Great Lakes Wine & Spirits swiftly traces and removes mislabeled High Noon Beach Variety Pack product

July 30, 2025

Three‑tier system enables distributor to work with supplier and prevent unintentional alcohol consumption

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. — Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, Michigan’s leading family-owned and operated wholesale alcohol distributor, today announced that it identified and removed from the Michigan market all units of High Noon Beach Variety Pack (12-pack) vodka seltzers that may have contained cans that were mislabeled as CELSIUS energy drinks.

 

Thanks to Michigan’s three‑tier system for alcohol distribution, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits was able to work closely with the supplier to quickly trace every case of the affected product and confirm that none of it had reached store shelves. The distributor’s precise tracking systems made it possible to determine exactly where the product had — and just as importantly, had not — been delivered to retailers, allowing for fast and efficient removal before any risk of unintentional alcohol consumption occurred.

 

“Situations like this are exactly why traceability matters,” said Lew Cooper III, co‑CEO of Great Lakes Wine & Spirits. “Because of the transparency and control built into Michigan’s three‑tier system, we were able to coordinate with the supplier in real time, pinpoint the product’s path through our network, and ensure it never made it to consumers.”

 

“This incident highlights exactly why the three‑tier system works so effectively,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. “From the moment a supplier issue is flagged, wholesalers have the structure and authority to isolate and remove the product statewide, keeping store shelves safe and protecting consumers.”

 

Great Lakes Wine & Spirits remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency and continues to work with suppliers and retailers to ensure Michigan consumers receive safe, properly labeled products.

 

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Detroit News: This industry thrives because of the people who power it

By Rebecca Stow • December 30, 2025
As we close out the year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the milestones our industry has achieved and the people who made them possible. The skilled professionals who work in Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry often start with a job that evolves into a long, fulfilling career with family-owned businesses deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Throughout 2025, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association was proud to share the stories of over 100 individuals from across our industry, including women leaders, logistics professionals, truck drivers, veterans, salespeople, and more. We posed a simple question: What do you love most about working in beer and wine distribution? Across each campaign, a clear theme emerged among the answers: the people. Michigan’s independent beer and wine distributors support more than 6,400 jobs statewide, and each one involves building relationships. Whether helping a new restaurant choose the perfect draft lineup or wine list, sharing knowledge about new products and trends, making a delivery, or supporting a team member through their first big sale, these individuals take pride in working together to help their business partners and communities thrive. They know that success in the beer and wine industry isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the people behind it. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, beer and wine distributors bring commitment and expertise to every aspect of this fast-paced, constantly evolving industry. They help consumers access a wide variety of quality products that are often shared during life’s big and small celebrations, bringing people together through shared experiences and traditions. The camaraderie in this industry sets it apart, creating meaningful work built on collaboration, trust, and shared success. Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are always seeking talented individuals to join their teams. From marketing, finance, and sales to warehouse operations, truck driving, or other essential roles, there are many rewarding career paths to explore. We encourage anyone interested in a dynamic, people-focused industry to reach out to their local distributors and learn more about available opportunities. As we look ahead to a new year, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association remains committed to elevating and amplifying the remarkable work our distributors do. Their dedication turns everyday work into community impact and makes this industry truly exceptional. Spencer Nevins is the president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association to open new headquarters in Boji Tower

By Rebecca Stow • December 8, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – The MB&WWA is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters in the historic Boji Tower in downtown Lansing this Thursday, Dec. 11.

Ypsilanti-based O&W Inc. celebrates Giving Tuesday with donations to four local nonprofits

By Rebecca Stow • November 26, 2025
YPSILANTI, Mich. – As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 2, O&W Inc., a fifth-generation beer distributor in Ypsilanti, celebrates its tradition of giving back.