‘These times are something the industry hasn’t seen in a very, very long time’ – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States CEO Chris Swonger speaks to Global Drinks Intel

As we approach the end of what's been another tumultuous year for the spirits category in the US, Global Drinks Intel catches up with the CEO of trade association the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus), Chris Swonger, to learn how he surveys the wreckage.After decades of almost uninterrupted growth, 2025 has been a tough year for spirits in the US. What's been the main contributor to the changing tide, and is this only temporary?Everyone in the beverage alcohol industry recognises that we’re all grappling with a variety of headwinds in a constricting market. There is evidence that