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 beer distribution news. Enjoy!
Blake’s Beverage Co. is going to Japan
After a year of rapid domestic growth, Blake’s Beverage Co., the recently launched national collaboration of three cider brands — Blake’s Hard Cider, Austin Eastciders, and AVID Cider Co. — is expanding even further. A new opportunity in Japan marks the first international distribution for Blake’s Beverage Co., which is currently the largest independent cider company in the United States. Plus, Alaskan distribution of Avid Cider Co. will mark the 39th state for distribution across the collective.
Blake’s Hard Cider, currently ranked the #5 cidery in the United States, will send American Apple Imperial Hard Cider (8% ABV) and its flagship cider, Triple Jam (6.5% ABV), the #9 top-selling cider in the U.S. Avid Cider Co.’s Blackberry (6.2% ABV), Dragon Fruit (6.0% ABV), Royal Apricot Imperial (8.5% ABV) and Blueberry POM Imperial (8.5% ABV) will also hit shelves in Japan in late 2024.
The move for Avid represents a special relationship between Oregon and Japan across the Pacific. Oregon is Japan’s fifth-largest export market, and Portland has been a sister city to Sapporo, Japan, since 1959.
“Bringing our favorite flavors to Japan is an exciting opportunity to share our American-made cider with the world,” said Samantha Roberts, co-founder of Avid Cider Co. “There are beverage lovers in Japan who celebrate American-made cider and we can’t wait for them to taste the uniqueness of Avid and Blake’s later this year.”
Finn Leahy, Avid Cider Co. Brand Manager, visited Japan earlier this year with the Northwest Cider Association. The trip was sponsored by The Oregon Department of Agriculture with the goal of supporting Oregon cider makers’ exploration of the Japanese market. The 10-day outbound mission was organized in conjunction with the people’s choice cider competition, Japan Cider Cup, and coincided with the Japan Cider Cup public festival. For Leahy and the Avid team, the trip confirmed that their ciders would be a great fit for the vibrant Japanese market.
“This is a big step for Blake’s Beverage Co. as we continue to grow,” said Andrew Blake, founder and CEO of Blake’s Beverage. “The expansion further proves cider’s strength as a fourth category beverage, equally appealing to consumers worldwide as wine, beer and spirits. Cider has long been America’s drink and now we’re eager to bring our locally grown fruit flavors to cider lovers in Japan.”
Blake’s Beverage Co. is partnering with inCiderJapan, an internationally respected cider-focused importer and distributor for distribution across the country. Owned and operated by Certified Pommelier and American Cider Association Licensed Educator, Lee Reeve, who has a long history of promoting growth of the cider industry in Japan, inCiderJapan will distribute, promote and market both Blake’s Hard Cider and Avid Cider Co.
International distribution is part of Blake’s Beverage Co.’s plan to continue innovating hard cider flavors beyond the apple and secure hard cider’s position as a top beverage category.
2 Towns Ciderhouse expands to New York with DeCrescente Distributing
New York, get ready! 2 Towns Ciderhouse, known for its bold award-winning craft cider, is making a splash in Upstate New York through an exciting new distribution partnership with DeCrescente Distributing Co. The partnership gives Upstate New Yorkers an opportunity to experience the bold flavors that define the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant cider culture.
Building upon its already strong relationship distributing ready-to-drink cocktails from 2 Towns’ sister company, Craftwell Cocktails, DeCrescente has chosen to expand its portfolio with popular, premium craft ciders.
“We’re thrilled to bring 2 Towns Ciderhouse to Upstate New York,” said Russ Teplitzky, General Manager of DeCrescente Distributing. “These ciders have a boldness and quality that we know our retailers and consumers in the Capital District are going to love. We’re proud to partner with such an innovative company and bring their award-winning products to our region.”
New Yorkers can now enjoy these exciting offerings from 2 Towns Ciderhouse: Pacific Pineapple (6-packs), Outcider (19.2-oz cans), Original Cosmic Crisp (6-packs), Raspberry Cosmic Crisp (6-packs)
On-premise offerings: BrightCider and Outcider
“We’re excited to bring a taste of the Pacific Northwest to cider enthusiasts in upstate New York,” said Nels Jewell-Larsen, co-owner and Vice President of Business Development at 2 Towns Ciderhouse. “Building upon our strong partnership with DeCrescente Distributing, we’re proud to share our passion for craft cider and the rich flavors of our region with the Empire State.”
Upstate New York residents can expect to see these standout ciders on store shelves and on tap at local establishments. It’s time to discover the bold flavors that have made 2 Towns Ciderhouse the #1 independently owned craft Ciderhouse in the nation.
Gluten-Free Holidaily Brewing celebrates expansion into the Pacific Northwest
Holidaily Brewing Co., the nation’s leading female-owned and operated gluten-free brewery, recently announced its expansion in the Pacific Northwest with placement in nearly 200 Safeway locations throughout Washington state. To celebrate this milestone, Holidaily Brewing is partnering with members of the 1991 Washington Husky National Championship football team, including brothers Jay Barry and Damon Barry, to host a special event marking this significant achievement.
The celebration will feature appearances by Jay and Damon Barry, both members of the 1991 University of Washington National Championship team, along with several of their former teammates. This partnership reflects Holidaily’s strong ties to both excellence in craft brewing and the broader community, as the company continues to grow and bring high-quality, gluten-free beer to new markets.
“It’s an honor to join Holidaily Brewing in celebrating their expansion into the Pacific Northwest,” said Jay Barry. “We’re proud to support a female-owned business that’s making waves in the industry, and I’m looking forward to being part of this event with my brother Damon and our former teammates.”
“We’re incredibly excited to expand our distribution into the Pacific Northwest and to team up with such distinguished athletes for this celebration,” said Karen Hertz, founder and CEO of Holidaily Brewing Co. “Our mission has always been to provide safe, delicious, gluten-free beer to everyone who wants to enjoy it, and this expansion is a huge step in that direction. We’re thrilled to be available in Washington state, thanks to our growing partnership with Columbia Distributing and retailers like Safeway.”
Holidaily’s expansion into the Pacific Northwest will see its award-winning gluten-free beers, including customer favorites like Favorite Blonde Ale and 2024 Gold Medal Winner Fat Randy’s IPA, stocked in nearly 200 Safeway stores across Washington. This marks a significant milestone in Holidaily’s growth as the brewery continues to expand its footprint in major markets across the U.S.
Safeway’s embrace of Holidaily products reflects the growing demand for high-quality gluten-free options that appeal to both gluten-intolerant individuals and mainstream craft beer enthusiasts alike.
Celebrating with the 1991 National Championship Team
The event is being held on Friday, November 1 from 7-9 pm at Seattle’s signature sports bar Earl’s On the Ave (located at 4333 Univesity Ave NE). “Earls on the Ave opened its doors in 1989 to create a place for students, husky fans and others in the Seattle area to enjoy cheap drinks and tasty food 365 days of the year while watching sports.” (https://www.earlsontheave.com/) This event brings together two legendary teams: Holidaily Brewing, breaking barriers in the craft beer world, and the 1991 University of Washington team, known for their exceptional athletic achievements. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet these champions, enjoy live entertainment, and sample Holidaily’s popular gluten-free beers.
Nevada joins list of states now selling Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer
Real American Beer, cofounded by WWE legend Hulk Hogan, is now officially available in the state of Nevada, making it the 16th state to carry the fast-growing light beer. Launched under five months ago, Real American Beer is already ranking in the top 10 best-selling 12-packs in its category in the United States, according to the press release.
The rapid rise of Real American Beer can be attributed to its brand power and broad consumer appeal. With Hulk Hogan at the helm — an icon of American pride — combined with a commitment to quality, Real American Beer strikes a chord with fans of light beer and those who embrace American values.
Real American Beer is a premium American-style light lager, made with 100% North American ingredients. At 4.2% ABV, it’s crisp, clean, and undeniably crushable. Its rich golden hue comes from its malt, while perfectly balanced hops create a refreshing flavor that’s easy to drink and hard to forget.
“Nevada is all about excitement and entertainment, and there’s no better place to bring the energy of Real American Beer. Whether you’re on the Strip or at a local bar, this beer is made for bringing people together,” said Hulk Hogan.” I’ve spent my career uniting fans, and now I get to do it with the most crushable beer around.”
Real American Beer is already available at top Nevada retailers such as Total Wine & More and Terrible’s Casino, with distribution through Breakthru Beverage Group, as well as in several bars and restaurants on and off the Las Vegas Strip. The brand has plans to expand to even more major retailers across the state in the coming months.
“We’re approached by new alcohol brands all the time, but what stood out about Real American Beer was Hulk Hogan’s personal involvement and commitment to the brand,” said Deacon Nauslar, Vice President of Sales Beer Division, Breakthru Beverage Group — Nevada. “His passion for the brand and its values, paired with an easy-drinking beer, made us confident this is going to be a huge success in Nevada.”
An extensive and growing lineup of Real American Beer merchandise and apparel is also now available for purchase globally from its online store. For more information on Real American Beer, including the full list of launch events and where to buy, visit therealamerican.com and follow @therealamericanbeer on social media.
Rupee Beer enters the Midwest (Indiana and Ohio)
When you think of beer, you wouldn’t necessarily think of India, now the most populated country in the world. That has slowly been changing as two brothers who were born in the U.K. and grew up in Portland, Maine, embarked on a mission to make their beer brand a household name in the ethnic food and beverage category four years ago.
Named Best Beer for World Food, Rupee Beer has already been featured as one of 2024’s Top Beer Industry Trends, Top 15 People to Watch in Craft Beer, and it recently launched statewide across the state of Indiana and Ohio — the beer brands first entry into the Midwest.
Rupee is an Indian inspired-line of easy-to-drink beers made up of a Basmati Rice Lager, India Pale Ale, and a Mango Wheat Ale all crafted by a world-renowned master British-American beer legend Alan Pugsley, who has helped launch over 100 brands around the globe. Already having made a splash in the restaurant and beer segment across the east coast, Rupee’s fast growing appeal has allowed the brand to continue expansion into new markets across the United States.
Brewed with pristine quality in mind using premium basmati rice, maize, malt, and three types of unique hops, Rupee Beer dismantles the traditional beer experience by lowering levels of carbonation to allow drinkers to not feel uncomfortably full and gassy when pairing with their favorite international foods.
Joe Alfeo says
Kirby Dean
Kirby Dean says
Joe Alfeo Japan knows, and Publix FL is about to find out too!