We’re currently about five years into what the industry is calling a “total-beverage pivot.” Established brewers are moving into the spirit-based RTD space, soda brands are getting in on the FMB market, and wine brands are dabbling with Tetra Pak riot punches. Some are taking advantage of these new opportunities, and they’re largely doing so at the expense of the Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) — especially its business in California.
The dominos started falling for RNDC in January, and on Monday, news broke that the distributor will be halting its operations in the Golden State by the end of the summer. The news arrived on the heels of Brown-Forman’s announcement that it will be changing up its distribution partners, dropping preexisting deals with RNDC in multiple markets. To put it bluntly, this is a massive corporate collapse for RNDC, and the “VinePair Podcast” team has some thoughts on the whole ordeal.
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach are joined by VinePair contributing editor Dave Infante to discuss his breaking story about RNDC’s announcement that it will be shutting down its California operations in September. What led RNDC to this stunning admission of failure? Is the changing landscape of total beverage part of the explanation? What will the fallout look like, and can RNDC weather it in other markets? Tune in for more.
Joanna is reading: Get to Know Mexico’s Underrated Regional Cocktails
Zach is reading: How St-Germain Went From Bartender’s Ketchup to Spritz Sensation
Adam is reading: The Bourbon Trail’s Best Kept Secret? World-Class Cocktails at Distillery Bars
