![]() |
Italy's Campari America unit has hired Trump-connected Ballard Partners to handle trade and tariff matters.
The Milan-based company is the world's No. 6 spirits producer and owner of the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KY.
The EU has slapped a retaliatory tariff on US whiskey imports following President Trump's decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports to the US.
While Campari believes free trade is in the interests of all parties, a spokesperson says since Wild Turkey Straight Kentucky Bourbon "is in its seeding phase in Europe, the duties on bourbon will not affect our growth plans for the brand nor the overall performance of the company."
Brian Ballard, who was Trump's top campaign fundraiser in Florida, and Syl Lukis, manager of Ballard's DC office, handle the business for Campari America, which is based in New York.
San Francisco-based Skyy Spirits, maker of Skyy Vodka, is the other key part of Campari America.


Miller Strategies, the well-connected Republican firm, has inked a $1.5M one-year consulting contract from Emirates Global Aluminum, the biggest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside the oil & gas sector.
Anthropic, the San Francisco-based artificial intelligence start-up, has retained Republican powerhouse firm Fierce Government Relations for DC representation.
Chad Horrell, who was senior manager for government relations at DoorDash, has joined BGR Group as VP in its state and local practice.
Continental Strategy, which has close ties with the Trump administration, has registered Geneva-based Rolex as a client for services regarding the tariffs on watch imports.
Kimberly-Clark calls on Ballard Partners as it moves to acquires Kenvue, maker of Tylenol. 



