So, for those of you who may not know, the National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc (NABI) is a trade association. It is a national association that is also tax-free and it represents importers of alcoholic beverages across the United States of America. 

If you are an importer of beer, wine, or distilled spirits, this association will definitely benefit you, so I would really recommend having a read of this article.

By the end of this article, you will have a much better understanding of the company, its missions, and its members, to see if it will be the right fit for you. 

So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it. 

NABI Mission Statement 

Okay, so it’s really important to know any organization or association’s mission statement. This is essentially what they hope to achieve. If their mission statement aligns with your beliefs and views, then it’s usually a good match for a membership. 

But what are the NABI’s mission statements? Let’s take a look. 

Primary Mission

The National Association of Beverage Importers hopes to represent the interests of those who import alcoholic beverages.

In today’s day and age, there are many issues that can arise from importation and it is important that the voices of said importers are heard.

NABI promises to monitor many of the issues that may arise not only from importation but also domestic production, and when appropriate they intend to act on these activities. 

The NABI’s objective is to deal with these issues at the Federal and state level, in order to enact real change in terms of trade, trade barriers, legislative action, as well as regulatory practices. 

Secondary Mission

The NABI promises to cooperate with varying trade associations on similar issues that impact the alcohol beverage world, imported or domestic.

They also pledge to support such associations on matters of mutual interest such as warning labels, responsible consumption, excise taxes, and health and safety matters. They also promise to always act in the best interest of their members. 

Policy For Promises 

The National Association of Beverage Importation has set specific policies in place in order to accomplish its missions and objectives. Here are some of the policies in place to ensure they deliver their promises. 

• Initiatives in place to protect the interest of authorized importers in terms of ‘grey marketing’ issues. 
• Liaisons with embassies in Washington to ensure the coordination of legislation and regulations. 
• Corroborate with government agencies to ensure fair and necessary requirements. 
• Maintain communication with the US government and agencies involved in trade policy. 
• Keep members up to date on statistical data. 
• Guidance and advisories on key issues where appropriate or necessary. 
• Work with representatives of associations of foreign supplies to coordinate matters of mutual interest. 
• Work with varying trade associations on state and Federal issues with NABI members’ best interests at heart. 

Membership Overview 

Let’s take a more in-depth look at what you can expect from a membership! 

Membership Services 

• Statistical Reports – Each month receive new statistical data reports that show imports of alcoholic beverages in terms of country and product. 
• Weekly Highlights – Members get exclusive access to newsletter reports on the main issues affecting importers. This allows members to import their products as effectively as possible. 
• Industry Insights – Member-only exclusive reports on developing matters that directly or indirectly affect importers. 
• Label/Product Approvals – Avoid complex and confusing compliance paperwork for label or product approvals by allowing NABI staff to do the majority of the work. 
• Conference Calls – Members can engage in regular conference calls concerning trade policies, developments, and regulatory issues.  

Membership Categories 

There are two main categories for membership, and these categories are Active Member and Associate Member. 

The associate membership is for those who are interested in importing alcoholic beverages but do not qualify for the NABI’s active membership. 

Those who have a Federal Basic Importer’s Permit need to apply as an active member regardless of how actively they are importing.

And don’t worry if you don’t qualify for the active membership, as the associate membership still receives all the same services the association offers to its active members. 

Sample Of Current Members 

Let’s take a look at some of the pre-existing members of the NABI. 

• Heineken
• Fedway Associates, Inc
• Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits
• The Connacht Whiskey Company
• WineSellers, LTD
• Kobrand Corporation
• Taub Family Wine and Spirits
• Dreyfus Ashby and Company
• MHW Ltd.
• Terlato Wines Group
• Prestige Wine Imports
• Mast-Jagermeister
• Warsteiner Importers Agency
• Winebow Imports
• Sapporo USA, Inc.
• Molson Coors
• United States Distilled Products
• Total Beverage Solutions (TBS)
• Latitude Wine

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is NABI Located? 

You can find the national association of beverage importers in the National Press Building Leasing on 14th St NW #1183, Washington, DC. 

How To Contact NABI? 

You can call the association on (202) 393-6224 or alternatively you can enquire online. 

Can I Find The NABI Socials Online? 

Yes, the national association of beverage importers can be found on several social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Final Thoughts

If you are in the alcoholic beverage business, especially in terms of importation, I couldn’t think of a better association to join. The National Association of Beverage Importers really has the concerns and issues of its members at heart. 

All of their goals, missions, and objectives are to make life as easy as possible for its members. And they actually have solid connections with those who create the legislation and regulations for importation matters, so they can invoke real change. 

Even the membership perks such as weekly newsletters and statistical reports all aid in making life for its members as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are the first to know when new issues or matters arise, and this helps them to combat the issues as easily as possible. 

So, I would certainly recommend investigating further into their membership options, and see how they could benefit you.