Proposed legislation threatens the industry's distribution system and profit margins
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 06, 2013
The Wine and Spirits Wholesaling industry is a key part of the supply chain for wine and spirits that is protected by the federal three-tier distribution system for alcohol. The three-tier system requires that producers sell alcoholic beverages to distributors, who can then sell them to retailers; only retailers may sell directly to consumers. This structure has prevented wholesale bypass, a practice by which retailers integrate their supply chains and operate their own warehousing, stock management, transportation and relationships with producers. Retailers account for 91.0% of industry sales, however, and wholesalers must have good relations with downstream retail industries.
According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Vanessa Giraldo, “The recession caused many consumers to lower spending by substituting premium alcohol for value-priced products.” This shift in consumption triggered high-volume sales of lower-margin goods, resulting in declining profit for the Wine and Spirits Wholesaling industry.
“Although sales of wine and spirits at the retail level held up during the recession, wholesalers were less fortunate because many retailers liquidated,” says Giraldo. Consequently, wholesaling revenue grew a modest 1.7% per year on average during the five years to 2013. However, revenue is expected to rebound 2.3% to $76.7 billion in 2013 as consumers spend more and opt for higher-priced products.
Revenue for the Wine and Spirits Wholesaling industry is forecast to increase gradually during the five years to 2018. Players will continue to merge in response to producer and retailer consolidation, with the number of companies projected to contract. As producers and retailers grow in size, product prices will face further downward pressure, causing profit to fall.
The three-tier distribution system that protects profit for wine and spirits wholesalers is increasingly scrutinized. Congressional hearings on the subject of direct-to-consumer and online sales of alcohol indicate the long-standing structure may be subject to change in the coming years. Online alcohol sales are already a growing source of external competition. In response, industry companies are adding services like tasting seminars and promotional events to their business models to retain their positions in the supply chain, but this trend foreshadows future shifts in company structures and the industry as a whole.
The Wineries in the US industry has a medium level of industry concentration. Over the past five years, industry concentration has been on the rise, primarily as a result of larger corporations acquiring independent wineries and vineyards. This trend is expected to continue moving forward as the economic climate continues to improve allowing established companies to invest in more acquisitions to expand their portfolios.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Convenience Stores in the US industry report page.
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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics
The Wine and Spirits Wholesaling industry primarily buys and resells wine, distilled alcoholic beverages and ethyl alcohol used in blended wines and distilled liquors.
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
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