, changing consumer behavior, and digitalization. Leading distribution operators have been analyzed by their market scale, product portfolios, sales channels, logistics infrastructure, and digital integration. SWOT and TOWS analyses have been used to identify their competitive advantages, limitations, opportunities, and risks.
A scientific and methodological approach to assessing wine distribution efficiency has been developed based on the author’s *Edist* model, integrating indicators of market position, assortment, logistics capabilities, strategic partnerships, digital integration, and brand communication. The approach enables the relationship between digital maturity and distribution performance to be assessed and development priorities to be determined.
The methodology for applying the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to wine distribution has been improved through the identification and prioritization of critical supply chain bottlenecks and their quantitative assessment using the Digital Constraint Index (DCI). A system of indicators for monitoring bottlenecks and prioritizing management actions has been developed.
Strategic planning tools have been enhanced through differentiated development strategies based on digital maturity, geographical market coverage, and the structure of imported and local brands. A process management approach to own import and wine distribution has been developed using BPMN modeling, TOC tools, KPIs, and DCI. An author’s concept of strategic development has been formed by integrating *Edist*, supply chain constraints assessment, DCI, and strategic management tools.
A digital development roadmap has been designed, including the phased implementation of ERP, CRM, WMS, Big Data analytics, automated inventory management, and demand forecasting. Directions for developing wine distribution under martial law and post-war recovery have been substantiated, including IoT solutions, modern logistics infrastructure, climate-controlled warehouses, automated inventory management, legislative monitoring, international standards, and harmonization with European requirements. The potential of wine tourism and digital tools, including virtual tastings, as additional channels for promoting wine products has been determined.
The proposed theoretical provisions, methodological approaches, and practical recommendations form a comprehensive toolkit for strategic management, assessment, monitoring, and digital transformation of the wine distribution system in Ukraine.
