Frederick Wildman & Sons Expands Wine Distribution with Southern Glazer's

Frederick Wildman & Sons has signed a multi‑year distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGW) that takes effect on May 1, 2026. The deal gives SGW national control over Wildman’s core offerings—including Cantine Riunite, GIV and other imported labels—in 47 U.S. markets plus Canada.

The U.S. wine market was worth roughly $84.5 billion in 2024. Off‑premise sales accounted for about 68 % of that figure—nearly $57 billion moving through wholesalers such as SGW, per IBISWorld and Nielsen Retail Measurement. Import growth lagged only slightly, with imported wine growing a modest 0.8 % year over year in 2025, according to Nielsen.

Wildman ships over 2 million cases annually, but its national coverage has been limited, concentrating volume in a handful of accounts. The new partnership positions Wildman to reach the larger swaths of off‑premise demand. SGW’s reach across 47 states and Canada already supplies more than one‑fifth of U.S. wine volume, with California, Illinois and Pennsylvania together accounting for over 22 % of national sales per Beverage Information Group data.

This partnership aims to broaden sell‑through and stabilize depletions. Distributors gain high‑volume legacy brands to fill gaps in their lineups; retailers and bars can showcase a well‑known Italian label with strong consumer appeal while benefiting from SGW’s market data. Wildman has ceded control of its own distribution network to SGW, who already owns the logistics and sales force that will move the portfolio.

Retailers can leverage Wildman’s “authentic Italian terroir” narrative as a selling point on shelves and menus, recognizing that volume gains remain incremental amid the flat 0.8 % YoY growth in imported wine. Bar operators can emphasize Wildman’s heritage and craftsmanship to differentiate their offerings, ensuring consistent supply through SGW’s established network.