VinePair Podcast Inside RNDC's Shocking California Collapse
Jun 5, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dave Infante, a VinePair contributing editor specializing in the beer industry, reveals the shocking closure of Republic National Distributing Company's California operations. He dives into how competitive dynamics, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences contribute to RNDC's unraveling. Listeners will learn about the operational challenges following RNDC's merger and the turmoil this creates for employees and smaller suppliers. Infante’s insights shed light on the future of beverage distribution in this rapidly evolving landscape.
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RNDC's Massive California Failure
- RNDC's collapse in California is a major failure in one of the most lucrative alcohol markets.
- The total beverage pivot pressures traditional wholesalers like RNDC significantly.
Failed Merger Hurt RNDC's Growth
- RNDC's failed merger with Breakthrough Beverage in 2019 hindered its California presence.
- The blocked merger prevented RNDC from scaling effectively in the critical California market.
Beer Distributors Challenge RNDC
- Reyes Beverage Group leveraged liberalized laws to take market share from RNDC in California.
- Beer distributors now compete directly with wine and spirits distributors due to regulatory changes.