# A Supplier's Guide to Middle-Tier Consolidation Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/brewbound-podcast-72443/a-supplier-s-guide-to-middle-tier-consolidation Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/brewbound-podcast-72443/a-supplier-s-guide-to-middle-tier-consolidation.md Podcast: [Brewbound Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/brewbound-podcast-72443) Published: 2026-02-18T21:27:45+00:00 Episode link: https://brewbound.libsyn.com/a-suppliers-guide-to-middle-tier-consolidation Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/brewbound/2026-02-18-Brewbound-265-Final-ver1.mp3?dest-id=794733 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/brewbound-podcast-72443/episodes/a-supplier-s-guide-to-middle-tier-consolidation Duration seconds: 3119 ## Resource As the distribution tier continues to shrink, what must brewers and bev-alc brands do to protect their routes to market? ArentFox Schiff partner Nichole Shustack and senior associate Isabelle Cunningham joined the Brewbound Podcast to discuss how suppliers can navigate the turbulence that comes with wholesaler consolidation. Shustack and Cunningham also share updates on the uncertain future of the intoxicating hemp industry, which is slated for prohibition in November 2026. Before the interview, Justin and Zoe discuss a bevy of beer news, including the formation of the Oregon Beverage Alliance, year-end shipments data from the Beer Institute, BrewDog's looming liquidation, Constellation Brands' incoming CEO and global layoffs at Heineken. Editor's Note: While the guests featured in this conversation are attorneys, the discussion does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your own legal counsel as needed. ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/brewbound-podcast-72443/episodes/a-supplier-s-guide-to-middle-tier-consolidation/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/brewbound-podcast-72443/a-supplier-s-guide-to-middle-tier-consolidation.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.