Beer, Wine & Distilled Spirits Wholesalers Industry Overview

Excerpt from Beer, Wine & Distilled Spirits Wholesalers Report

Companies in this industry distribute beer, ale, wine, and distilled spirits on a wholesale basis. Major US companies include Charmer Sunbelt Group, Glazer's Wholesale Drug, Reyes Holdings, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, and Wirtz Beverage Group.

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by consumer preferences in alcohol consumption and demographic trends. The profitability of individual companies depends on effective sales operations and maintaining low operating costs. Large companies have advantages in exclusive distribution rights in large markets. Small operations can compete effectively by distributing rare and expensive products. The beer wholesale industry is fragmented: the top 50 companies account for about a third of industry revenue. The wine and spirits wholesale industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies account for more than 75 percent of industry revenue.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major products are beer, wine, and distilled spirits (hard liquor). Distributors tend to specialize in either beer or wine and spirits. About half of overall industry revenue comes from the sale of beer, 30 percent from liquor, and 20 percent from wine.