Brown‑Forman announced it will assume full responsibility for its flavored malt beverage portfolio, ending its partnership with Pabst Brewing Company. The transition, effective July 7, 2026, brings the Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails, Jack Daniel’s Bolder, Jack Daniel’s Hard Tea, and el Jimador Spiked Bebidas lines under Brown‑Forman’s direct supply, sales, marketing, and distribution control.
The move is part of a broader restructuring that began in January 2025, targeting $70‑$80 million in annualized cost savings and a 12% reduction in global workforce. By bringing FMB operations in‑house, Brown‑Forman can align its ready‑to‑drink strategy with its premium spirits portfolio, improving margin capture and operational efficiency.
Management said the transition will allow the company to accelerate growth in the ready‑to‑drink category, which has seen strong consumer demand. The consolidation is expected to support the company’s goal of expanding the RTD footprint in the United States and Mexico, where the FMB segment has been a key growth driver.
The decision follows a significant overhaul of the U.S. distribution network in May 2025, which shifted to dedicated national distributors such as Breakthru Beverage Group. Consolidating the FMB business is expected to reduce distribution complexity and enable more focused brand execution.
Robinson Brown IV, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for U.S. and Canada, said, “We have enjoyed working with the talented team at Pabst over the last few years to drive growth and innovation across our FMB portfolio. Moving forward, bringing these brands in‑house allows us to take greater control of our ready‑to‑drink strategy during a period of increased consumer demand.”
The transition is expected to contribute to the company’s cost‑saving targets and support continued investment in RTD innovation, positioning Brown‑Forman to capture a larger share of the rapidly expanding flavored malt beverage market.
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