The Brand Architects: US Beverage Helps Scale Global Icons
Beer importer US Beverage works closely with all the brands they represent, forming solid relationships that not only help to get a route-to-market strategy going, but keep it successful. We sat down with key executives at the company to pick their brains on success strategies.
Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs
On February 20, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6–3 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the President of the United States authority to impose tariffs.
Spirit of Success: Inside Katey “Bunny” Rafanello’s Rise to Industry Influence
March is a time to honor the architects of change, the women who looked at "the way things are" and decided to build something better. In the male-dominated world of beverage alcohol, few people embody that spirit of architectural rebellion quite like Katey “Bunny” Rafanello.
WSWA’s Access LIVE 2026 Underscored Unity Across the Three-Tier System
The key takeaway from WSWA’s Access LIVE 2026 is that even though the industry is up against a lot of change, as long as companies can pivot to offer customers what they want, they can stay successful. If the industry can’t work together to present solutions, others will step in and shape the landscape for them.
Second Sip Announces New Partnership with Southern Glazer’s
Second Sip, a low-ABV gin brand, has announced a new U.S. distribution partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. This partnership enables broader access for both on- and off-premise accounts nationwide as the brand looks to enter multiple new markets in the new year.
Crafting Beverage Alcohol Leaders
Among DISCUS’ many programs, its Academy Leadership Program is certainly one to highlight. With only 30 spots available for February 2026, this intimate, high-impact experience brings together rising talent across spirits, beer, wine and all three tiers — creating a one-of-a-kind cohort with networking value.
Nurturing Spirits, Crafting Leaders
Through Southern Glazer's Next Gen Leadership Program (NGLP), recent graduates are offered rotational assignments, continuous training, leadership development, mentoring and networking opportunities. This two-year program is designed to cultivate and retain young talent, with its first graduating class just having completed the program this past August.
Cali Sober Distribution Makes its Debut in Louisiana
Cali Sober Distribution, a woman-owned distributor in Louisiana built entirely for THC-infused, functional and zero-proof beverages, has just recently launched with a portfolio of national brands to support the the state's alternative beverages industry.
U.S. Beverage Establishes Gateway Beverage Group
Beverage alcohol importer U.S. Beverage, LLC (USB) has just created an independent company, Gateway Beverage Group (GBG) to help domestic and international brands efficiently enter, operate and scale within the U.S. market.
Podcast: Alcohol Trends in 2026
What alcohol trends will be hot in 2026? We discuss with the folks at af&co. and Carbonate, the agencies behind the 18th annual Hospitality...














