With exactly one zillion breweries operating across America, distribution news is always a steady constant in the CBB mailbox. Every week, we get 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! If you have distribution news, send it to [email protected].
RationAle Brewing will be sold in over 300 Target stores + new partnerships in SoCal
RationAle Brewing, an excellent non-alcoholic craft beer maker, recently announced distribution partnerships with Scout, Classic and Columbia and an anticipated launch in over 300 Target stores. That’s pretty massive. The company also announced the adoption of pioneering brewing technologies, which RationAle says is defining a new era of non-alcoholic beer for the brand.
After achieving significant success in both natural and independent sales channels, RationAle is expanding into the mass retail sector, with an announcement that its three product lines will soon be available at over 300 Target stores in seven states, starting in mid-March. This expansion into Target stores represents a major achievement for RationAle, as it aligns with the company’s goal to provide premium, non-alcoholic craft beer options to consumers across the country.
“At Target, we’re excited to continue to invest in the non-alcohol segment in 2024 with expanded store counts and new products that bring everyday joy to our guests’ lives and deliver on our brand promise. Every item in our non-alcohol assortment is curated to deliver on taste, provide affordable joy, and support wellness and diversity. For any guest who is looking to simply relax at home or be an inclusive host for friends and family, our non-alcohol assortment’s got you covered,” expressed Chris Hanson, associate buyer at Target. “In addition to an already best-in-class non-alcohol assortment at Target, we can’t wait to add incredible new beers like RationAle to our sets for the first time at stores and online in 2024.”
Wendy Pickett, RationAle Brewing’s Cofounder and EVP of sales, underscored the bold strategy behind these expansions: “Teaming up with Target and our new distribution partners Scout, Classic and Columbia in the coming months isn’t just about expanding our geographic reach — it’s about setting new benchmarks in the non-alcoholic craft beer landscape. These partnerships are for the Mavericks: trendsetters who seek unrivaled quality in every sip. We’re not just responding to the demand for quality non-alcoholic options. We’re leading the charge, driven by our unwavering commitment to brew without boundaries. Brace yourselves, because this is just the beginning.'”
Dynamic distribution partnerships with Scout, Classic and Columbia
RationAle Brewing’s strategic partnerships with Scout Distribution and Classic Beverage are for southern California and significantly expanding its market reach. Scout will extend RationAle’s presence across eight southern California counties, while Classic will bolster the brand’s visibility in San Diego. Additionally, Columbia Distributing will add another state to RationAle’s roster, hitting Washington for the first time, as well as expanding the brand’s footprint in Oregon. These partnerships represent a significant step forward in making RationAle’s unique non-alcoholic craft beers accessible to a broader audience.
Innovative brewing technology: BrewVo and NexDraft
At the heart of RationAle’s product line refresh is the adoption of BrewVo and NexDraft technologies. BrewVo, a patented brewing process, allows for the production of beer at a fraction of the traditional weight and volume, significantly enhancing sustainability and efficiency. NexDraft, a revolutionary tap system, offers a unique way to serve craft beer, mixing Multi-Brewed Beer with carbonated water and alcohol in real-time, ensuring freshness and quality.
The no/low-alcohol category is currently a $13B market and is forecasted to grow at a volume CAGR of +6% between 2023 and 2027, led by no-alcohol at +7%.
RationAle’s 12 oz. cans (at $12.99/six-pack) — in Hazy IPA, Mexican Cerveza, and West Coast IPA — are available online at www.rationalebrewing.com, shipping nationwide, in addition to retail and on-premise locations throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington. To learn more about RationAle Brewing, visit https://rationalebrewing.com/.
Seattle’s Fremont Brewing has a custom beer on Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines recently debuted its first ever custom craft beer — the Cloud Cruiser. The new IPA is brewed exclusively for Alaska Airlines by Seattle-based Fremont Brewing and will be offered complimentary in first and premium class, available for purchase in the main cabin and served in select lounges.
“The Cloud Cruiser is the result of two beloved and popular Pacific Northwest brands coming together to create a top-tier beverage to add to our premium line-up,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, Alaska Airlines managing director of guest products. “The only place in the world you’ll be able to find this one-of-a-kind craft beer is if you’re flying on Alaska or in one of our lounges. We have already received feedback from the first guests to taste our new premium West Coast product who say they can’t wait to fly us again and order another can of Cloud Cruiser.”
The beloved PNW brands worked closely to produce a variety of blends to taste test at 30,000 feet, eventually landing on the bright orange, melon and tropical notes of the brewery’s India pale ale. Artists from both brands also collaborated on the can design, which features an Alaska Airlines plane soaring above the clouds against a retro-inspired backdrop of Washington state’s iconic snow-capped mountains, trees and waters.
“Cloud Cruiser IPA is brewed with a select blend of malts and Washington grown hops to stay fresh in the air with you,” said Matt Lincecum, Fremont Brewing’s founder and owner. “Fremont craft Cloud Cruiser using years of experience providing beer to Alaska’s flights across the country.”
The partnership with Fremont Brewing adds to the growing list of West Coast brands featured on Alaska’s in-flight menu, including Stumptown Coffee, Tillamook Cheese and Salt & Straw from Oregon, Evergreen’s Salads and Beecher’s Cheese in Washington, and Best Day Brewing from California, among others.
Fremont Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery founded in 2009. The craft brewery brews small-batch artisan beers for life’s adventures, made with the best local ingredients.
Maui Brewing extends distro to North Carolina
Maui Brewing Co. continues to broaden its distribution footprint partnering with Tryon Distributing in North Carolina, which becomes the 28th state where MBC fans can soon stock up on their favorites.
“After incredible launches in the neighboring states of Tennessee and Georgia in 2022 and 2023, we are very excited to partner with Tryon Distributing to bring Maui Brewing Co. beers and seltzers to the great state of North Carolina,” said Mike Schaa, Division Director — East for Craft ‘Ohana.
As part of the expansion, the MBC team will be onsite at the Wooden Nickel Pub in Hillsborough and Mebane to kick off a full month of beers brewed with Aloha. Look for additional events throughout the state to be shared on MBC’s social media and website in the coming months.
Maui’s current flagship craft beers include Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA, Coconut Hiwa Porter, OMG Hazy IPA, and Pineapple Mana Wheat. Maui Hard Seltzer varietals will also be available in packages at area retailers and on draft at local restaurants. To locate products near you, enter your zip code in the online finders at Maui Brewing Co. and Maui Hard Seltzer. The company continues to announce new markets and products on its social media channels.
Founded in 2005, Maui Brewing Co. is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. MBC is based on Maui, with its grid-independent production brewery, restaurant and tasting room in Kihei, as well as restaurants in Kahana (Maui), Ka’anapali (Maui), Kailua (Oahu), and Waikiki (Oahu). Maui Brewing is available in 28 states, one district and three international countries with more areas to follow.
Iowa’s Big Grove Brewery opens distribution in Nebraska
Big Grove Brewery announced plans to open wide scale distribution in Nebraska starting this month. This marks the second state for Big Grove distribution after launching with Stern Beverage in Illinois this past December. Partnering with local distributor Quality Brands of Omaha, Big Grove’s award winning flagship beers such as Easy Eddy Hazy IPA and Citrus Surfer Citrus Wheat will start hitting shelves and draft lines at select accounts starting on March 1.
“Seeing the success of Big Grove in their home state of Iowa has us extremely excited about our partnership. We are looking at our future together as not only an opportunity to bring some more great beers to Nebraska, but Quality Brands is privileged to be one of Big Grove’s first steps to becoming a major regional brewery,” said Justin Burr, the Director of Brand Development at Quality Brands. “We have a commitment to excellence in its simplest form. To provide the best service possible, both for our customers and our supplier partners. Big Grove checks all the boxes.”
The distributor had always been on Big Grove’s radar as they looked westward.
“We have been very intentional as we discussed extending outside of Iowa and have done a lot of market analysis to determine not just where we are going but also who we would work with. Quality Brands was always seen as a potential partner who could allow us to not just enter the market, but also leverage their distribution footprint, team and support assets to scale it quickly.” said Matthew Swift, CEO and cofounder of Big Grove.
While Big Grove brands will be made available through the year, the brewery also released high level plans to open a full-scale taproom and restaurant in Omaha by spring of 2025. This would mark its fifth location and would be similar in scale to its Iowa City, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids locations in Iowa, with an over 10,500-square-foot taproom and a 6,000-square-foot patio. The new taproom will be a cornerstone in the ongoing Catalyst development in the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The Catalyst project, which began construction in 2023, to redevelop the Omaha Steel Works Facility and provide an innovation hub for the center, seeks to be complete by late 2024.
“This development is Omaha’s newest and most exciting infill project. With more than $250M in active development and ultimate vision of over $600M in new office, retail, housing and park space in the heart of the city. This project is connected to Omaha and Nebraska’s largest economic generator in the UNMC. There is a decade or more to come of announcements ready to fill this space, of which Big Grove is one of the first,” said Jay Lund, Principal of GreenSlate, who in partnership with Koelbel Companies and the UNMC, oversees the development. “Omaha needs a Big Grove of their own. This concept and these operators are going to raise the bar. Catalyst is an innovation hub, and what better place to innovate than a brewery.”
Big Grove saw the opportunity right away at Catalyst.
“We wanted a location in the center of Omaha, and we always love being part of the revitalization of the communities we are part of,” said Swift. Touring the plant building last June as part of the selection process, was “inspiring and a little overwhelming,” noted Swift. “A lot of people have asked where we might be headed next, and I can’t think of a better site and partner to mark our first location outside the state of Iowa.”
Big Grove Brewery is among Iowa’s top craft beer producers and ranks in the top 2% for barrel production nationally. In 2013, the brewery started as a 3.5-barrel brewhouse in Solon, Iowa, and focused on freshly made craft beer and elevated pub cuisine. The brewery opened a 28,000-square-foot production facility four years later, anchoring the Iowa City Riverfront Crossings redevelopment project with additional concepts opening in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Bevana partners with Asheville’s Green Man Brewery for digital distribution
Bevana Partners, a leading beverage platform dedicated to connecting artisanal beverage makers with consumers, recently announced a strategic partnership with Green Man Brewery, an esteemed brewery based in Asheville, North Carolina Green Man will now be available for online purchase, so buy it right here!
Owned by Dennis Thies, Green Man Brewery has been crafting award-winning ales and lagers that capture the essence of traditional English styles while embracing innovation. Thies’ leadership has been instrumental in guiding Green Man Brewery’s growth and evolution over the years.
In 2010, under Thies’ visionary leadership, Green Man Brewery underwent a remarkable transformation. The brewery expanded its facilities to include a three-story, 20,000-square-foot packaging hall, a “brewtique,” and an impressive indoor/outdoor top-floor taproom. This expansion not only enhanced the brewery’s production capabilities but also created an immersive experience for visitors to enjoy.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bevana Partners to bring Green Man Brewery’s exceptional brews to a wider audience,” said Dennis Thies, Owner of Green Man Brewery. “Our commitment to quality and innovation has been the driving force behind Green Man’s success, and we are excited to share our passion for craft beer with enthusiasts across the United States through this partnership.”
Green Man Brewery’s rich brewing heritage and dedication to quality align perfectly with Bevana Partners’ mission to connect consumers with the finest craft beverages. Through Bevana Partners’ online platform, beer lovers nationwide now have access to Green Man Brewery’s renowned ales and lagers.
“We believe that Green Man Brewery’s offerings will resonate with craft beer enthusiasts across the country,” said Andrew Durstewitz, CEO and Founder of Bevana Partners. “Dennis Thies and his team have built an incredible legacy, and we are honored to collaborate with them in bringing their exceptional brews to the forefront of the craft beer market.”
Unrefined Brewing goes with Sunshine State Distributing for Florida distro
Tarpon Springs-based Unrefined Brewing and Sunshine State Distributing recently announced a partnership for the distribution of Unrefined Brewing’s award-winning portfolio across the state of Florida. The initial product launch will be in early March with multiple brands, including Mexican Candy, Unrefined Brewing’s flagship California Common with jalapenos and strawberries.
“Sunshine State Distributing is proud to partner with Unrefined Brewing to bring their brews to customers around their hometown of Tarpon Springs and throughout Florida. As makers of great stouts, sours, IPAs, and their flagship brew Mexican Candy [a California Common ale brewed with jalapeno peppers], they have something for every person and palate,” said Chris Larue, President of Sunshine State Distributing
The initial brand rollout will focus on Mexican Candy along with its American IPA Did You Wanna Borrow My Pajamas? and Frank Dancey’s Beach Country Blonde, brewed in collaboration with Tampa singer/songwriter Frank Dancey. Unrefined Brewing will also make available some of its smaller batch seasonals, barrel-aged beers, stouts and freshly fruited sours.
“Unrefined Brewing is absolutely thrilled that Sunshine State Distributing sees the potential UB has to offer and that they are eager to partner with us, helping us share our craft beer brands with the greater Florida market,” said Tommy Scott, Owner of Unrefined Brewing.
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