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# DISCUS Urges Texas Senate to Require Private-Label Disclosure by Retailers
- URL: https://bevnews.net/discus-urges-texas-senate-to-require-private-label-disclosure-by-retailers/
- Published: 2026-09-16T06:35:07.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-16T06:35:07.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: Private Label

If there was any doubt that the downturn in alcohol beverage consumption is hurting major distillers, that was ended Tuesday afternoon when the **Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.**  distributed a press calling for the Texas legislature to ensure there are "clear rules to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions while ensuring independent brands have a fair opportunity to compete in the marketplace."

The target of this release is private-label spirits such as **Kirkland**, sold by Costco, or **Spirits Direct**, sold by Total Wine.

"Texas consumers deserve to know when a retailer has a financial stake in the products being sold or recommended to them," said **Corey Staniscia**, DISCUS vp-state government relations. "Transparency helps consumers make informed decisions and gives them confidence that they have all the information they need when choosing a product."

The press release goes on to note that "private-label and control-label spirits are generally products manufactured for or produced exclusively for a retailer, giving that retailer an economic interest in the brand’s success."

"Many consumers have no idea that the store recommending a product may also benefit financially if the consumer chooses that brand," said Staniscia. "Private-label products should succeed because consumers choose them, not because they receive preferential treatment in the marketplace."

In testimony before the committee, DISCUS encouraged lawmakers to consider a framework that promotes transparency through clear disclosure of retailer ownership or financial interests in a spirits brand, safeguards against deceptive look-alike products and protections against sales practices that unfairly steer consumers toward retailer-affiliated brands without their knowledge.