DISCUS’ grassroots platform continues to gain momentum with more than 60,000 advocates affecting positive change for the spirits industry

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced the Associated Cooperage Industries of America (ACIA) is joining Spirits United as a partner, expanding the platform’s reach and influence on issues important to the spirits and affiliated industries.

“Barrels, staves and headings produced by our great cooperage industry partners are an essential component of many great spirits brands, and our partnership with ACIA will further unite and help protect this critical part of our industry,” said Chris Swonger, president & CEO of DISCUS and Responsibility.org. “Together, we will use the Spirits United platform to ensure lawmakers hear our collective voices on legislative issues that matter most to barrel makers and the thousands of distillers who rely on them to make their signature brands. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to positive change for the entire spirits industry.”

“We are thrilled to officially be part of Spirits United,” said Melissa Zoeller, Executive Director of ACIA. “This is just another step towards building strong relationships with like-minded organizations that will help protect our cooperages and those allied to barrel makers, insuring a better, more sustainable industry for many years to come.”

Spirits United and its partner members continue to underscore a strong commitment to responsibility. Through Spirits United’s social media content and information on its site, spirits advocates will be encouraged to join industry efforts to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving, and to promote the responsible consumption of beverage alcohol.

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The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.

Associated Cooperage Industries of America: The Associated Cooperate Industries of America (ACIA) was formed on January 29, 1934, in the state of Delaware, New Castle County. The ACIA was created with the purpose of serving as a resource for the wooden barrel industry or related services, and to promote and support the common interests of its members. ACIA membership is made up of cooperage firms, producers of stave and heading, several distillers and vintners and other firms whose business interests are allied to the wooden barrel.

Spirits United: Spirits United features important information on key issues facing the spirits industry, hospitality professionals and consumers, while providing advocates with an easy-to-use online platform to weigh in on issues that matter to them. Other Spirits United is a growing platform with more than 20 partners. Spirits United is an inclusive community for anyone and everyone over the age of 21.