April 27, 2026

RNDC in Talks to Divest Majority of Remaining Business

Republic National Distributing Company is negotiating to sell most of its remaining operations beyond the 11 markets it previously sold to Reyes Beverage Group (closing end of May), marking a dramatic realignment of U.S. middle-tier distribution.

RNDC signed letters of intent with Martignetti Companies for control-state operations in 17 states (including Alabama, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Utah) and with Columbia Distributing for Pacific Northwest markets (Alaska, Oregon, and Washington). The distributor remains in "advanced discussions" with an unnamed buyer for Plains states operations and works with joint venture partners to determine paths forward in New York, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. 

RNDC cautioned "each transaction is at a different development stage" with no assurance that deals will close as contemplated. Still, the announcement confirms the former second-largest wine and spirits distributor's systematic market exit.

Wine And Spirits Show Improved Retail Trends Year-To-Date

Source: Shanken News Daily | 🔗 Read | ▶️ Watch

Winery Shipments Climb to $462 Million in March

Source: Wine Business | 🔗 Read | ▶️ Watch

Heineken Takes Legal Action Against U.S. Over Alleged Overpaid Tariffs

Source: Just Drinks | 🔗 Read | ▶️ Watch

Iran War Drives Change in Wine Industry Practices

Source: The Drinks Business | 🔗 Read | ▶️ Watch

Park Street University is pleased to announce that it will be traveling across the pond to host its Seminars for Drinks Entrepreneurs series at Bar Convent London on May 11-12, 2026.

Our seminars will cover topics including how brands can rethink innovation, building resilience in the drinks business, and the overall state of the spirits industry with speakers from Diageo, Brown-Forman, Moët Hennessy, and many more.

Dre and Snoop Turn Lemons Into New RTD Line

Source: The Spirits Business | 🔗 Read 

Gray Whale Expands Into Vodka With Coastal-Inspired Spirit and New Surfrider Partnership

Source: PR Newswire | 🔗 Read 

Spirits volumes, including RTDs, are up +4.9% in NielsenIQ channels and +4.7% in Circana data this year .

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