EDITOR ' S NOTE

Earning a place in the Beverage Dynamics Top 100 beverage alcohol retailers is always a significant accomplishment. But making the list in 2026, amidst a multiyear industry pullback, is all the more impressive.

We all know what’ s happening. As has been covered extensively in these pages, and lived every day by the retailers recognized in this issue, the off-premise alcohol business faces numerous headwinds. Shifting consumer tastes in our post-Covid era, especially among younger LDA individuals, see customers frequently considering alternatives to alcohol.

How can the industry manage this immense challenge? Adaptation is critical. Modern emerging categories like canned cocktails, THC beverages and nonalcoholic drinks are more than mere trends. Drawbacks in craft beer and wine are unlikely to reverse in the immediate future. Perceptive retailers have already begun adjusting to these new realities.

Largely driving these changes, of course, is Gen Z. The youngest LDA group has lived through unique historical times that affect their purchasing habits and consumption preferences. They are the first generation that has only known a world with ubiquitous internet and smartphones. Their childhoods took place during the Great Recession, while their high school / college years aligned with Covid−19. Graduating into an uncertain job market, they begin their careers at a time when AI has suddenly permeated the global economy, altering workforces nearly overnight.

Altogether, the result is a generation that is phone-obsessed, behind in their careers, tight on money, and focused on healthier lifestyles. Spending on alcohol does not exactly fit snugly into that consumer profile. But people, too, are fluid and evolving. Where Gen Z is today is not where they will remain forever, of course. As our younger peers advance professionally, earning more money and looking above the bottom shelf, how will their buying habits change? Will they find their ways into craft beer and wine?

What’ s next for Gen Z remains to be seen. Like all generations, their careers will progress and improve, and so will their spending abilities. New interests will emerge. The beverage alcohol industry will continue to shift with these developments. That’ s why we continue to run the Top 100 Retailers program, identifying the independent stores and chains that have successfully and impressively adapted with the times. Congrats again to all the businesses highlighted in the pages ahead!

Correction: In the previous issue, we incorrectly identified the Vice President of Tequila Don Julio at Diageo North America. The correct individual is Julian Garcia.

Beverage Group Vice President Jeremy Nedelka Tel: 763-383-4413 email: jnedelka @ epgacceleration. com

Editor, Off-Premise Kyle Swartz Tel: 763-383-4447 email: kswartz @ epgacceleration. com

Contributing Editors Melissa Dowling

National Account Director Debbie Rittenberg Tel: 763-383-4455 email: drittenberg @ epgacceleration. com

Sales Associate Sherai Falcon sfalcon @ epgacceleration. com( 763) 383-4423

Associate Managing Art Director Nicole Siewert

Senior Product Manager, Data & Insights Marina Velez Tel: 763-383-4453 email: mvelez @ epgacceleration. com

List Rental Joe Diaz jdiaz @ epgacceleration. com( 763) 383-4492

Reprints For more information on e-prints or reprints from Beverage Dynamics magazine, visit https:// epgacceleration. com / marketing-services / or email us at info @ epgacceleration.

Sr VP / Audience Development Joanne Juda-Prainito Corporate Operations Director Bernadette Wohlman CEO Marion Minor

BRAND ACCELERATION

Beverage Dynamics is published by EPG Brand Acceleration Editorial and executive offices at 7760 France Avenue South, Suite 810, Bloomington, MN 55435.

Kyle Swartz Editor, Off-Premise

4 Beverage Dynamics • 2026 Top 100 Issue www. beveragedynamics. com