NABCA’ S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Reflections from NABCA’ s Advisory Committee
by KYLE SWARTZ
As with the rest of the industry, control states and their supplier partners faced a number of issues in the past year. Inflation and economic uncertainty remain, especially with the fallout from tariffs and trade wars. Shifting consumer preferences have seen younger consumers swap out alcohol for cannabis and no- / low-ABV alternatives. And post-Covid overstocking at the middle and retail tiers created its own host of problems.
In other words, there are always challenges aplenty in the beverage alcohol industry. Leadership always requires navigation through tricky waters. Meeting this challenge is made easier through communication and collaboration with industry peers.
During the year, the NABCA Board of Directors meets with the advisory committee— a group of beverage alcohol supplier executives— to address new and ongoing issues facing the control state system. StateWays annually invites these committee members to share their accomplishments, challenges and initiatives from the past year.
The theme for Chair Becky Schlauch this past year has been: " Forward Together, Stronger Tomorrow." We urged committee members to write about how they have worked to achieve that goal.
Raj Kandyil
PERNOD RICARD USA Division Vice President, Control States
Forward Together, Stronger Tomorrow
As an employee of Pernod Ricard USA, I have the privilege of working for a company that is truly committed to building a better future, both for its people and for the world at large. The phrase " Forward Together, Stronger Tomorrow " is aligned with guiding principles that shape everything we do. It encapsulates the company’ s spirit of innovation, collaboration and sustainability, which are driving forces behind its continued growth and success.
INNOVATION: LEADING THE WAY TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE
At Pernod Ricard USA, innovation isn’ t just about creating new products; it’ s about anticipating the needs and desires of tomorrow ' s consumers. We’ re constantly pushing boundaries to meet the evolving tastes and expectations of our customers. Whether it’ s experimenting with new flavors, developing unique limited-edition releases or venturing into new areas like craft cocktails, innovation is at the heart of our business.
Moreover, innovation at Pernod Ricard USA extends beyond product creation to the way the company engages with consumers. The rise of digital platforms and e-commerce has fundamentally changed the way people discover, purchase and experience alcoholic beverages. Pernod Ricard USA has embraced this shift by leveraging digital tools and platforms to enhance its marketing and consumer engagement efforts. Through social media, influencer partnerships and innovative experiences, we are ensuring our brands are not only seen but are able to connect with the next generation of LDA consumers in meaningful and interactive ways.
SUSTAINABILITY: A COMMITMENT TO TOMORROW
The theme of " Stronger Tomorrow " resonates strongly within the context of Pernod Ricard USA’ s sustainability initiatives. I am proud to work for a company that is so dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint. It’ s not just about what we do today, but how we’ re ensuring that we leave the planet in a better state for future generations. Every day, I see our teams working tirelessly to minimize waste, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions throughout our production processes.
One example that stands out to me is our commitment to sustainable sourcing. The ingredients that go into our spirits are sourced with the utmost care for the environment and local communities. Whether it ' s ensuring the grains used in our whiskey production are sustainably farmed or working closely with farmers to promote responsible practices, our company understands the importance of protecting the planet while creating high-quality products. www. stateways. com Summer 2025 • StateWays 19