Digital Planet

May 20, 2026 · Industry Insights

Who Feels the Pain More in the Massive Beverage Distribution Shake‑up? Declining Distributor Revenues vs Rising Direct Sales

2025 financial reports reveal a sharp drop in distributor revenue and a surge in direct‑sales income for major beverage brands, driven by digital‑enabled channel reforms, new retail formats, and mixed outcomes that highlight both efficiency gains and significant risks for manufacturers and distributors alike.