RNDC’s Dismantling; Plus, Interviews with Eco Beverages and Russian River

Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) continues to unwind, so BevNET spirits editor Ferron Salniker joined the Brewbound Podcast to break down the latest.

RNDC, once the country’s second-largest wine and spirits distributor, has been selling-off markets piecemeal to competitors from coast to coast. Announced deals have included 11 markets to the Reyes Beverage Group, brand rights and some assets to Columbia Distributing, operations in 17 control states to Martignetti. 

(Note: this conversation took place before Breakthru announced it would acquire RNDC operations in Kentucky and Indiana or that it was revealed Quality Beverage would buy RNDC assets in Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.)

RNDC’s current state can be traced to the butterfly effect of a host of suppliers leaving its California operations over the last several years, resulting in the company exiting the state.

“It’s no surprise that if your biggest suppliers leave your biggest state and beyond, then the rest of your business is going to be affected,” Salniker said. “What’s happening now is no surprise, but it feels like it’s happening all of a sudden.”

In addition to her analysis, the episode features conversations with Eco Beverages co-founder Anna Nadasdy and Russian River Brewing co-owner Natalie Cilurzo. Nadasdy discusses her organization’s push to help craft beverage manufacturers navigate Extended Producer Responsibility laws.

Cilurzao recapped her brewery’s recent Pliny the Younger launch and Russian River’s latest push to share its sustainability work.

Justin and Jess also break down recent beer news, including Lord Hobo and Lone Pine’s pivot to contact production and Q1 earnings from Boston Beer and Molson Coors. 

2:38 Walk-on Music discussion

5:41 RNDC discussion with BevNet spirits editor Ferron Salniker

13:52 Boston Beer Q1 earnings, including why Jim Koch stressed Boston Beer matters

20:22 Keystone Ice’s return, Molson Coors Q1 earnings & Atomic Brands' sale price

24:10 Lord Hobo and Lone Pine moving to contract production model

27:04 Interview with Eco Beverages’ Anna Nadasdy

39:25 Interview with Russian River’s Natalie Cilurzo