StateWays | www.stateways.com | July/August 2016
17
that as a threat," said EVP of Business
Intelligence and Business Development
at Sidney Frank, Steve Bellini. "As we
continue to share information about
the three-tier system, understanding
will become more prevalent."
He also stressed the need to continu-
ally build support from consumers, poli-
ticians and regulators and not lose sight
of past mistakes.
"As an industry we weren't fi ned; we
were put out of business during Prohibi-
tion," Bellini said. "You don't forget some-
thing like that."
Edrington President & CEO Paul
Ross extolled the benefi ts of the three-
tier system, compared to those found
in Europe.
"There's a higher level of innovation
in the U.S. because of access to the mar-
ketplace," he said. "The consumer has
more choice and that's led to a develop-
ment of new products and an emphasis
on premiumization."
In terms of the craft distilling indus-
try, Ross doesn't see it as a threat to
larger companies.
"We give advice to small distillers for
free," he said. "A rising tide lifts all boats
– as long as they follow all the same rules
and regulations that the rest of the in-
dustry does. It's important to help those
smaller manufacturers." •
Hundreds of control state officials and indus-
try members gathered for the 79th annual
NABCA Conference. Steve Larson (above,
standing) served as host for the event. At its
conclusion, he passed the chairmanship to
Stephanie O'Brien (above, seated on right).
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