Transparency is core to our business at LibDib, and there are important industry developments we want to address. As many of you know, our partner RNDC has been evolving over the last several months. We now have more clarity around those developments and wanted to share an update with our Makers, partners, and others in the industry.
First and foremost, the core LibDib distribution model remains fully intact in our active markets — including strong operational execution, inventory fulfillment programs, portfolio management support, chain authorizations, accessible market entry, and technology-enabled ordering and supplier tools.
Our model is available for any and all Makers needing a low-friction option. Specifically, LibDib continues to operate as a licensed distributor in these markets.
In addition, the On Demand model will continue in one specific market:
On Demand will be available as we work with new distributors in other markets. We look forward to adding new distributor partners as the program evolves.
We currently operate in two Control States and remain committed to those markets. Looking ahead, we see significant opportunity in the Control State model and plan to expand into additional Control States over the next 12 months.
Our news today is that the On Demand program in former RNDC markets will not continue operating under the same structure moving forward. Over the last five years, we built On Demand into a meaningful and profitable business designed to help suppliers and wholesalers operate with greater flexibility, lower inventory risk, and a more scalable approach to emerging brands. As RNDC’s market footprint changes through pending ownership transitions, the scale and economics that supported the existing On Demand network across those markets changes materially. As a result, the current structure of the program is no longer sustainable in specific markets.
While this chapter ends within the RNDC network, we believe strongly in the underlying concept and the value it brings to the industry.
These changes have also resulted in operational and staffing adjustments within LibDib. While this is a difficult moment, it is also reflective of broader shifts happening throughout the beverage alcohol industry.
Makers operating in active LibDib markets should feel confident in the stability of our core business. Our warehouse and operational partners in those states are built independently of the large multi-state wholesaler transitions currently happening across the industry. Our focus remains on reliable operations, supplier support, and continued service for both buyers and Makers.
For Suppliers currently participating in former RNDC On Demand markets, we encourage you to connect directly with the incoming “host” wholesaler regarding next steps and your status within those markets.
And as for the future of On Demand itself, there is a meaningful opportunity for incubation-style distribution models that create value for both suppliers and host wholesalers.
We recently launched the On Demand model with Best Brands in Tennessee and remain open to partnerships with wholesalers looking for flexible and profitable approaches to supporting emerging brands. Please reach out if there is any interest.
The industry is changing quickly. LibDib will continue evolving alongside it and we look forward to continued growth with our Makers.
*These are markets in which the On Demand program operated alongside LibDib’s direct distribution licenses. If you are a Maker interested in distribution support in any of these markets now or in the future, please contact makers@libdib.com for additional information and available options.