Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) said it was awarded $1,076,152 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Market Access Program (MAP) to promote American spirits in international markets this year.

Through MAP, DISCUS plans to promote American spirits across a range of markets in 2026, including Germany, Poland, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan and Australia.

DISCUS also continues to utilize the $1.25 million in Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) funding awarded in 2025 by USDA for use over a five‑year period. These funds support and augment expanded programming in South America, India and Singapore.

DISCUS’ MAP initiatives aim to strengthen export opportunities for U.S. distillers and elevate the global visibility of American spirits, particularly American Whiskeys, in priority international markets.

Under the USDA‑funded program, products distilled in the United States from at least 51% U.S. agricultural material are eligible to participate.

“Ongoing uncertainty in the global marketplace continues to create headwinds for U.S. spirits exporters,” said DISCUS Manager of Export Promotion Joel Matticks. “Our 2026 export promotions are designed to equip American distillers with the tools, connections and visibility they need to navigate these challenges and expand their footprint in key global markets.”

DISCUS’ nearly two‑decade partnership with USDA through MAP and related programs has played a pivotal role in the growth of the U.S. craft distilling sector by helping small and mid‑sized distilleries enter and compete in international markets, DISCUS said.

For example, since 2024, the DISCUS export program has directly resulted in U.S. craft distillers securing at least $18.5 million in new U.S. spirits exports.

In just the past three years, the DISCUS program has supported over 45 U.S. distilleries through its programs. Overall, since DISCUS began participating in the program in 2006, total U.S. spirits exports have grown by nearly 189%, rising from $831 million in 2006 to $2.4 billion in 2024.

 Through its USDA‑supported export program, DISCUS promotes the U.S. spirits sector by educating hospitality professionals, adult consumers and media in key international markets on the taste, heritage and diversity of American distilled spirits.

The program highlights the full range of American spirits, with a particular emphasis on the distinctive qualities of American Whiskeys—including Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, American Rye Whiskey and American Single Malt—which represent the majority of U.S. spirits exports worldwide.