Brown-Forman has made additional changes to its distribution network in 11 control states in the US.
After reviewing its distributor agreements across 18 state-managed markets, the Jack Daniel’s brand owner has appointed four distributor groups to represent its portfolio the 11 states.
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The change marks the end of Brown-Forman’s relationship with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) in these markets, the group said.
Under the new set-up, Johnson Brothers will take on distribution for Brown-Forman in Idaho, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has been selected for Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Superior Beverage Group will cover Ohio, while Great Lakes Wine & Spirits will handle Michigan.
The changes will take effect from 1 June.
The remaining seven control states will continue to be served by their existing distributor partners, the company said in a statement.
Robinson Brown IV, the Brown‑Forman USA & Canada senior vice president and managing director, said: “Control states require a unique combination of regulatory expertise and strong commercial execution.
“With these new partners, we’re better equipped to expand our footprint and ensure our brands are in the right place at the right time to win with the consumer.”
“Brown‑Forman would like to recognise and thank outgoing distributor RNDC for their years of partnership and collaboration in these markets,” the company added in its statement.
Earlier this week, RNDC signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with Columbia Distributing to dispose “certain wine and spirits distribution rights in Oregon and Washington”. The company has been assessing possible deals to offload its distribution rights and operations across several US markets as part of “its ongoing assessment of its business and market alignment”.
Brown-Forman made some shake-ups its US distribution network last year. In May 2025, the company named new distributors for 13 local markets. The move made Breakthru Beverage Group its largest national distributor partner, covering 14 markets across the US and Canada.
Brown‑Forman’ portfolio includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, New Mix, el Jimador, Herradura, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Chambord, and Slane.
This week, the group ended talks for a potential business combination with French group Pernod Ricard after they failed to “reach mutually acceptable terms”.
