Why It Matters
The American Beverage Association faces a coordinated legislative assault on its core business model. Federal bills like the FIZZ-NO Act would restrict SNAP purchases of sodas, while state-level waivers advance similar restrictions. Packaging regulations targeting foam containers and expanded producer responsibility requirements threaten supply chain costs. The industry’s $1.7 million lobbying surge in early 2025—more than double prior-year spending—reflects these existential threats.
A legislative solution requires blocking SNAP restrictions federally, defeating packaging ban bills, and maintaining product formulation flexibility. The ABA’s two-pronged strategy deploys specialized agricultural policy expertise through Torrey Advisory Group to work agriculture committee skeptics, while building broader coalitions addressing environmental concerns through recycling messaging. Major agricultural committee chairs have already expressed doubts about cementing SNAP restrictions, suggesting some lobbying traction.
By the Numbers
The American Beverage Association has filed 449 lobbying disclosures since 2003, reporting expenditures exceeding $70 million. Its fourth quarter 2025 filing of $80,000 through Torrey Advisory Group continues their partnership since 2013.
In-house lobbying accounts for $53.8 million across 78 filings. External firms include Invariant LLC since 2009 ($6.56 million), BGR Government Affairs LLC since 2017, and Avenue Solutions since 2022.
Agriculture and food industry issues dominate with 384 combined issue codes, primarily preserving consumer choice in SNAP programs. Taxation, health policy, transportation regulation, and environmental issues round out persistent focus areas.
The Agenda
The ABA is lobbying on agriculture and food industry policy through Torrey Advisory Group. Historical priorities center on preserving consumer choice in federal nutrition programs, particularly opposing SNAP restrictions. The organization has consistently fought proposals like the FIZZ-NO Act of 2025, which would prohibit using SNAP benefits for sodas.
Environmental regulation represents growing focus. The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 and related packaging restrictions align with the ABA’s expanded sustainability platform.
Torrey’s value lies in specialized expertise navigating agricultural policy, Farm Bill provisions, and SNAP regulations—areas critical to beverage industry interests.
Broader Context
The FIZZ-NO Act of 2025 would prohibit SNAP beneficiaries from purchasing sodas. The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 targets polystyrene beverage containers, reflecting environmental regulation momentum.
State-level dynamics compound federal pressure. Multiple states have approved SNAP restrictions on beverages, while extended producer responsibility laws spread across states. The Trump administration’s USDA actively encourages state waivers limiting soda purchases through nutrition programs.
Updated dietary guidance has shifted unfavorably toward sugar-sweetened beverages. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act demonstrates Congress’s willingness to micromanage beverage eligibility in federal nutrition programs.
Between The Lines
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) met with an American Beverage Association member on SNAP changes and ingredient restrictions. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) met with state beverage associations, indicating industry access across party lines.
The ABA supported Rep. Haley Stevens’ (D-MI) resolution designating "America Recycles Day," emphasizing circular economy initiatives. However, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) praised the FDA’s proposed front-of-package nutrition labeling rule, creating regulatory pressure on beverage marketing.
Competitive Landscape
Anheuser-Busch Cos. LLC, Sazerac Co. Inc., and Boston Beer Co. lobby on beverage taxation, agricultural policy, and trade issues. The Consumer Brands Association represents food and beverage interests on similar fronts.
The Corn Refiners Association lobbies heavily on SNAP and nutrition policies affecting high fructose corn syrup—a key ingredient in restricted beverages. Public health advocates and environmental groups push for SNAP restrictions and packaging regulations the ABA opposes, though they lack sustained lobbying resources.
The Bottom Line
The American Beverage Association’s $80,000 Q4 2025 lobbying expenditure represents sustained defensive advocacy against multiple threats, including the FIZZ-NO Act and Farewell to Foam Act. State-level SNAP waivers and expanding producer responsibility laws add pressure from multiple directions. The partnership with Torrey provides crucial agricultural and food policy expertise, though executive branch actions and state momentum are outpacing federal congressional action.
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