Rabobank Report: I-1183 is a Seismic Shift for Spirits Value Chain in Washington State

Far-Reaching Implications for Spirits Industry in Other Control States

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Jun 07, 2012, 04:37 ET

NEW YORK, June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report authored by Rabobank's global Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group, and released to Rabobank clients last week, predicts that newly enacted Initiative 1183, which privatizes the sale and distribution of spirits in Washington State, will significantly impact spirits industry dynamics and consumption habits in Washington. Given the impact that I-1183 is expected to have on pricing and margins, and the privatization processes being considered in other control states, spirits suppliers may need to reevaluate their traditional neutral stance on privatization.

The report, which says I-1183 will bring a "seismic shift in the route to market," identifies new opportunities for the spirits industry value chain in Washington, but also an abundance of challenges related to pricing and margins, as consumer trade down to lower priced products and potentially trade out of the category.

Spirits Prices Predicted to Rise at Least 20%

Under the new system, wholesalers must pay a 10% fee and retailers must pay a 17% fee on all sales. These new fees are in addition to the 20.5% sales tax and the $3.77 per liter Spirits Liter Tax. These new fees, along with existing taxes and wholesaler and retailer margins, are expected to drive spirits prices roughly 20% higher across most channels by Rabobank estimates. The fees applied are necessary to maintain state revenues, but the impact on consumer pricing appears to be coming as a surprise to many voters.

Positive Net Impact for Wholesalers & Retailers

For wholesalers and retailers, I-1183 opens up a series of opportunities to add new products to their offerings. The new fees, coupled with existing taxes and wholesaler and retailer markups, would normally have driven consumer pricing higher – even higher than estimated. However, the entire value chain will be pressured to keep prices as low as possible in order to minimize sticker shock. This will keep margins below optimal levels for all players, though it still represents a net incremental gain for wholesalers and retailers. Retailers in particular will likely see strong gains in their private label brands, as consumers will be seeking relief at the cash register and private label will likely offer attractive pricing.

More Downside than Upside Projected for Most Suppliers

For suppliers, I-1183 will bring some attractive opportunities given the rapid expansion in retail outlets where spirits will be available, but Rabobank projections indicate that the degree of price increases will likely outweigh much of the upside of increased availability: Rabobank projects the price increases will drive consumers to trade down to lower priced brands or potentially trade out of the category. Most suppliers will generally be forced to choose between sacrificing margins or sacrificing volumes.

Lessons for Suppliers Regarding Other Control States

Spirits suppliers have generally remained neutral on the issue of privatization of control states, but the experience of Washington seems to provide insights to how future privatizations are likely to play out. Suppliers may need to re-evaluate their neutral stance, and provide more support to control states to improve their services and help communicate the potential negative aspects of privatization to voters (e.g. price increases) to allow better informed decisions. An improved control system that better meets the needs of consumers may prove to be a better alternative to suppliers and consumers than a privatization process that increases retail prices and pressures supplier margins.

Rabobank is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking for the food and agricultural industry, asset and investment management, leasing, real estate services, and renewable energy project financing. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank today is one of the largest and safest banks in the world, with more than $850 billion in assets and operations in over 40 countries. In North America, Rabobank is a premier financial services provider to the corporate food, beverage, agriculture and agribusiness industries. www.Rabobank.com

SOURCE Rabobank