Just Drinks reported on August 21 that Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits purchased New York’s distribution arm of Anheuser-Busch for an undisclosed sum. According to The Drinks Business, the beverage division is located in the markets of Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx.
“We could not be more excited to expand our business with Anheuser-Busch, the leading brewer and malt beverage supplier in the industry and an emerging leader in spirits and energy drinks, by acquiring their owned New York City distribution operation,” said President and CEO of Southern Glazer’s Wayne Chaplin in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming all current employees at this location to the Southern Glazer’s team and working together to grow these iconic brands.”
The outlet reported that the company is going to create a New York beverage division with former Equity Agreement Manager at Ohio Eagle Distributing, Devyn Dugger, as Senior Vice President. Dugger worked with Anheuser-Busch for twenty years, according to the outlet.
What We Know About Southern Glazer’s
Southern Glazer’s is the largest alcohol distributor in the United States, according to The New York Times; yet, sometimes being top dog can come with a price. The distribution giant has experienced no shortage of controversy over the past few years.
Provi, an alcohol startup, filed a lawsuit against the distributor, alleging that Southern Glazer’s, alongside another beverage giant, RNDC, was stifling competition within the alcohol industry. The lawsuit alleged that both companies encouraged boycotts of Provi’s platform to siphon business over to their own digital ordering platforms.
The outlet reported that the lawsuit moved into discovery after a judge denied motions to dismiss. Digital Commerce reported that the suit settled in April, though the terms of the settlement remained under wraps.
Southern Glazer’s faces another — arguably more significant — lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The organization alleges that the distributor violated the Robinson-Patman Act, by offering discounted prices to big box retailers like Total Wine & More.
Established in 1936, The Robinson-Patman Act aimed to level the playing field between smaller businesses and big box retailers. The company filed a motion to dismiss, and a judge appeared to deny it in April 2025, after the lawsuit was initially filed in December 2024.
“When local businesses get squeezed because unfair pricing practices that favor large chains, Americans see fewer choices and pay higher prices — and communities suffer,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The law says that businesses of all sizes should be able to compete on a level playing field. Enforcers have ignored this mandate from Congress for decades, but the FTC’s action today will help protect fair competition, lower prices, and restore the rule of the law.”
Aside from some of the legal battles the company has faced, Southern Glazers’ made some pretty notable acquisitions this year, besides Anheuser-Busch. In July, the brand acquired the Edrington portfolio in Southern California. The acquisition would give it access to The Macallan and Wyoming Whiskey.
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