The News
Sir Gary Kong, Founder and CEO of The 1 Wine, shared leadership insights and entrepreneurial advice in a press release. He emphasized perseverance, relationships, and giving back as key to success. The announcement was made in Flushing, NY on May 19, 2026, highlighting his background in wine, real estate, legal services, and bottled water.
For beverage trade buyers, a well‑known wine brand’s jump into the bottled‑water arena signals a strategic shift that could affect shelf strategy and cross‑sell opportunities.
The trade views this move as more than a new water brand; it is an established wine entrepreneur entering the $19.5 B bottled‑water market, which grows at only 4.2% CAGR.
Kong’s announcement of Wasa and Wasup from his Wisconsin facility in 2026 marks a pivot beyond wine into the broader beverage sector. A dedicated plant shows he can manufacture at scale, but with water’s thin margins brand equity will drive differentiation.
His history as one of the first Asian‑American owners of a U.S. vineyard and his 32 % share in premium ($20+) wine sales (2024 data) give him credibility with high‑value consumers. If he can transfer that prestige to water, cross‑sell opportunities could arise for retailers carrying both lines.
Distribution remains unclear; the press reports no exclusive distributor partner. The only channel clue is Kong’s DTC model for wine, which captured about 10 % of U.S. wine sales in 2023. Until a wholesale agreement surfaces, distributors should view Wasa/Wasup as a future SKU rather than an immediate shelf addition.
Retailers must balance the low margin of Wasa and Wasup against potential bundling with Kong’s premium wine. A promotional push that shows steady demand could justify additional shelf space.
On‑premise operators can use the brand narrative to attract patrons who value philanthropy and entrepreneurial grit. Without confirmed distribution, bars would need to rely on DTC delivery or a direct partnership with Kong’s logistics arm to stock the product.
Original Press Release
Sir Gary Kong, Founder and CEO of The 1 Wine and member of Forbes Business Council, continues expanding his focus beyond business ventures by sharing lessons on entrepreneurship, perseverance, philanthropy, and leadership with a new generation.
Having immigrated to the United States at age 16 with limited resources and little English, Sir Gary’s journey began as a dishwasher in Manhattan restaurants before rising through entrepreneurship, real estate investments, and business leadership. Today, his story reflects resilience, determination, and the belief that persistence and hard work create opportunity.
"Never give up," said Sir Gary Kong. "Success is not built overnight. Relationships, reputation, consistency, and helping others create opportunities long after transactions end."
Sir Gary believes business success carries a responsibility beyond profits and that giving back is equally important. He takes great pride in being a philanthropist whose efforts extend far beyond his local Flushing community, supporting and donating to numerous causes that align with his core values and commitment to helping others.
As founder of The 1 Wine and a longtime entrepreneur across multiple industries including legal services, real estate, wine, and bottled water, Sir Gary continues building businesses while encouraging future entrepreneurs to remain adaptable, persevere through challenges, never stop pursuing their goals, and remember the importance of giving back.
Media Contact: Gary Kong
The 1 Wine
Sources consulted (web research):
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- Seizing Opportunities And Living The American Dream The Inspiring Jou…
- The 1 Wine
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- Entrepreneurship In A Bottle The Making Of One Hope Wine Pt 1
- Meet The Entrepreneur Disrupting The Wine Glass Industry
- The1wine site
Source: EIN Presswire