Fueling the Last Mile: How Rising Energy Costs Are Hitting Beverage Distributors

WSWA hosted a live panel discussion with the United States Energy Association (USEA) and wholesaler leaders. Rising energy costs are no longer just a fleet issue, they're affecting every part of beverage distribution, from warehouse operations to delivery costs and long-term capital planning.

Recorded on July 1, 2026.

PANELISTS

Alex Bergson

Executive Vice President

Manhattan Beer and Beverage Distributors

Dana Brody

Vice President Operations & Technology

M.S. Walker

Francis Creighton

President & CEO

WSWA

Hon. Mark W. Menezes

President & CEO

USEA

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Energy costs are becoming a long-term operational challenge—not a short-term spike.
Beverage distributors face unique challenges because they can't simply pass higher costs to customers.
Operational efficiency offers the biggest near-term opportunity to reduce costs.
Fleet electrification isn't a practical one-size-fits-all solution today.
Energy policy is increasingly a beverage alcohol issue.

CONTACTS:

Media Inquiries: Christy Moran at christy.moran@wswa.org.
Interested in becoming a WSWA member? Contact Catherine McDaniel at catherine@wswa.org.