Read the full analysis on Shanken News Daily.
The beverage alcohol distribution tier is undergoing a historic reset following the bankruptcy and divestiture of Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), formerly the No. 2 U.S. wine and spirits wholesaler. Beer distributors stepped in to keep RNDC’s brands moving to market, led by Reyes Beverage Group, whose 11-market deal (more than $5 billion in revenue last year) made it the No. 3 wine and spirits wholesaler behind Southern Glazer’s and Breakthru.
The shift is running in both directions as wholesalers race toward a total beverage model. Southern Glazer’s will drop “Wine & Spirits” from its name in early 2027, backed by more than $1 billion in beer revenue and recent acquisitions in New York and Colorado.
Martignetti is expanding its Massachusetts beer footprint with a planned deal for Girardi, while RNDC’s Kentucky and Indiana assets are headed to Keg 1 River City and Morales Beverage Group after Breakthru stepped away. For suppliers, it’s a moment to revisit distribution strategy as portfolios and partners realign.