As the possibility of Russian wine producers entering the US market is being evaluated, an expert from the American wine sector warned that understanding the complex distribution and marketing system is necessary for success.
Christian Miller, research director of the industry body Wine Market Council, said in a statement to RIA Novosti, "The alcohol distribution structure in the US is complex, both in legal terms and in terms of marketing strategy and tactics. Those who want to be successful must spend time learning how the system works and money on promotion and distribution programs."
Miller noted that for those seeking insight into the structure of the American alcohol market, specialized courses at various educational institutions, including the University of California, Davis, Cornell University, and the universities of Oregon and Washington, could be helpful.
The assessment followed a statement made in June by Boris Titov, the Russian president's special representative. Titov said that with US President Donald Trump's trade policy and the declining presence of European wines in the US market, Russian wines could find a place on the shelves of American stores.
Trump had previously stated that European alcohol producers could face new US customs tariffs due to trade disputes between Washington and the European Union. The US president threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on wine and champagne from France if Paris did not remove the digital tax on American technology companies.