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!
21st Amendment heads to Missouri via Major Brands
21st Amendment Brewery recently announced its portfolio of premium craft beers will now be available in the great state of Missouri through Major Brands, the largest Missouri-based and operated distributor of premium spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Major Brands will begin distributing the iconic San Francisco brewery’s beers and hard seltzers to retail stores, restaurants, and bars on April 19, 2021. 21st Amendment Brewery is the 29th largest craft brewery in America and currently available in 33 states plus Washington DC. Major Brands will enhance the regional retail presence and draft availability in key markets in Missouri, including St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Jefferson City, among others.
“We’re super excited about launching Missouri with Major Brands,” says Nico Freccia, Co-Founder/COO of 21st Amendment Brewery. “Major Brands is an incredible partner and we can’t wait to work with them and bring a little California sunshine to Missouri. I am drooling thinking about the pairing of Blood Orange Brew Free! or Die IPA with a plate of Kansas City burnt ends.”
Missouri is the heart of the Midwest with its dedication to world-class Kansas City BBQ and keeping the jazz tradition alive and well at the national treasure that is the American Jazz Museum. From the Gateway Arch reaching over 600 feet high to Kansas City Chiefs and Cardinals games to blues musicians performing in the Soulard District, St. Louis is a destination burgeoning with rich culture. 21st Amendment Brewery is thrilled to introduce its beers to so many great Missouri cities.
“It is a pleasure to welcome 21st Amendment Brewery to Major Brands,” said Sue McCollum, CEO of Major Brands. “We bring a depth of knowledge of the Missouri market and an unrivaled emphasis on relationships that sets us apart in the industry. We look forward to 21st Amendment joining our rich portfolio of leading craft beer suppliers for the benefit of customers statewide.”
Masterminds of beloved fruit beers (Hell or High Watermelon Wheat, Brew Free! Or Die Blood Orange IPA), 21st Amendment welcomes 2021 with limitless innovation and discovery for its community of rabid beer fans. 21st Amendment goes big for its Anniversary year with an array of new releases: SOMA Hard Seltzer (March 2021); Moon Boots IPA in partnership with the Pink Boots Society (April 2021); Brew Free! Or Die Tropical IPA (June 2021); Tasty Double Hazy (June 2021); 21st Amendment Anniversary IPA (July 2021); 21st Amendment Hoppy Pilsner (September 2021); and new seasonal flavors of Mango and Pomegranate in the Hell or High line.
“It’s been a wow moment this year. To think that 21 years ago we were a small brewpub just starting out on 2nd Street in the San Francisco SOMA neighborhood, where I was brewing and Nico was running the front of the house to today as we continue to reach out to craft beer fans across the country,” says Shaun O’Sullivan, Co-Founder and Brewmaster at 21st Amendment Brewery. “Both Nico and I have been fortunate to head out to Missouri, attending festivals and serving our beers in the great state of Missouri which has a fantastic beer culture and community. To finally have our beers available in the state, is quite wonderful. See you soon!”
NA beer maker Partake Brewing launches second big distro expansion
Category leader in the non-alcoholic beer space, Partake Brewing, just today its second major expansion plan to further its U.S. footprint. The North American low-calorie, low-carbohydrate craft non-alcoholic beer launched in the U.S. in December 2020. Due to high demand following Partake’s entrance into the American market, Partake craft beer is now available in Southern California, Colorado, Connecticut, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and nationally online.
Partake’s expansion is supported by its highly valued distribution partners, including Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Classic Beverage Company, Breakthru Beverage Group, Imperial Beverage, Penn Beer, Resort Beverage, Ambiente Beverage, Dynamo Distributing, and the portfolio under Sheehan Family Companies — Craft Connecticut, Craft New Hampshire, Hunterdon Brewing Company, and Legends Distributing.
“This is a thrilling time for Partake Brewing and we are proud to work with both our retail and distribution partners to redefine the non-alcoholic category and continue to deliver on our market position as a leading North American non-alcoholic craft beer,” said Ted Fleming, Partake Brewing Founder and CEO. “After an accelerated year of sales growth, the addition of these important U.S. markets provides us with an opportunity to meet the consumer’s growing interest and demand for non-alcoholic offerings while providing an unparalleled drinking experience.”
Partake is available in more than 5,000 retail locations and can be found in Total Wine, Whole Foods Pacific Northwest, Wegmans, BevMo!, Ralphs, Vons, and Pavilions.
“Partake Brewing is a trusted partner and we are excited to offer their range of great tasting, low calorie craft beer to meet the ever changing needs of our customers,” said Nick Funchion, President and Chief Operating Officer of Penn Beer. “We’re seeing many consumers opting to make healthier choices and seeking a non-alcoholic beer option to complement their current alcohol consumption habits.”
Last December, Partake announced its first foray into the U.S. market with distribution in Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington. Today’s announcement also comes on the heels of the brand’s recent $4 million Series A funding round led by CircleUp Growth Partners.
Partake was established in 2017 to offer people a variety of great-tasting, non-alcoholic craft beers suitable for any occasion or location. Beer inspired by enjoying the moment, not the alcohol. Partake was founded by Fleming after a diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease led him to give up alcohol. To maintain the social connection and interaction that comes from socially drinking Fleming turned to non-alcoholic beer. However, he found that variety and taste were often missing from the NAB offerings available. This ultimately inspired him to brew his own, giving consumers a variety of great-tasting, non-alcoholic craft beers suitable for any occasion or location.
Partake currently offers PALE, IPA, BLONDE, RED, DARK and limited seasonal editions. Consumers consistently seek out Partake for its exceptional taste, unmatched calorie count (10-30 calories per can), vegan all-natural ingredients and brewing process.
As a recipient of numerous international awards for high-quality product and innovation, including a Gold Medal at the World Beer Awards for Best Non-Alcoholic Beer, Partake is a leader in the North American non-alcoholic craft beer industry.
Iowa’s Toppling Goliath is now being sold in Arizona and Texas
Craft beer enthusiasts have come from all around the globe to experience the award-winning, barrel-aged stouts and IPAs created by Iowa’s largest craft brewery. Although the trip to Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. in rural Iowa has helped cultivate the brand affinity shared by legions of fans, many beer connoisseurs are now able to develop their love for Toppling Goliath closer to home.
The company recently announced that Texas and Arizona have joined the ever-growing list of states where customers can grab a TG brew just down the street.
“With the addition of Texas and Arizona, our distribution roster now includes 30 states across the country. Our flagship brands are en route along with many of our seasonal brews, plus we have some really exciting new brand launches happening this year,” said Clark Lewey, owner of Toppling Goliath.
Through the distribution partnership with Ben E. Keith in Texas, Toppling Goliath will have state-wide availability this spring.
“Toppling Goliath has done an extraordinary job brewing a great portfolio and we are delighted to be selected as their distributor in Texas. With both companies’ commitment to quality and service, it is a natural fit for a successful partnership,” said Kevin Nettleton, general manager, Specialty Division, Ben E. Keith.
By partnering with Scout Distributing, which just announced its move into Arizona, customers will be able to enjoy some of Iowa’s most beloved beer in the Grand Canyon State.
“I am extremely excited to have Toppling Goliath as part of our portfolio in Arizona. From the beginning, they have shown true partnership with Scout Distributing. We have already heard from many customers wanting to stock their beers and anticipate many more partnering with our friends from Iowa,” said Bryan Paul, VP/GM Scout AZ.
Marble Brewery launches distribution in Colorado
Marble Brewery recently announced its partnership with Eagle Rock Distributing Co. of Colorado and the market launch of four unabashedly bold beer styles, Marble Cerveza, Desert Fog, Double White, and Double White Triple Berry. These Marble beers will be available at retailers, bars and restaurants in the Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo area markets beginning March 25, 2021. Marble’s cutting-edge seasonal releases will follow shortly behind the release of Marble’s classic year-round styles.
“As a prominent Southwestern brewery, we are very fortunate to have many enthusiastic fans across the region and we’re always thrilled by the opportunity to gain new fans through the expansion of our distribution footprint,” said Nathaniel Tarantino, VP-director of sales and finance at Marble Brewery. “Coloradoans have been calling for the return of Marble beer for many years now and we are so excited to answer the call with the help of our friends at Eagle Rock Distributing Company.”
“As we continue to grow our craft portfolio, we are excited to partner with credible breweries like Marble. Our team is looking forward to getting out in the market and expanding this great brand amongst the state of Colorado,” said Michael J. Economos, president, Eagle Rock Distributing Co. of Colorado
Crisp and toasty, Cerveza is Marble’s unabashedly crushable take on a Mexican-style lager. Enjoy with pool parties, tacos, ceviche, and sun-soaked afternoons.
With a hazy glow resembling the beautiful accumulation of early morning fog kissed by the orange juice-hued Southwestern desert sunrise, Desert Fog, smells of pineapple-grapefruit juice perfume. This Hazy IPA is Marble’s fastest growing brand and the best-selling Hazy IPA in New Mexico. Pairs well with spicy Thai curry and mind-bending adventures.
Marble’s flagship beer, Double White, a 2014 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal winner, is a delicate and dry, pale, and hazy Belgian-inspired wheat ale accented with coriander and orange peel. Double White goes great with grilled fish, soft ripened cheeses, and dancing on the patio.
Double White Triple Berry takes Marble’s award-winning Double White and infuses it with boysenberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Enjoy with parmesan encrusted tuna, summer salads, and live music.
Third Space Brewing to expand distribution statewide in Wisconsin in April
Despite disruptions associated with the pandemic, Third Space Brewing increased sales of its popular craft beers more than 23 percent in 2020 to 10,695 barrels — without setting foot in a large portion of Wisconsin. In 2021, the growing craft brewery will expand its distribution territory to include the remainder of Wisconsin, with expectations of selling over 14,000 barrels statewide. The territory expansion will bring Third Space Brewing to cities such as La Crosse, Eau Claire, Hudson, Superior, Steven’s Point, Wausau, Minocqua, and many others.
Since opening in September 2016, the Milwaukee-based craft brewery has grown its distribution footprint and its sales every year.
“We have taken an organic approach to our growth, ensuring we can first meet the demand for our products in existing markets while allowing demand to sufficiently build in new territories before expanding further,” reported Third Space Brewing Cofounder and President, Andy Gehl.
In 2018, Third Space Brewing was named one of the 50 Fastest Growing Craft Breweries in the United States by the Brewers Association, at the time selling 5,300 barrels of beer in just Southeastern Wisconsin. The brewery grew to 8,700 barrels in 2019 and then again in 2020 (to 10,695) despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Starting in April 2021, Third Space will expand its partnerships with three Wisconsin wholesalers to take its popular beers statewide. Third Space will work with Dean Distributing across Northern Wisconsin, General Beer in parts of Central Wisconsin and Beechwood Sales & Service in Western, Northwestern, and portions of Central Wisconsin.
All three wholesalers are looking forward to bringing the Third Space brand statewide:
According to Benjamin Minkoff, Craft Beer Director for General Beverage, “over the last several years, we have recognized Third Space as one of the most exciting, innovative and growing craft brewers in the Wisconsin area. In 2020, we began distributing Third Space in the Northeast Wisconsin region and have seen outstanding initial success and adoption by beer drinkers in the area. We are thrilled by the opportunity to expand our distribution and continue to represent such a strong brand.”
That same excitement was echoed by Beechwood Sales and Service Statewide Craft Sales Manager, Cliff Kaplan: “I can’t deny the excitement that both myself and our team felt with the news of an opportunity to expand our reach with this amazing brand. In just a few short years I have personally witnessed the rapid and meteoric growth of Third Space amidst a highly charged and competitive craft beer landscape. The success we have collectively enjoyed is a tribute to their exceptional brewing, marketing, and a genuine understanding of our contemporary craft culture.
Ken Eggen, President of Dean Distributing, added: “Dean Distributing is very excited about the expansion of Third Space Brewing into its northern territory. Despite last year’s pandemic, Dean Distributing had tremendous success selling Happy Place, their flagship brand, along with other Third Space beers, in the Green Bay area. With this expansion, we will be able to offer the Third Space craft beers to a much larger consumer base, so more people can find their Happy Place.
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To meet the needs of the new markets and continued growth in demand, Third Space Brewing has installed two new 90-barrel fermentation tanks in 2021. In recent years, Third Space has also invested heavily in upgrading its quality program, hiring a full time Quality Manager, and commissioning a new canning line and centrifuge. Third Space Brewing has grown its team to a total of 35, including 19 full time employees.
“Expansion is about more than just brewing and selling more barrels of beer each year,” added Cofounder and Brewmaster, Kevin Wright. “We are also growing internally as a business, becoming more efficient, and making sure we are taking care of our growing staff who make this production brewery and tap room function at a high level.”
The new territory expansion will launch on April 5, 2021, anchored by Third Space Brewing’s year-round favorites like Happy Place, Upward Spiral IPA, Light It Up Craft Lager, and Unite the Clans Scottish Ale. The new territories will also see distribution of Third Space Brewing’s new year-round Heavenly Haze and its popular year-round, Frog Weiss Fruited Sour, along with various new and returning seasonal and special releases.
Nebraska’s Zipline Brewing will be sold in Nashville this April
Zipline Brewing Co. recently announce it will commence distribution in the greater Nashville metro on April 1. Zipline will work with Bounty Beverage to deliver limited releases of select products tailored to the tastes of the Volunteer State.
“It’s a great match for us,” said Tom Wilmoth, one of Zipline’s founders, when discussing the Nashville market. “It’s a highly mature craft market with great local breweries, an appreciation for variety, eagerness to explore new things, and room to grow in a post-Covid world.”
As for Zipline’s alignment with Bounty, “We share a common vision with the Bounty Team on how to serve the market by focusing on premium, innovative brands while also getting our easy drinking portfolio into circulation,” Wilmoth said. “We’re very much looking forward to sharing a few pints with Nashville craft fans.”
Toppling Goliath Brewing Company says
@21stAmendment @MajorBrandsMO @thirdspacebrews @DrinkPartake @BeneKeith_Bevs @ZiplineBrewing… https://t.co/mJLdaJZBHo