Brown-Forman's Top Job Opens as RNDC Winds Down

Brown-Forman CEO Lawson Whiting to step down. The Jack Daniel's maker's chief executive plans to depart, in a move the company frames as part of an effort to move past a slowdown in alcohol sales. (The Wall Street Journal, Market Screener) RNDC wind-down disrupts spirits distribution. The near-complete unwinding of national distributor RNDC is rippling through the three-tier system, with suppliers reported to be chasing owed payments and lining up new routes to market. (Brewbound, BevNET) Modelo, Michelob, Busch led July 4 beer gains. Circana's weekly off-premise scans point to brand-level beer gainers over the Fourth of July even as total bev-alc volumes stayed roughly flat. (Brewbound) Bill proposes federal framework for hemp beverages. The Goodness of Hemp Act would establish federal rules for hemp drinks, which backers say could pre-empt restrictions slated to take effect in November. (Brewbound, BevNet) French heat could cut Champagne yields 10%. Prolonged heat and drought could reduce Champagne yields by around 10% and pull harvests earlier, a supply factor for the category, growers say. (The Drinks Business) Also moving today: Champagne Rebounds In The U.S. (Shanken News Daily) Super-premium Tequila faces 5% drop by 2030 (The Spirits Business) Grolsch owner Asahi adds Gulpener to Dutch stable (Just Drinks) South Korea lines up changes to alcohol warning labels (Just Drinks) Cutwater, Surfside Lead Bev-Alc Growth Brands; El Jimador New Mix and Suntory -196 Among RTDs to Watch, per Bump Williams (Brewbound) Viva Wine Group receives takeover bid from shareholder consortium (Just Drinks)