With exactly one zillion breweries operating across America, distribution news is always a steady constant in the CBB mailbox. Every week, we get virtual piles of announcements on new alliances, upcoming state expansions and even reductions from breweries growing and shrinking their distribution footprints. Here is some of that wholesaler news. Enjoy!
NBWA receives impressive trade association award for its Distributors Against Human Trafficking initiative (slow clap)
We’ve written and praised the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA’s) Distributors Against Human Trafficking initiative many times. We are not the only ones. NBWA was recently awarded the Power of A (association) Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The Power of A Awards honor the outstanding accomplishments of associations and industry professionals who work tirelessly to solve problems, and strengthen lives, the workforce, the economy and the world. Yep, all of those boxes are checked. Read extensively about the association’s Distributors Against Human Trafficking program (personified in California’s Markstein Sales) right here.
And while we have you, let’s just also praise NBWA’s recently launched Building Relationships and Empowering Women (BREW) initiative.
Ok, back to that big award.
“We are thrilled that our Distributors Against Human Trafficking Initiative has received the Power of A Award from ASAE,” said NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser. “This recognition is the result of beer distributors’ commitment to making a positive impact in their local communities and comes at a pivotal time. Recently, we proudly announced that we eclipsed our 2021 training goal — having already trained more than 26,000 distributors total. We are thankful for ASAE’s acknowledgment of our efforts to eradicate human trafficking nationwide.”
In 2020, the National Beer Wholesalers Association launched Distributors Against Human Trafficking to help combat human trafficking in the United States. Working alongside state attorneys general, NBWA created an awareness training video to help the more than 140,000 beer distribution employees in the United States recognize and report signs of human trafficking. Beer distributors are uniquely positioned to help fight this heinous crime given their level of access to locations often unseen by the public as they visit approximately 600,000 licensed retail locations across the country. Through the initiative, NBWA has trained over 26,000 beer distribution employees since its launch, already surpassing its goal of training 25,000 employees by the end of 2021.
“Congratulations to NBWA for crafting a distinct initiative that empowers their members to instigate real change in communities all across the United States,” said ASAE President and CEO Susan Robertson, CAE. “It’s always gratifying to see associations like NBWA going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world, tackling our some of our country’s largest challenges. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning effort to combat human trafficking throughout the United States.”
For more information about ASAE’s Power of A awards, click here. Big congrats here to NBWA.
Colorado’s gluten-free specialist Holidaily expands to Austin and southern California
Here’s the cool story behind Golden, Colo.’s Holidaily Brewing Co., one of America’s most dynamic gluten-free breweries. When founder of Holidaily, Karen Hertz, was diagnosed with melanoma and thyroid cancer in her early 30s, opening her own business was the last thing on her mind. At the time of her cancer diagnosis, she worked at Golden company MillerCoors and was raising one-year old twin girls. After Hertz’s doctors gave her the recommendation to remove gluten from her diet, she struggled to find a great-tasting, 100 percent gluten-free beer and was driven to solve this problem. After years of research and testing, Holidaily Brewing Co. was born.
Hertz opened the brewery in 2016. Since then, Holidaily has grown over 850 percent, and its production brewery is the largest dedicated gluten-free brewery in the United States. Exponential growth and a handful of national awards for the quality of the brews have allowed for rapid expansion across the country, including recently Austin, Texas.
“Our Austin fans are some of the most vocal supporters of Holidaily,” said Hertz. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring our gluten-free beer to this beautiful city with a thriving craft beer, food and health and wellness focused culture.”
Holidaily has partnered with Texas distributor, Capitol Wright Distributing, to make this expansion possible.
“As the only certified, dedicated gluten-free brewery distributing in Austin, Holidaily brings something unique to our city,” said Russell Patterson, brand development manager of Capitol Wright Distributing. “We’re proud to add them to our portfolio and eager to welcome them to Austin.”
Holidaily Brewing can now be found in liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and grocery stores throughout the Austin metro area. Look for their Flagship beer, Favorite Blonde, Fat Randy’s IPA, and award-winning Big Henry Hazy IPA.
Holidaily Brewing also announced the expansion of its distribution to southern California this November.
“Our brewery’s motto is to ‘Make Every Day a Holiday’ and I can’t think of an approach more fitting for Southern California,” said Hertz. “We believe our beers will resonate with the active and health-conscious SoCal lifestyle.”
Holidaily Brewing has partnered with Classic Beverage of Southern California to make this expansion possible.
“We are excited to welcome Holidaily Brewing to southern California,” said Katy McBrady, vice president of sales and marketing at Classic Beverage of Southern California.
Starting November 15, Holidaily Brewing can be found in liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and grocery stores in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Kern County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, San Diego County, and San Luis Obispo County. Distribution will begin with five of the brewery’s core styles: Favorite Blonde, Fat Randy’s IPA, Riva Stout, a rotating seasonal and award-winning Big Henry Hazy IPA.
WTF? Boston Beer and PepsiCo dew it hard, plan to launch HARD MTN DEW in 2022. Read about it here.
Two Roots Brewing continues international expansion into Europe
Two Roots Brewing Co. announced the expanded global reach of its award-winning, ultra-premium non-alcoholic craft beer into the European market. Following the company’s recent success in South Korea and securing international acclaim and recognition at prestigious beer competitions, Two Roots’ beers will soon be available in select European markets.
“Hailing from the Netherlands, this is an exciting development for our brand as we grow and pursue new markets,” said Maikel van de Mortel, chief marketing and revenue officer, Two Roots Brewing Co. “Led by young adults looking for healthier, alcohol-free beverages, the European non-alcoholic craft beer scene continues to gain strong momentum — creating a tremendous opportunity for Two Roots.”
Van de Mortel continued: “Aligned on best-in-class execution and impressed with their intimate market knowledge, we believe BEE Beverage to be the perfect distribution partner to represent the Two Roots brand in the European market.”
BEE Beverage Consulting & Services B.V., an American/Dutch beverage import company, has begun taking orders for Two Roots Brewing Co.’s core styles, Enough Said Helles, Straight Drank IPA, and New West IPA. Products are expected to be available on shelf to consumers late 2021 and are available now online in the U.K. with DryDrinker.com and the Netherlands with ondernulpuntvijf.com or jbcraftdrinks.com.
“We are extremely excited to partner with the Two Roots team in the European market.” said Edwin Blom, cofounder of BEE Beverage. “The quality of Two Roots non-alcoholic beer is outstanding and has a real craft beer taste. Our initial focus will be on the Benelux and United Kingdom, though we anticipate entering other key markets in 2022.”
21st Amendment partners with Lipman Brothers for Tennessee distribution
21st Amendment Brewery recently announced its portfolio of premium craft beers will now be available in Tennessee through a new distributor Lipman Brothers, LLC. The first distributor of wine and spirits in Tennessee dating back to 1939, Lipman Brothers is the leading distributor of choice in the marketplace for more than 80 years. Lipman Brothers will begin distributing the iconic San Francisco brewery’s beers to retail, grocery, convenience, and restaurants/bars on November 1, 2021. 21st Amendment Brewery is among the top 50 craft beer brewers in America currently available in 34 states plus Washington, D.C.
Tennessee is home to two of the country’s most musically rich cities. Nashville is at the heart of the country-music scene, and Memphis is home to famed blues clubs on Beale Street. From Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame to Memphis’s world-class southern BBQ, Tennessee has it all with idyllic Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountain ranges and warm Southern hospitality at its core. 21st Amendment beers will perfectly pair with late nights club-hopping on Broadway in downtown Nashville, biting into some of the country’s best BBQ, or hiking scenic trails.
“I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Memphis and Nashville and they are some of my favorite cities to catch great music, whether it’s in Memphis for C&W and blues on Beale Street, especially ‘Silky O’Sullivan’s, in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium for larger touring acts to The Bluebird Cafe for the best singer-songwriters you may have not have heard of yet,” said Shaun O’Sullivan, cofounder and brewmaster at 21st Amendment Brewery. “The Nashville food and beer scene is right up there with the likes of Chicago and New York. Launching our beers in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and so many regions throughout the state, it’s just wonderful. Now I have even more of an excuse to get to Tennessee to see friends, live music, BBQ, and all that the outdoors have to offer…Of course, these are all exceptional settings to kick back with a couple of cans of Hell or High Watermelon, El Sully, and Blood Orange IPA Brew Free! or Die.”
“It is such a pleasure to welcome 21st Amendment Brewery to Lipman Brothers,” commented Lipman Brothers. “Since the mid-1990s, we’ve been a leading distributor for craft beer in Tennessee. We take tremendous pride in bringing highly respected brands such as 21st Amendment to territories far and wide throughout the state. We are very excited to welcome 21st Amendment to our singular portfolio of craft breweries.”
Born in the San Francisco Bay Area and masterminds of beloved fruit beers, 21st Amendment celebrates its 21st Anniversary in 2021 with innovation and discovery for its community of rabid beer fans. 21st Amendment goes big for its Anniversary year with an array of exciting new beer releases: Brew Free! Or Die Tropical IPA; Tasty Double Hazy IPA; 21st Amendment Anniversary West Coast IPA; Hell or High Mango; Hell or High Pomegranate; Fireside Chat; and annual favorites such as Brew Free! or Die IPA; Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange IPA; El Sully; and its Variety Hop 12-Pack.
Mason’s Brewing signs with Horizon Beverage Group for move to Massachusetts
Mason’s Brewing can now be found on shelves all over the state of Massachusetts, thanks to a recent distribution deal with Horizon Beverage Group.
The brewery will be entering the state with two of its most popular beers: Orion, a New England style IPA with tastes of tangerine and apricot, and Hipster Apocalypse, a Double IPA that is a hazy, piney showcase of the Idaho 7 hop. Hipster Apocalypse recently received a score of a 96, classified as Extraordinary, as part of a blind IPA tasting by Craft Beer & Brewing.
“We’re really excited to have our beers available throughout Massachusetts,” said Chris Morley, founder and CEO, Mason’s. “We know a lot of people in the state are pretty fond of heading north to Portland for a weekend to enjoy some of the great food and beer the city has. We’re hoping we can convince a few to take a long weekend and keep going north to our neck of the woods!”
Mason’s Brewing is located in the aptly-named Brewer, Maine. It rests on the Penobscot River, directly across from the Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, an open-air amphitheater with performances that can be easily heard from Mason’s outdoor seating area.
In addition to a diverse portfolio including New England IPAs, Stouts, Mexican Lagers, and their fan-favorite Cream Ale, Mason’s operates a full-scale restaurant serving smoked wings, salads sandwiches, and pizzas — ranked the best in the Bangor area in a recent contest held by the Bangor Daily News.
In addition to Massachusetts, Mason’s is currently distributed throughout their home state of Maine, as well as New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and California. Mason’s will be distributed in the Bay State via a partnership with Horizon Beverage Group, a leading spirits, beer, and wine distributor with relationships throughout New England.
Craft Brewing Business won an investigative reporting award for its story on the New Belgium Brewing acquisition by Kirin. Read it here!
Anderson Valley announces Nebraska distributor partnership with Global Distributing
Anderson Valley Brewing Co. recently announced it will be entering the Nebraska market through its distribution partnership with Global Distributing. This strategic partnership with the Midwest’s top craft beer distributor is an expansion of AVBC’s existing relationship with Global, which currently represents the brewery throughout South Dakota.
“Global’s commitment to representing independent craft brewers, along with their impressive relationships with retail and on-premise accounts through the region made them the perfect partner for our expansion into Nebraska,” said President and CEO Kevin McGee. “Global’s seasoned team has assisted in building a strong presence for AVBC in South Dakota and we are looking forward to working with them to have the same impact in Nebraska.”
Global will represent AVBC’s entire portfolio of brands, including its iconic Boont Amber Ale, Barrel Series beers, Poleeko Pale Ale and Goses. Global’s representation for the brewery will span the entire state, making AVBC’s beers readily accessible in top on-premise and off-premise accounts throughout Nebraska.
“GDNE LLC is very excited to represent Anderson Valley Brewing Company in the Nebraska market, which we have just recently opened,” said Vice President Chad Koopsma. “As we become established in Nebraska, our focus will be on local and world class beers as we do in our South Dakota market. With the growth of craft beer in the Midwest, AVBC’s quality will be met with excitement from the craft drinking community. We love the fact that we can grow together with our breweries to find efficiencies and create solid businesses that consumers are interested in.”
California’s Farmers Brewing goes with Donaghy Sales for distribution
Farmers Brewing Co. recently announced a distribution partnership with Donaghy Sales based out of Fresno, Calif. The agreement between the farm to glass brewery and distributor will make Farmers Brewing Co. beer available in the counties of Alpine, Amador, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey starting in November.
“We have always felt that expanding into the agricultural based Central Valley was a natural fit for Farmers and our brands,” said Bill Weller, founder of Farmers Brewing Co. “The timing was right for us to grow our footprint and we are excited to partner with a first-class distributor in the territory.”
Founded in 2017 by a fifth-generation farmer, Farmers Brewing Co., LLC began brewing out of a garage in sprawling Princeton, Calif., with a population of 407. The true “farm to glass” brewery has expanded to a new facility and crafts lighter, sessionable and healthier beers in the Sacramento Valley of Northern California. Farmers Brewing prides itself on producing high-quality grains grown on its own farm to produce high-quality beers.
21st Amendment says
Thanks for the shout-out!