TTB Shoots Warning Shot Across Kroger / Southern’s Bow

Dear Client:As first reported by BBD, Kroger had a deal with Southern Wine and Spirits to provide category management and shelf set services, with Southern creating an entire dedicated team, and charging suppliers and distributors (on a "voluntary" basis) to help mitigate the costs. Naturally, the industry almost unanimously objected in lock-step, though they still attended a series of town hall meetings held by Kroger to explain the scheme. As most folks thought it to be illegal as a back-door