Brown‑Forman announced on April 29, 2026 that it will complete a significant realignment of its U.S. control‑state distribution network, with the changes taking effect on June 1, 2026. Four new distributor organizations will represent the portfolio in 11 control‑state markets, while the remaining seven states will continue with their existing distributors.
This marks the most substantial change to Brown‑Forman’s U.S. distribution landscape in more than six decades, following a comprehensive review of distributor agreements across 18 state‑managed markets. The new partners bring capabilities, scale, and operational excellence needed to drive next‑generation growth, and the company thanked Republic National Distributing Company for its partnership in those markets.
Brown‑Forman’s recent financial performance shows a net sales decline of 5% to $4.0 billion in fiscal 2025, and diluted earnings per share fell 14% to $1.84. For the nine months ended January 31 2026, net sales were $3.0 billion, down 2%, and diluted EPS was $1.41. Segment performance varied: whiskey products grew 2% (+1% organic), tequila decreased 6% (-7% organic), and ready‑to‑drink increased 8% (+6% organic). The distribution realignment is part of a broader strategy to improve execution in control states, where regulatory expertise and commercial execution are critical.
"In 2025, Brown‑Forman embarked on the most significant transformation of its U.S. distribution network in more than six decades. With the control states phase now complete, we are aligned with distributors who bring the capabilities, scale, and operational excellence required to drive our next generation of growth." "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."
The realignment consolidates Brown‑Forman’s control‑state presence under partners better positioned to navigate complex regulatory environments and deliver efficient commercial execution. By aligning with distributors that can scale and provide operational excellence, the company aims to strengthen market presence, improve execution, and support growth in key segments such as whiskey and RTD, while addressing headwinds in the tequila portfolio. The move completes a multi‑year effort that began with a 2025 open‑state distribution overhaul, positioning Brown‑Forman to better serve consumers across the U.S.
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