Southern goes to NY

[Kcwhippet]

This raises a question in light of the rash of mergers, acquisitions and takovers going on in the wine industry as a whole. Constellation's purchase of Mondavi effectively makes them the 800 pound gorilla in the industry, which can give them a huge impact on wholesale and retail movement of their products versus their competitors. Similarly, Southern has also become a huge player. I'm sure all their direction comes from the top despite what may be some weak regulations at the local level. So, that also makes them able to direct placement and loading at the retail level. All that said, does anyone know if there are any regulations with real teeth (federally or locally) that can keep these huge entities from exerting monopolistic pressure that would benefit them at the expense of their competitors (those that are left standing)? I can also see them being able to apply pressure in the right places (for them) to steer the outcome of such things as the direct shipping issue.