Why It Matters

American Beverage Association engaged Dentons US LLP for lobbying. The association is now focused on food industry issues, including safety and labeling, areas where beverage makers face mounting regulatory pressure and legislative scrutiny.

By the Numbers

Shelley Rubino, who holds the title Senior Director of Public Policy at Dentons US LLP, is registered as the lobbyist for the American Beverage Association. Rubino previously lobbied for Airlines for America Inc. and has prior congressional experience working for Rep. John B. Larson (D-CT-1). Dentons US LLP has been active on health issues in recent years, with 13 issue counts over the past five years. The firm had lobbying expenses of $120,000 in the past four quarters.

Broader Context

The beverage industry faces multiple legislative challenges. Section 232 tariffs on aluminum imports, imposed in 2018 on national security grounds, cost the U.S. beverage industry $1.7 billion. States have sought waivers to narrow the definition of eligible foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to exclude sodas and candy. At the federal level, the SWEET Act (H.R. 2772) would impose an excise tax on caloric sweeteners in beverages. The question of restricting SNAP purchases has inspired decades of heated debate and political maneuvering. Eligible SNAP foodstuffs include any food or food product intended for human consumption, except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and hot foods.

Between The Lines

Congressional activity relevant to beverage industry concerns includes testimony on consumer protection and recycling. John Hewitt, Senior Vice President of the Consumer Brands Association, testified on July 22 before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade in a hearing titled "Legislative Proposals To Strengthen Consumer Protection In A Changing Marketplace." Hewitt testified in support of the Recycled Materials Attribution Act (RMAA) and the Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act (PAC Act). Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) stated that the food and beverage industry has been required to put nutritional labeling on products for more than 30 years. Sen. Sanders cited Chile, Israel, Mexico, and Peru as countries where food warning labels have been implemented without increasing overall grocery prices. Additionally, a federal deadline set to take effect November 12 threatens to eliminate the legal marketplace for hemp-derived beverages. Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH-1) stated that people in Southwest Ohio have invested significantly in hemp-derived beverage products, and the federal government is preventing them from selling them.

The Bottom Line

The American Beverage Association engaged Dentons US LLP for lobbying on August 23.

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