The Colorado sunshine welcomed over 2,000 attendees from across the U. S. as they congregated at WSWA’ s Access LIVE in early February.
WSWA’ s Access LIVE 2025 Highlights Adaptability and Durability
by KRYSTINA SKIBO
The Colorado sunshine welcomed attendees from across the U. S. as they congregated at WSWA’ s Access LIVE in early February. More than 2,000 industry professionals came together to discuss industry challenges, highlight opportunities and learn about the future of wine and spirits at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.
Dina Opici, president of Opici Family Distributing and chairwoman of WSWA, opened the 2025 event with a State of the Industry address. Providing an assessment of the challenges facing wholesalers, suppliers and retailers, she outlined the current and potential future headwinds.
WHAT’ S WORRYING COMPANIES?
Tariffs on imported wine and spirits were arguably the most discussed topic throughout the entirety of Access LIVE 2025. Beverage alcohol companies everywhere are scrambling to sign last-minute contracts before potential price hikes.
Given tequila’ s role as a major driver of U. S. spirits sales, tariffs are a significant concern. According to economic analysis by John Dunham and Associates, a 25 % tariff on tequila alone could cost 14,000 jobs and result in $ 2.5 billion in lost economic output.
“ We have to tell our story,” Opici said in her address.“ Our products are deeply tied to their country of origin, and the administration must understand that these tariffs will hurt American businesses just as much as foreign producers.”
Another pressing topic Opici mentioned is how consumer preferences have reshaped the beverage alcohol landscape.
“ For the first time in history, regular cannabis use among Americans is more common than regular alcohol consumption,” Opici said.
She also mentioned the increasing use of GLP−1 weightloss medications, which have been reported to reduce alcohol consumption, and is adding to market uncertainty.
“ The market is no longer what we once knew,” Opici said.“ We need to look at this as a chance to evolve and innovate.”
BEER, WINE AND SPIRITS TRENDS
SipSource analysts Danny Brager and Dale Stratton presented new, year-ending data at Access LIVE, delving into what the industry can expect in 2025 and how businesses can achieve growth after a year of turmoil.
“ Recovery will be slow, but Q1 comps are strong. Spirits in Q1 2024 were down −4.8 % in volume and −5.7 % in revenue while wine saw decreases of −9.5 % in volume and −7.6 % in
34 Beverage Dynamics • Summer 2025 www. beveragedynamics. com