Partner Ed Brown shares his insight on the potential impact of tariffs on the food and beverage industry with BevNET, FoodDive, and the Sip & Learn podcast. In each, Brown shares what wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers can expect in the evolving landscape.

The BevNET article "How Spirit Companies are Preparing for Uncertainty Amid Trade Disputes" explores trade tensions and their ripple effects among suppliers, importers, and consumers. Ed shares that the extent to which tariffs affect consumers depends on the supplier's strength, product quality, and demand. He adds that some suppliers are choosing to absorb tariffs temporarily to avoid disrupting pricing. Read the full article here; subscription required.

The FoodDive article, "Escalating Trade War Heightens Risks for Alcohol Industry," highlights tariffs' impact on spirit producers and US companies who import brews. Ed Brown says that tariffs create winners and losers, noting that "The retailer probably has the least amount of risk because if someone doesn't buy the Modelo, they'll buy the Bud Light," whereas big beer brands relying on imported goods are at a "tremendous amount of risk." Read the full article here.

Brown joined the Sip & Learn podcast to discuss tariffs' implications for the beverage industry. He discussed legal considerations for alcohol producers, the importance of business diversification, and how the three-tier system affects pricing and distribution. Ed also emphasized the resilience of the alcohol market and offered strategies for businesses to navigate potential challenges posed by tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Listen to the full discussion here.