Posted on 06/19/2025 9:03:23 AM PDT by DFG
The second largest alcohol distributor in the US has announced it is pulling out of California, blaming rising costs of doing business in the state.
Texas-based Republic National Distributing has said that it will no longer do business in California after September 2.
This has sent more than 2,500 drinks brands scrambling to find a new wholesaler and distributor in the state, which is famous in large part for its wine production.
The departure of a wholesale giant from the largest wine market in the US is also a warning sign for an industry which is already struggling as Americans increasingly cut back on alcohol.
Republic National, which is based in Grand Prairie, has not suggested that politics played a role in its decision to quit California.
But the news may be resonating widely in part because of the narrative it presents that a Texas company wants nothing to do with California, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
President and CEO Bob Hendrickson said: 'This decision is driven by rising operational costs, industry headwinds, and supplier changes that made the market unsustainable.'
He added that the company is 'using this moment to sharpen our focus and reinvest in the markets where we're best positioned to grow', naming Texas and Kentucky.
It comes weeks after the distributor announced a 'strategic reinvestment' in its Texas operations.
Several dozen of Republic National's crucial brands have defected in recent months to other distributors.
This means the company no longer has the rights to sell popular spirits such as Jack Daniel's, Tito's and High Noon in California.
While it is unclear why all the brands cut ties with the company, it is likely to have been a financial blow as many shifted distribution to a major rival, Reyes Beverage Group.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Too much competition by the weed and fentanyl industry.
Suck it up, Nanzi!
California is basically little China.
WIKI
Reyes Holdings, LLC is an American food and beverage distributor and bottler that ranks as the 6th largest privately held company in the United States, with annual sales in excess of US$40 billion. Operations span 18 countries in North, Central and South America, as well as Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Reyes Holdings subdivisions include Reyes Beverage Group, the largest beer distributor in the United States, Martin Brower, McDonald’s largest global distributor and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, a Midwest and West Coast bottler and distributor. The company is based in Rosemont, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Reyes Beverage Group is the largest beer distribution organization in the United States representing import, craft and domestic beer brands.
The Martin-Brower Company, LLC (Martin Brower) is a logistics service provider delivering over 730 million cases of food and service products to over 25,000 restaurants from 77 facilities. The company serves as the largest supplier worldwide of distribution services to the McDonald’s restaurant system. Martin-Brower has distribution operations in 18 countries, including the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Kuwait, New Zealand, Panama, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Martin Brower also distributes to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread and other restaurants in select US markets.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reyes_Holdings
Ahh, lemme tell ya somethin’, friend… life ain’t always been kind, but one thing’s kept me warm through the fog and the freeway hum: Thunderbird, Night Train Express, Boone’s Farm, Wild Irish Rose, and ol’ dangerous Cisco. Ain’t much, but to me, they’re the five sacred elixirs—kept me company when nothin’ else would.
So when I heard one o’ them big distributors up and packed outta California, my heart nearly dropped. But bless the stars above and the corner store on Valley and Fifth—they’re still on the shelf. Like old friends in a paper bag, waitin’ on a rusty bench for a story and a sip.
Don’t matter if the label’s half peeled or the cap’s sticky. Long as I can still grab a Strawberry Hill or ride the Night Train, this drifter’s got a reason to hum a tune now and again.
California is basically little China.
Run by idiots that think they own the place ,LOL
WIKI
Republic National Distributing Company, LLC (RNDC) is the second largest beverage alcohol distributor of premium wine and spirits in the U.S. with wholly owned operations in Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. RNDC operates in Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina through venture partnerships.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_National_Distributing_Company
Up vote ^^
Big names are leaving REPUBLIC NATIONAL for REYES.
Yeah, no virtue signaling here...
“Strawberry Hill “
I’m trying to keep from puking from the memories.
Sounds more like they’re losing brands, rather than California regulation/practices.
I asked, big party?
They laughed and one said they were from Napa, CA and found it cheaper to buy Napa wine in NH and ship it home than to buy it a mile from their house.
The Daily Male tries to plant the narrative that Republic didn't go to California and "Get To Know" CALIFORNIA suppliers and consumers by rubbing shoulders with Homos, Trannys, Pederasts and Commies and paying 'em off for ease of distribution.
Aside: Republic is the opposite of Mob Rule, California IS Mob Rule.
This could be a blow to the legislators who may have to figure out where their free booze will come from.
I don’t think I’ve had Strawberry Hill since high school, over 50 years ago. And I’m not about to drink any now, nostalgia be damned.
They're losing brands because of California regulation/practices and California kneeling to Woke.
I wish tons more companies would do this. Just shut Ca off and tighten their belts.
Ain’t Communism wonderful.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.