And the 2014 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year is…

At the Great American Beer Festival 2014, The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Brewers Association (BA) announced that JJ Taylor Distributing Florida Inc. of Tampa, Fla., was selected as the 2014 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year. Before we get to the rest of the details on the honor, know that JJ Taylor and several other top-notch craft beer distributors will be prominently featured in an upcoming Craft Brewing Business article providing distribution advice. A preview!

CBB: What is an example of a distribution plan gone wrong? And what can we learn from it?

Jay Martin, President/GM, JJ Taylor: I have seen brands that did not plan the work and work the plan. Part of the failure of not planning the work is having the appropriate plan … deliberate and patient. Some brands do not travel well, too. Even when planning the work, and working the plan in a deliberate and patient way, they do not resonate with the consumer in a market that offers choice at an all time high.

So, stay tuned for that next week. Back to the award…

The Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award, now in its eighth year, recognizes the beer distribution company that does the most to market, promote and sell craft beer. JJ Taylor Distributing Florida Inc. has seen a 28 percent growth in its craft beer sales over the past year alone. The company is committed to the promotion of craft beer brands and hosts craft beer trade shows for its retail customers. The company also hosts commercial craft brewer collaborations at “The Brewers Tasting Room,” where local and regional brewers are invited to attend and brew small batches of beer for sampling and promotional events. With its wide distribution network in 17 Florida counties and expansive craft beer brands, JJ Taylor Distributing Florida Inc. provides Florida consumers both quality and variety in the beer they drink.

Windy City Distributing, LLC of Aurora, Ill., was honored with the Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award (first runner-up) and Maletis Beverage of Portland received the Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award (second runner-up).