Statement on Tariffs from Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO, ACSA On behalf of our community of more than 3,000 independent craft distilleries, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) remains deeply concerned about the ongoing and expanding number of trade disputes, now with the EU, U.K., Canada, and Mexico. Our spirits have no...
Press Releases
ACSA Announces 2025 Craft Spirits Competition & Packaging Award Medalists
Recipients Honored During Annual Distiller’s Convention in Tucson Tucson, AZ (March 12, 2025) – Today, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), the nation’s only national registered nonprofit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry, announced the medalists in its 11th Annual American Craft Spirits Competition and Fifth Annual Craft...
Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition Statement on U.S. Tariffs Imposed on Canada and Mexico
The Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition—which includes 52 organizations representing the entire three-tier chain of the U.S. alcohol industry, including the American Craft Spirits Association—has released the following statement on tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico: We urge President Trump to lift the tariffs on Mexican and Canadian distilled spirits and wine...
Statement on Tariffs from Margie A.S Lehrman, CEO, ACSA
On behalf of our community of more than 3,000 independent craft distilleries, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) is deeply concerned about the impending threat of tariffs on important trade partners, including Canada and Mexico. This is yet another blow to our small business manufacturers who are already operating...
STEPUP Foundation Kicks Off Fourth Round of Immersive Internship Program
Washington, DC (January 22, 2025) – The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and The Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals (STEPUP Foundation) are proud to announce their 2025 class, which kicks off this month and welcomes industry veteran Sydney Jones as a mentor and Corsair Artisan Distillery as...
ACSA Appoints Emily Pennington as Chief Operating Officer to Implement Strategic Growth Initiatives
Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2025) —In its ongoing effort to evolve and expand its service to the craft spirits community, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Pennington as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In this newly created position, Pennington will work...
ACSA Statement on FTC Suit Against Southern Glazer’s for Illegal Price Discrimination
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 12, 2024 — The following is a statement from Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association, on the suit that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed against Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits related to illegal price discrimination: “The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) welcomes FTC’s efforts...
Report: Eighty-Five Percent of Consumers Demand DtC Purchasing Access to Craft Spirits
Annual Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report from Sovos and ACSA underscores an immediate need to expand shipping laws to meet demand and boost spirit sales ATLANTA, OCTOBER 23, 2024 – A new report released today by global tax compliance technology leader Sovos and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) highlights...
ACSA Applauds Passage of NY DtC Law
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) joins the New York Distillers Guild in applauding Governor Hochul for signing Senate bill 2852-A which makes New York the latest state to allow certain distilled spirits manufacturers to ship their products via direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping. S.2852A/A.3132A makes New York the 9th state...
ACSA Responds: U.S. Craft Distilleries are in Crisis
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) applauds Jake Emen’s Food & Wine article, “U.S. Craft Distilleries Are in Crisis,” which candidly depicts the harsh realities of the state of craft distilling in 2024 and the economic and legislative headwinds these independent small businesses face. ACSA and Jake Emen are...
ACSA Announces Newly Elected 2024 Board of Directors
Kelly Woodcock, Amber Pollock, and Jeff Kanof Elected President, Vice President, & Secretary/Treasurer, Board of Directors, Along with New Board Appointments WASHINGTON, DC (April 17, 2024) – The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) today announces the election of Kelly Woodcock of Westward Whiskey (OR) as the President of the...
ACSA Announces 2024 Craft Spirits Tasting & Packaging Awards Medalists
RECIPIENTS HONORED DURING ANNUAL DISTILLERS’ CONVENTION IN DENVER Denver, CO (February 27, 2024) – Today, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), the nation’s only national registered non-profit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry, announced the winners of its 10th Annual Judging of American Craft Spirits and 4th...
Craft Spirits Producers Sold More than 14 Million Cases in 2023 Economic Study, with $7.9 Billion in Sales
Despite Economic Headwinds, Distillery Growth, Export Growth, and Volume Growth Hold Steady Washington, DC (January 17, 2024) – The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Park Street today presented highlights from the 2023 Craft Spirits Data Project (CSDP) at its Annual Craft Spirits Economic Briefing. Margie A.S. Lehrman...
ACSA, Sovos Respond to Criticism of DtC Report
Global tax compliance technology leader Sovos and the American Craft Spirits Association are standing strong by their recently published 2023 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report after criticism from The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). The report underscores a continued increase in the percentage of regular craft spirits drinkers...
Craft Spirits Producers Return to Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—With an eye toward equitable shipping practices, agritourism, an efficient regulatory structure and sustainable forestry and oak-sourcing practices, 40 of the country’s craft spirits producers and industry partners ascended Capitol Hill Wednesday to engage legislators on key federal priorities during the American Craft Spirits Association’s (ACSA) Legislative Fly-In. ...
