Actions Taken to Stabilize Operations
Management implemented a broad corrective plan in early 2026 including enhanced inventory controls, headcount reductions, marketing SG&A cuts, postponement of a brand restage, and appointment of a new COO (Damian Warshall) to improve execution and profitability.
Reversal of Product Discontinuations
Company reversed planned eliminations of Reed's and Virgil's heritage glass bottles and Virgil's Zero Sugar cans after consumer and retail partner feedback, preserving product assortment and shelf presence.
Expanded Sales Coverage and Channel Support
Retained a large commission-based national sales agency (more than 80 field reps) to expand retail coverage; expanded retail media and e‑commerce initiatives (Instacart, walmart.com, albertsons.com, kroger.com) to drive online performance.
Logistics and Delivery Cost Improvement
Delivery and handling costs decreased 31% year-over-year to $1.1M; delivery/handling remained 16% of net sales but per-case cost improved to $2.57 from $3.17 (≈19% lower per case).
Inventory Cleanup and Working Capital Actions
Liquidated tens of thousands of cases of low-margin/nonstrategic inventory and completed comprehensive physical counts to streamline portfolio and improve working capital efficiency.
Amazon and E‑commerce Optimization
Exited a third-party Amazon fulfillment arrangement that generated about $1.0M of annual losses and partnered with a dedicated Amazon marketplace operator to pursue profitable growth on the platform.
Early Signs of Improvement
Management reports early margin improvements from pricing and wholesale adjustments and positive initial return-on-ad-spend in sponsored product/retail media efforts based on syndicated data.