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!
Yuengling continues Midwest expansion distribution into Illinois
Yuengling just announced the continuation of its Midwest expansion with distribution of its portfolio of beers into Illinois in early 2025. Fans across Illinois will be able to experience the brand’s flagship brews — Yuengling Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Golden Pilsner, Black and Tan and Flight by Yuengling in the coming months.
“For years we have seen an overwhelming desire for our portfolio from our most loyal fans in Illinois that have been eagerly awaiting the brand’s arrival,” said Wendy Yuengling, chief administrative officer and sixth generation family member of D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. “We are incredibly proud to announce our expansion into a great beer market such as Illinois in the new year and, as the oldest brewery in America, we look forward to upholding our commitment of delivering high quality beer drinking experiences across the entire state.”
Yuengling’s iconic portfolio will first be available on draft in Illinois at the end of January with more distribution and packaging rolling out in the weeks following. With this launch, fans of legal drinking age will be able to purchase Yuengling beers at their favorite restaurants, bars and stores across the state.
“With the success of our newest expansion into Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma in 2023, we knew there was more work to be done in the Midwest region,” said Colin Callahan, general manager, The Yuengling Co. “We look forward to continuing our work alongside our skilled partners to bring Illinois residents the rich tradition and quality that the oldest brewery in America is known for.”
Fans in Illinois can expect more details on Yuengling’s newest expansion and updates on special events and activations across the state in the coming months. To keep up to date, fans are encouraged to follow the Yuengling Facebook page, follow Yuengling on X and Instagram or visit www.Yuengling.com.
Lady Justice Brewing partners with Culture Beverage for Colorado sales
Lady Justice Brewing, which promotes itself as one of the world’s only woman-owned, queer-owned and brewer-owned breweries, has signed a partnership with Colorado’s Culture Beverage as it new distribution partner. Culture Beverage represents some of the country’s most renowned and sought after breweries, distilleries and meaderies, and its team is dedicated to helping its customers and all Coloradans learn more about fermentation and drinking cultures from around the world. This is a perfect fit alongside Lady Justice Brewing and their mission to brew great beer for a better world as a community-focused brewery dedicating time, space, and money to nonprofits and community partners that support and empower women, girls, and nonbinary people in the state of Colorado.
“We are so excited to grow Lady Justice’s exposure across Colorado. This is a big step for us, and we’re thrilled to partner with Culture Beverage to get more great beer for a better world into the hands of people across the state,” shares Betsy Lay, cofounder and owner of Lady Justice Brewing.
“We have been longtime fans of Lady Justice, so this is a dream come true for us to represent such wonderful people and beer,” said Co-Owner and General Manager Xandy Bustamante, “Our team can’t wait to get their delicious beers into the hands of more Coloradans and to help Lady Justice grow.”
For those seeking to carry Lady Justice Brewing in its bar, taproom, restaurant, liquor store or other business, contact Culture Beverage at 720-665-1956.
The Lady Justice Brewing Co. was dreamed up by Betsy Lay, Kate Power, and Jen Cuesta during their 2010 service in AmeriCorps — asking the question “why can’t we brew beer and give back to our community?” What began as a small operation on a custom-built homebrew system in a tiny storage space has grown into a flourishing taproom and movement. Today, Lady Justice Brewing is owned by Lay and her wife, Alison Wisneski. It functions as a community-focused brewery dedicating time, space, and money to nonprofits and community partners that support and empower women, girls, and nonbinary people in the state of Colorado.
Go Brewing’s non-alcoholic beers can be found at Wegmans Food Markets
Go Brewing, a fast-growing non-alcoholic (NA) beer brand, just announced a partnership with Wegmans Food Markets. Starting in November, Wegmans’ customers across the East Coast will be able to enjoy Go Brewing’s non-alcoholic beers, including Sunshine State Tropical IPA, Sunbeam Pils, New School Berry Sour, The Story Double IPA and Freedom West Coast Pale.
The rollout includes Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Virginia and North Carolina.
Go Brewing outpacing non-alcoholic beer category growth
Go Brewing, one of only a handful of breweries across the entire country with a dedicated NA facility to produce its own beers, is experiencing explosive growth in the non-alcoholic beer market growing at an incredible 404 percent year-over-year, outpacing the already booming non-alcoholic segment. Non-Alcoholic beer has grown 31 percent, year-to-date, in total U.S. grocery sales, according to Nielsen. Wegmans has seen substantial growth in its non-alcoholic category, reflecting a strong consumer shift toward healthier, alcohol-free alternatives.
Rising demand for health-conscious choices
The partnership between Go Brewing and Wegmans highlights the growing consumer demand for healthier, “better-for-you” products, as well as the rise of the sober-curious movement. Go Brewing’s flavorful, non-alcoholic beers provide a balanced alternative for consumers who enjoy craft beer but are looking for a healthier lifestyle option.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Wegmans and bring our non-alcoholic beers to their shelves,” said Joe Chura, Founder of Go Brewing. “Wegmans has a strong reputation for innovation and quality, making this an ideal partnership for us as one of the fastest-growing breweries in the country. This collaboration allows us to connect with more customers who are looking for premium, healthier beer options.”
Allagash expands distribution to Minnesota
Award-winning Allagash Brewing Co. is continuing to expand its distribution in the Midwest. The Maine-based brewery announced in early November that it will begin to offer its beer in Minnesota starting in early November.
“While our home Northeast market continues to be critical for us, our team is looking forward to further strengthening Allagash’s ties in the Midwest,” said Josh Fruchtman, Sales Director, Allagash. “With our recent expansion in Wisconsin and Illinois over the past few years, coupled with Minnesota’s rich brewing history, we’re continuing our push to thoughtfully open in more Midwestern territories with plenty of potential.”
Allagash is partnering with Clear River Beverage Co. to distribute in the 15 counties surrounding Minneapolis and St. Paul — a territory that’s two-thirds of the total population of the state. Offerings will be anchored by the brand’s flagship beer, Allagash White (retailed as four-packs of 16-oz cans, six-packs and 12-packs of 12-oz cans, 19.2-oz single cans and kegs), which recently cemented its status as the most awarded wheat beer in the world with a gold medal at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival.
Joining the celebrated Allagash White in Minnesota is the rest of the brewery’s core portfolio: Tripel (six-pack 12-oz bottles) and Curieux (four-pack 12-oz bottles), as well as their seasonal House Series (six-pack and 12-pack cans) that includes Ski House, Surf House and Haunted House.
“Clear River Beverage was founded with the mission of introducing and representing the highest quality beer, cider and beverage companies to Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the surrounding area. So, it gives me great pleasure to be able to continue with our established mission in introducing one of the most respected and awarded breweries in the world, Portland Maine’s Allagash Brewing Co. to Minnesota,” said Bill Huth, President & GM, Clear River Beverage.
For more information on Allagash Brewing Co. and where to find their beer, visit www.allagash.com.
Dust Bowl Brewing partners with Matagrano for Northern California distro
Dust Bowl Brewing Co. recently signed a distribution agreement with Matagrano Inc., the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading craft beer wholesaler. Effective November 1, 2024, Matagrano will represent Dust Bowl Brewing Co. in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara. Matagrano is headquartered in Hayward, California, about two hours west of Dust Bowl Brewing Co., which is located in the Central Valley community of Turlock, California. Matagrano’s portfolio includes some of the nation’s leading beer brands, craft beer, imports and many non- alcoholic beverages.
“We are pleased to partner with such a successful locally owned distributor,” shared Marc Jalbert, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing for Dust Bowl Brewing Co. “Matagano’s business is 100% focused on building relationships and utilizing their local expertise to sell and service licensed accounts in these three counties. Their company has over 50 valuable years of experience in the Bay Area, which will be a tremendous asset to Dust Bowl. As two family-owned and operated businesses, we have a mutual passion for teamwork, building relationships and empowering our teams to thrive in the beer industry.”
“We believe the timing is ideal for our businesses to start working together,” commented Matt Matagrano, president of Matagrano Inc. “We’ve watched the Dust Bowl brand steadily grow over the years and believe our team is poised to increase sales in these opportune counties. Dust Bowl is known for its excellent beers, branding and breadth of portfolio. The brewery is also nicely positioned for growth, which is always essential when you bring on a new brand.”
Dust Bowl Brewing was established in 2009 and began distributing beer to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2015. The company offers an extensive portfolio of packaged year-round beers, specialty releases and draft options. Based on the national Brewers Association annual reports, Dust Bowl Brewing ranks among the top two percent of craft breweries in both California and across the United States. Producing 21,484 barrels in 2023, Dust Bowl Brewing is positioned as the 17th largest craft brewery among 767 fellow craft brewers in California and 119th out of 7,583 in the United States.
Wise Man Brewing announces Raleigh distribution agreement with RH Barringer Distributing
Wise Man Brewing, a high quality North Carolina craft brewery, recently announced a new distribution agreement with Greensboro-based RH Barringer Distributing (RHB). Beginning December 2024, RHB will distribute Wise Man products in RHB’s Raleigh territory, which covers Wake, Lee, Harnett and Johnston Counties and a portion of Chatham County.
Founded in 1933, family-owned RHB is the largest craft beer distributor in North Carolina. With this new agreement, Wise Man will have access to RHB’s deep distribution experience and extensive network in the Raleigh area.
“RHB brings almost a century of successful distribution to Wise Man, and they will supercharge our brand in one of the hottest markets in the country,” said Sam Victory, Wise Man’s co-owner and brewmaster. “Also, as a family-owned business ourselves, we feel our cultures align perfectly. Like us, RHB cares deeply about providing the best possible service and products to its customers.”
Wise Man was founded in 2014, when Victory, a Ph.D. chemist by day and award-winning homebrewer by night, teamed with two friends (a finance guy and a lawyer) to turn a vacant warehouse in Winston-Salem into an award-winning brewery and taproom. Ever since Wise Man opened its doors in January 2017, it has generated positive buzz for its friendly taproom and outdoor space, community involvement, high quality products, and the diversity of its beers (over 380 unique beers and counting). Wise Man has since expanded into ciders, seltzers, wines, meads, coffee and non-alcoholic beverages.
“We’ve been big fans of Wise Man since they opened in 2017, and we’ve watched in admiration as they’ve built an amazing brand known for an astounding variety of consistently high quality beers,” said Eric Monsees, RHB’s general manager, craft division. “Just as importantly, this all started with our teams forming a long-term relationship and recognizing that our cultures mirrored one other. A deal seemed almost inevitable, and we are thrilled to partner with a brand that brings a definite ‘cool factor’ to our portfolio.”
Wise Man will continue to self-distribute in other regions of North Carolina, including its home base in the North Carolina Triad.
Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer gets Oklahoma distribution
Real American Beer, cofounded by WWE legend Hulk Hogan, is now officially available across Oklahoma, adding a new chapter to the brand’s expansion across the United states in just six months. Real American Beer has become a fast-growing light beer, already securing a spot among the top 10 best-selling 12-packs in its category.
At just 110 calories and 4g of carbs, it’s light enough to enjoy any time, but bold enough to live up to its name. Made with four simple ingredients — malt, hops, yeast and water — it delivers quality and refreshment in every sip.
“Oklahoma has a special place in my heart,” said Hulk Hogan. “Real American Beer is all about celebrating American pride and the community spirit that makes this country great. There’s no better place to bring this crushable light beer than the Sooner State, where grit, family, and hard work run deep.”
Real American Beer is available in major Oklahoma retailers, including Harps, Homeland, Maverik (Kum & Go), QuikTrip, Reasors and more, with plans for further expansion in the coming weeks.
“We’re excited to bring in and partner with Hulk Hogan and his Real American Beer in Oklahoma,” said Tommy Yardy, food and beverage director at River Spirit Casino. “We believe this is going to be a great product for our consumers and can’t wait to start selling it.”
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