USDA Awards Distilled Spirits Council $900K to Expand Export Opportunities for U.S. Distillers Across the Globe
WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced it was awarded $900,000 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) American First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) to promote American spirits in international markets in 2026 and 2027.
This funding is in addition to USDA Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) funding awarded to DISCUS in 2025 for use over a five‑year period and 2026 Market Access Program (MAP) funding. DISCUS plans to build upon the momentum of these programs with AFTPP funds by hosting activations at trade shows in Germany and France and bespoke activities across South Korea.
“We are incredibly excited to continue to work with USDA to promote U.S. spirits through this new and exciting program,” said DISCUS Manager of Export Promotion Joel Matticks. “Our export promotions are designed to equip American distillers with the tools, connections and visibility they need to deliver new U.S. spirits export sales.”
Under the AFTTP, products distilled in the United States from at least 51% U.S. agricultural material are eligible to participate.
DISCUS’ two‑decade partnership with USDA has played a pivotal role in the growth of the U.S. craft distilling sector by helping small and mid‑sized distilleries enter and compete in international markets, as well as educating hospitality professionals, adult consumers and media in these markets on the taste, heritage and diversity of American distilled spirits.
Since 2024, the DISCUS export program has directly resulted in U.S. craft distillers securing at least $10.5 million in new U.S. spirits exports. In just the past three years, the DISCUS program has supported more than 45 U.S. distilleries across the United States through these programs. Overall, since DISCUS began its partnership with USDA to promote U.S. spirits in overseas markets, total U.S. spirits exports have grown by nearly 189%, rising from $831 million in 2006 to $2.37 billion in 2025.
The DISCUS export program highlights the full range of American spirits, with a particular emphasis on the distinctive qualities of American Whiskeys—including Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, American Rye Whiskey and American Single Malt—which represent the majority of U.S. spirits exports worldwide.
For more information about DISCUS’ export promotion programs, contact Joel Matticks at joel.matticks@DistilledSpirits.org.
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About DISCUS: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) represents producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the U.S. DISCUS is the leading voice and advocates on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels; promotes the distilled spirits sector, raising awareness and opening markets in the United States and around the globe; and encourages responsible and moderate consumption of distilled spirits as part of an enjoyable adult lifestyle based on evidence-based research and policy.
The U.S. distilled spirits industry is committed to social responsibility. For those adults who choose to drink, they should do always so in moderation and responsibly. For more information: www.drinkinmoderation.org. DISCUS prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, or other protected status.
