- A plan by Kroger (KR -1%) to use a private distributor to manage shelf space in alcohol aisles is creating a stir with large sellers such as Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD -0.7%) and Diageo (DEO -0.6%).
- Trade groups repping the beer and spirits majors say the Kroger initiative to charge quarterly fees to pay for the service may violate federal and state laws.
- Kroger wants to make the change in order to adapt quicker to consumer tastes and trends.