The Fort Collins Brewery, (FCB) a Colorado-based brewery that makes Chocolate Stout, Red Banshee and Rocky Mountain IPA, announced a new international distribution deal into Sweden with Galatea Distributing, deciding to embrace the growing international appreciation for American craft beer.
In late April, the first container filled with cases of FCB’s Rocky Mountain IPA and Red Banshee was sent on its way to Europe. The beer will hit shelves in mid-June, and Swedish beer lovers will have the opportunity to taste this Colorado craft brew, even though the company notes this was not part of the original plan.
“Exporting was not part of our strategic vision,” said Charles Stanley, marketing director for FCB. “We were approached by Galatea Distributing’s U.S. liaison, who made us aware of the growing demand for US craft beer in Sweden.”
Despite this demand, FCB was cautious, and it took its time with the decision.
“This is entirely new ground for us,” said Doug Smith, FCB’s operations manager. “Freshness of the beer was a big concern, of course. The beer takes a long time to get to the shelves compared to distributing in the US, but after talking through the details with Galatea, we were convinced that transit time would be kept to a minimum and our beer would be kept refrigerated every step of the way.”
If Rocky Mountain IPA and Red Banshee are well received, FCB and Galatea plan to put additional styles in the market.
Any other craft brewers out there nearing a new international shipment? Let us know about it at [email protected].
RT @CraftBrewingBiz: Fort Collins starts shipping to Sweden. Good luck over there @FortCollinsBrew http://t.co/TFeJI6G1db