Brown-Forman shakes up control state distribution
Jack Daniel’s owner Brown-Forman has named four new distributors across 11 US control states, as Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) exits the markets.
Kentucky-headquartered Brown-Forman said the change was made after a “comprehensive review” of its distribution deals across 18 government-controlled states for alcohol.
It follows RNDC’s recent agreement to sell its operations in 17 US control states to Martignetti Companies, alongside its exit from Oregon, Washington and Alaska.
From 1 June, Johnson Brothers will look after Brown-Forman’s portfolio in Idaho, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will take on Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, while Superior Beverage Group will manage Ohio.
Brown-Forman will be supported in Michigan by Great Lakes Wines & Spirits.
The remaining seven control states will continue to be served by Brown-Forman’s existing distributors.
Robinson Brown IV, senior vice-president and managing director, US and Canada, Brown‑Forman, said: “Control states require a unique combination of regulatory expertise and strong commercial execution.
“With these new partners, we’re better equipped to expand our footprint and ensure our brands are in the right place at the right time to win with the consumer.”
After RNDC pulled out of the Californian market last summer, Brown-Forman moved its distribution in the state to Reyes Beverage Group from this month.
Last summer, Brown-Forman made its first major change to its US distribution in more than 60 years with new partnerships in 13 markets.
Michael Masick, executive vice-president and president, Americas, Brown‑Forman, noted: ”With the control states phase now complete, we are aligned with distributors who bring the capabilities, scale, and operational excellence required to drive our next generation of growth.”
The distribution shift was announced in the same week that merger talks between Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman ended after the spirits firms failed to reach mutually agreeable terms.
In other control state news, Scotch, gin and Tequila grew their volumes across 18 US markets in March 2026.
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