CHAIRMAN PROFILES
cannot have these products in the market without effective regulations. We believe the beverage alcohol regulatory framework is best suited for these beverage products. We must regulate these products; it’ s just common sense.
BW: With recent reports of a volume decline in the wine and spirits market, how is WSWA helping wholesalers adjust their business strategies and what specific categories are presenting the biggest growth opportunities? FC: WSWA helps wholesalers learn the hot, new, now market trends through Access LIVE. We also provide forums for our wholesaler members to share insights on what’ s working in their markets and how consumer trends are changing.
Through our data arm, SipSource, we provide real-world data to show how those consumers are moving real products from the warehouse to the retail outlet. As I said earlier, collaboration in a market like this is critical for company and country-wide- success.
BW: How is the continued consolidation of the wholesale market impacting smaller producers, and what steps is the WSWA taking to ensure a competitive and diverse marketplace for both large and craft brands?
FC: The current market situation is difficult for all three tiers- we see it across the beverage alcohol industry. While WSWA doesn’ t get involved in individual brand-wholesaler conversations, we do work to ensure a robust market where different kinds of wholesalers can serve different types of brands. Our association is committed to making sure the market works for every kind of wholesaler, large and small. A vibrant, independent wholesale tier ensures there are opportunities for all brands.
BW: WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR WSWA AND THE BROADER INDUSTRY? FC: The big conversation I keep hearing in the industry
in whether today’ s market reflects structural or cyclical change. And increasingly I believe that the issue is cyclical. The consumer sentiment survey shows that consumers’ perspectives on the economy are close to their lowest point in the last ten years.
Regardless of the actual state of the U. S. economy, consumers are nervous, and they don’ t feel good about their personal financial circumstances, leading them to cut back on consumption across a variety of products. If we see these consumer sentiment numbers improve, I think you are going to see our market improve with them. 14 Beverage Wholesaler • Winter 2025 www. beveragewholesaler. com