Since the trade association was founded in 1942, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has just appointed its first ever Chairwoman. Dina Opici, president of Opici Family Distributing, will lead initiatives to advocate for wholesalers’ interests, promote responsible distribution practices and advance the organization’s strategic goals.
We recently interviewed Opici about her experience and goals for WSWA, and what it means for her to be appointed as the organization’s first Chairwoman.
BD: How does it feel to be appointed as the first Chairwoman of WSWA?
Dina Opici: It is an incredible honor, and I am extremely excited to serve as the first Chairwoman of WSWA. But I’m only in this fortunate position because of the hard work, leadership and dedication of all the women in our industry – both today and those who came before me, like my grandmother, Rose Opici.
I had the pleasure of working with my grandmother, and she instilled in me the values that continue to guide me today – resilience, integrity and the importance of communication, both speaking and listening. My hope is to earn the respect of my colleagues by adding value in this role over the next twelve months, as ultimately, that is the responsibility of this position – regardless of gender.
BD: In what ways do you think being appointed Chairwoman will have a ripple effect on the industry regarding inclusivity and diversity?
DO: My vision as Chairwoman is clear – IT TAKES EVERYBODY! Women bring tremendous value to any industry – not because of gender but because we are good at what we do. My objective would be to encourage more women to get involved, both within their organizations as well as with WSWA, where the opportunities to engage in a meaningful way are limitless. Inclusivity and diversity thrive when everyone is focused on contributing their best and being open to the ideas of others, and I hope to continue to foster an environment where, regardless of one’s gender or background, they feel empowered to excel.
BD: What are your goals heading into the chairmanship?
DO: My primary goal is to get everyone engaged in the conversations that are important to our industry today – and there is no shortage of critical topics to address. I want to focus on enhancing the visibility and value of the distribution tier within the broader industry and build upon the valuable initiatives that have been established to encourage greater engagement with our member companies, like mentorship, leadership development and the sharing of knowledge. Every wholesaler in the U.S. should be a member of WSWA – as that will fuel diversity of thought, and the more voices, the stronger the message will be.
BD: How are you planning to accomplish those goals?
DO: Accomplishing these goals requires that we first work closely with all our members to understand their challenges and priorities, and second, ensure WSWA is providing the resources and support needed to overcome them. We must prioritize collaboration—both within the WSWA community and across the industry—because I believe this is a team sport, and if we are not working together, we will not succeed.
BD: What are some lessons you learned at Opici Family Distributing that you plan on bringing to WSWA?
DO: The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success in business comes down to people—taking care of them, listening to them and ensuring that they have the tools they need to succeed. That is at the core of our mission at Opici Family Distributing. I’ll be bringing that same mindset to WSWA, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships, mutual respect and accountability to shared goals.
BD: What are some of the biggest struggles the beverage industry is currently facing?
DO: The beverage industry is dealing with several challenges – the rising costs of doing business, economic uncertainty, including the potential expiration of critical 199A tax benefits, and changing consumer preferences, just to name a few.
The success of our industry is anchored by products that provide quality and consistency that consumers expect but are driven by innovation. We need to continue to innovate and educate to attract new consumers, whether it’s through technology, data-driven insights or new product offerings, while embracing the rich traditions that make our businesses unique and valuable to all three tiers. Lastly, we must continue to advocate for the robust regulation of alcohol and states’ rights to regulate alcohol as they see fit under the 21st Amendment.
BD: What do you think the future holds for WSWA and the broader industry?
DO: The future can be bright, but it will require adaptability, an open-minded approach and a focus on flawless execution within our business models. I see WSWA continuing to lead the charge on important industry issues like regulatory fairness and tax policies that support family-owned businesses.
I believe the industry will become more diverse, not just in terms of gender and background, but in the range of products and services we offer. By staying focused on innovation and inclusivity, we can ensure a strong, sustainable future for both WSWA and the broader beverage alcohol industry.
Krystina Skibo is the Trade Managing Editor at Beverage Dynamics. Reach her at kskibo@epgacceleration.com. Read her recent piece, Liquor Stores Make Room for Cannabis and CBD Beverages.
