**Jack Daniel’s Maker Criticizes Canada for Pulling U.S. Alcohol from Shelves**
In a recent earnings call, Lawson Whiting, the CEO of Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniel’s, expressed frustration over the decision by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to remove American-made alcohol products from store shelves. Whiting described this action as “worse than a tariff,” stating that it directly impacts sales and effectively takes products off the market.
The LCBO, which operates under regulations to protect consumers from excessive alcohol prices, has been pulling U.S.-made spirits, including Jack Daniel’s, in response to concerns over trade disputes. This decision has not only affected Brown-Forman but also other American whiskey producers.
Whiting emphasized that such measures disrupt the market and create uncertainty for businesses operating across national borders. He compared the impact to tariffs imposed by trade wars, noting that both policies lead to loss of sales and reduced product availability.
The move by the LCBO follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war, which included tariffs on Canadian products, including alcohol. This has led to reciprocal actions, further complicating international trade relations.
Brown-Forman has seen significant revenue losses due to this policy, with Whiting calling it a “negative precedent” that could have long-term consequences for the industry. The CEO also highlighted the need for dialogue and collaboration between trading partners to resolve such issues.
In conclusion, the decision by the LCBO to pull U.S.-made alcohol from shelves has drawn sharp criticism from Brown-Forman, with Lawson Whiting urging a reconsideration of trade policies that harm businesses on both sides of the border. This situation underscores the complexities of international trade and its impact on industries like distilled spirits.
