Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, Inc. (WSWA) is the

industry trade group A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association, sector association or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. An industry trade association partici ...

representing

wine Wine is an alcoholic drink typically made from fermented grapes. Yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol and carbon dioxide, releasing heat in the process. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts are m ...

and

spirits Spirit or spirits may refer to: Liquor and other volatile liquids * Spirits, a.k.a. liquor, distilled alcoholic drinks * Spirit or tincture, an extract of plant or animal material dissolved in ethanol * Volatile (especially flammable) liquids, ...

wholesaler Wholesaling or distributing is the sale of goods or merchandise to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional or other professional business users; or to other wholesalers (wholesale businesses) and related subordinated services. In g ...

s in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

. WSWA is

headquartered Headquarters (commonly referred to as HQ) denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are coordinated. In the United States, the corporate headquarters represents the entity at the center or the top ...

Washington, D.C. ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...

It was founded in and has 360 member companies in all 50 states and the

District of Columbia ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...

. It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and/or brokers of wine and/or spirits. Headquartered in

, WSWA provides its members with representation before

Congress A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different countries, constituent states, organizations, trade unions, political parties, or other groups. The term originated in Late Middle English to denote an encounter (meeting of a ...

, executive agencies, regulatory bodies, courts, state-based wine and spirits associations and other alcohol beverage industry organizations. In addition, WSWA offers a wide range of services in the areas of public affairs, social responsibility issues and business networking opportunities. The group claims its members distribute over 70 percent of all wines and spirits sold at wholesale in the

. The group has

501(c)(6) A 501(c) organization is a nonprofit organization in the federal law of the United States according to Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)) and is one of over 29 types of nonprofit organizations exempt from some federal income taxes. S ...

nonprofit trade association status.

WSWA Membership

For wine and spirits wholesalers, membership in WSWA supports wholesaler advocacy through federal and state affairs lobbying, provides socially responsible wine and spirits public affairs initiatives, access to industry research, studies, and surveys while providing direct business and networking opportunities at the wine and spirits industry's premier trade show, the WSWA Annual Convention and Exposition. WSWA further develops industry-specific management development through their annual CLD Leadership Skills conference. WSWA Associate Membership provides suppliers, wineries, brokers, importers, and other companies providing products and services to the wine and spirits industry with numerous ways to participate and foster relationships with wine and spirits wholesalers and other industry organizations. This is provided through industry recognition, marketing and promotional opportunities, participation in the WSWA Annual Convention and Exposition, networking events, and sponsorship options, among other direct benefits.

References

External links

Official website
Alcohol industry trade associations Trade associations based in the United States Organizations based in Washington, D.C. 1943 establishments in the United States {{wine-stub