Industry and Trade Summary: Distilled Spirits.

摘要

The U.S. distilled spirits industry is characterized by a three-tier structure of (1) producers/suppliers, (2) wholesale distributors, and (3) retailers. Each tier must operate independently from the other two tiers as mandated by Federal and State laws. During the last two decades, the number of companies producing distilled spirits, totaling 44 firms in 1997, declined by 31 percent, while the number of distilled spirits plants (60 facilities) fell by 42 percent. Decreased demand, regulation, and legal pressures have forced major consolidation in the domestic and international spirits sector during the 1990's. The industry is highly concentrated, with many of the largest U.S. producers integrated into the global industry that is dominated by a few large worldwide producers/suppliers. This report on distilled spirits covers the period 1995-99.