The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) recently submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030. In the letter, ACSA commended the FTC’s commitment to fostering fair competition and urged the agency to commission a comprehensive study of the beverage alcohol marketplace—specifically examining how current state regulations and direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping restrictions affect small distilleries. ACSA emphasized that such research, similar to the FTC’s 2003 study on wine e-commerce, could help inform modern policy, expand consumer access, and promote a more competitive and equitable marketplace for craft spirits producers.
