Good Morning and Happy Wednesday, March 5, 2026.

Trump's Tariffs Cut U.S. Wine Sales to Canada 78% . . .

"Liberation Day," the day President Trump began imposing tariffs of various sizes on our best trading partners and allies, was April 1, 2025. But lest you forget, he was stirring the pot, imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian exports. Canada responded. Canadian provinces began removing U.S. wines from retail shelves.

. . . And U.S. Spirits Exports to Canada by 70%

One year after Canada removed U.S. spirits products from shelves in response to President Trump's tariffs, new data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) shows American spirits exports have plunged 70% (March-December.).  "The damage to American distillers is unmistakable,” said Chris Swonger

Barboursville Winery Sold

The Virginia winery will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The buyer was a private equity group. Terms weren't disclosed. 

Services Sector Heating Up

Economic activity in the services sector continued to expand in February, the nation’s purchasing and supply executives say

Urine Tests Confirm Alcohol Consumption in Wild African Chimps

The fruits chimps eat in an African rain forest contain enough alcohol from fermentation to provide around 14 grams per day — the equivalent of two standard drinks.

Far North Spirits Grand Winner of DISCUS Competition

Far North Spirits was named the grand winner of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States’ (DISCUS) Innovation Showcase 

Gallo Picks Horizon Media as Agency of Record

Gallo named Horizon Media its agency of record for audience development, media planning, buying, and measurement across its portfolio. 

How Trump's Iran War Will Hurt Bev/Al

I misspoke a couple of days ago when I said President Trump's attack on Iran would have little if any impact on the bev/al industry. I was thinking about shipping lanes

Yuengling Light Lager Expands Field & Stream Partnership

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery, announced today the return of its popular Yuengling Light Lager × Field & Stream limited-edition cans and packs