Wholesalers Spend $50 Million on Political Influence
January 7, 2008 – 8:31 pm
SWRA has released a report that for the first time documents the astounding amounts of money spent by America’s alcohol wholesalers on political campaigns at the state level.
That figure is $50 Million between 2000 and 2006. This is more than all the campaign contributions spent by wineries, retailers, beer producers, restaurants and spirit producers—combined.
These campaign contributions buy access. They buying the kind of access that lead to states like CA, TX and IL to pass laws prohibiting their citizens from purchasing wine from out-of-state retailers.
You can download the 15-page report HERE.
The report itself took 6 months to compile. Using Followthemoney.org, we painstakingly sifted through thousands of reports on campaign contributions. There is a high likelihood that the $50 Million identified is actually an under-reporting.
The first media coverage of the report was issued today by Rich Cartiere’s Wine Market Report. It can be viewed and downloaded HERE.
While it was expected the wholesale lobby would try to dismiss the report and the huge amount of campaign contributions it documents, it was unexpected to hear them explain that it is the wholesalers who are completely responsible for the success of the wine industry in America. From Wine Market Report:
“The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, a decades-old national trade association, dismissed the report as ‘creative arithmetic’ from a nemesis it accused of trying to undermine wholesalers’ success in ‘creating the most vibrant, diverse and consumer-friendly marketplace in the world’ for beverage alcohol.”
Retailers across the country as well as the thousands of wineries will, I’m sure, be surprised to learn that their efforts pale next to those of the wholesales.
We believe this report should find its way into the hands of every single state legislator in America. Please feel free to download it and forward it to your own state representative and your local media. They are sure to find something of local interest inside it.
2 Responses to “Wholesalers Spend $50 Million on Political Influence”
Having read the report and living in Massachusetts, it is clear to me that we are being manipulated by big business. I have wanted to try wines that I learn about and often have to visit the six packies that have a half decent selection to find something close. As an example, we wanted to try a 2006 Pinot Grigio from the North East section of Italy. It took us 2 days, trips to 6 packies and two wine stores to fine what we were looking for.
We also have wine shipped to us from Bartholomew Park Winery through a distributor. The distributor is essentially handed our business and brings no real value to the transaction. The wine essentially gets shipped twice at our cost.
On the other hand, if the wholesalers would create a new business model, they could actually adapt and grow their businesses. It’s sad.
By Steve B on Jan 9, 2008
Of course, shipped wine or alcohol of any kind, should be delivered under the stipulation that the consumer signs for it or it isn’t delivered! My winery requires someone of age sign for the deliveries, they don’t just drop it on the door step and leave. We have to have our wine shipped from California to Nevada and pick it up at our daughter’s house because Arizona won’t let them ship into the state. I for one, am sick of this stuff!
Especially when it’s a matter of money and restriction of freedom to purchase from whom and where we want.
By Sheryl Armstrong on Jan 15, 2008