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!
Great Lakes Brewing expands into Massachusetts and Rhode Island with Atlantic Beverage
Cleveland’s favorite Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) just announced a big new distribution dealio — expansion into Massachusetts and Rhode Island with Atlantic Beverage. The brewery began its market launch on July 19, in conjunction with the release of seasonal Oktoberfest in cans and draft. In addition to the fall favorite, the brewery’s entry into the market includes new 2024 brands Juicy Vibacious Double IPA and Strawberry Pineapple Wheat in cans, and Midwest IPA in cans and draft. The launch will be supported by several kickoff events and promotions.
In 2023, the brewery completed its New York state footprint by expanding into New York City. Massachusetts and Rhode Island represent the latest in GLBC’s strategically expanding East Coast footprint.
“Great Lakes has had a steady presence in Pennsylvania and New York for dozens of years, and it was high time we gave the citizens of Massachusetts the chance to drink Great Lakes,” said Chris Brown, GLBC interim co-CEO. “For many years entering new markets was stifled by brewing capacity limitations from August to December. My counterpart interim co-CEO Steven Pauwels has been able to upgrade and streamline our brewing processes in an aging facility, allowing us the opportunity to add a few more select states. Wegman’s was also a driving force so we could complete their footprint to be able to program across their network.”
The brewery has partnered with Holliston-based Atlantic Beverage.
“Our sales leadership did a deep dive and multiple surveys in the market and Atlantic Beverage consistently had the highest ratings for execution and customer service, along with a thoughtful launch plan on bringing Great Lakes to Massachusetts and Rhode Island that aligned with our expectations. The beer business is still a relationship business and Atlantic exudes that attitude. The Atlantic team is a group we’d love to have a beer with after a great day selling Great Lakes in the market,” said Brown.
Customers can expect to find GLBC’s Oktoberfest, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, Midwest IPA, Juicy Vibacious Double IPA, and Strawberry Pineapple Wheat.
NA brand RationAle Brewing launches in nearly 200 Sprouts stores
RationAle Brewing, the trailblazing non-alcoholic craft beer brand, is solidifying its dominance in the category with a game-changing investment round, a powerhouse leadership hire and a widespread market expansion into strategic cities across the country. Perhaps you heard that RationAle Brewing has just successfully closed a seed investment round led by Bochi Investments and a group of premier investors, dramatically exceeding expectations in both investor interest and capital raised. It’s also expanded its distribution footprint.
With the growth of its team and resources comes further retail expansion, including the launch of its Mexican Cerveza, which has shown exceptional performance in testing across California, Arizona, and Nevada, in nearly 200 Sprouts stores in June.
“We put all bets on our Mexican Cerveza as it is the most approachable beer style for new consumers entering our portfolio alongside growth trends of full ABV Mexican style lagers. Our testing in key markets has been very promising and we’re eager to see how our products perform in these new Sprouts locations,” said Wendy Pickett.
According to recent polling, 41% of Americans are actively trying to moderate their alcohol consumption in 2024, a 7% increase from 2023. Meanwhile, 58% of consumers say that low- and non-alcoholic beer is a good alternative for anyone looking to moderate their alcohol consumption long-term.
RationAle is the trailblazing non-alcoholic craft brew that’s here to crush society’s drinking rules. In 2021, Co-Founders Jamie Fay and Wendy Pickett set out to craft an NA beer that didn’t play by the rules. The result: Crisp, bold, and totally crushable brews without the booze. RationAle’s 12-oz cans (at $13.99/six-pack) — in Hazy IPA, Mexican Cerveza and West Coast IPA — are available online, shipping nationwide, in addition to retail and on-premise locations throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington.
Merica Beer partners with Tri-City Distributors for Texas distro
Merica Beer, a new beer known for its patriotic branding, recently announced a new distribution agreement with Tri-City Distributors based in New Braunfels, Texas. This partnership will allow Merica Beer to expand its reach and bring its American-made beers to more consumers in the Lone Star State.
Tri-City Distributors is family owned and operated with over 30 years of experience in the beverage industry. The company has a strong presence in the Texas market and a reputation for providing exceptional service to their customers. With this new partnership, Merica Beer will have access to Tri-City’s extensive distribution network. Tri-City is the number one beer distributor for Comal, Gonzales and Guadalupe Counties in Central Texas.
“We are thrilled to partner with Tri-City Distributors to bring our beers to more people in Texas,” said Derek Sisson, CEO of Merica Beer. “Their commitment to quality and customer service aligns perfectly with our values at Merica Beer. We are confident that this partnership will help us reach new customers and continue to grow our brand in the Lone Star State.”
Merica Beer is veteran owned and takes pride in using only the finest ingredients and traditional brewing techniques to create their American Pilsner beers. With the new distribution agreement, Merica Beer will be able to offer its products to more retailers, bars, and restaurants in Texas.
The partnership between Merica Beer and Tri-City Distributors is a testament to the growing demand for quality, affordable beer in Texas. Both companies are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring and look forward to providing Texans with a taste of Merica in every sip.
Rupee Beer becomes the first Indian beer sold at Major League Baseball park
Rupee Beer, an Indian-inspired beer brand, will make inroads for a second year at Major League American Sports with its multi-award winning Basmati Rice Lager, India Pale Ale and Mango Wheat Ale being sold at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, home of the nine time MLB World Series champions, the Boston Red Sox.
Inspired by India, Rupee is proudly brewed locally in Boston just a few miles away from the Fenway stadium. Part of the Red Sox India Day and Indian Association of Greater Boston celebrations, Rupee alongside an assortment of Indian food, Red Sox India day baseball jerseys and pre-game festivities will be made available during the game for fans to enjoy.
Brothers Van and Sumit Sharma, alumni of both Boston and Northeastern University, always found it frustrating Indian beer was hard to source in the early ’90s in Maine where their family immigrated to after living between Kenya, India, England and Germany. Both grew up the sons of Indian restauranteurs which their family has been in for over half a century.
Rupee Beer is available at select national chains such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Total Wine & More, Costco, World Market and thousands of Indian, international restaurants and local package stores across 14 states and online direct to consumer across 45 U.S. states.
Dogfish Head expands distribution of its spirits-based RTD cocktails to Pennsylvania
Dogfish Head’s award-winning, spirits-based, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails are now available in Pennsylvania. Drinkers across the Keystone State be on the lookout for Dogfish Head’s Bar Cart Vodka Mix Pack at your favorite state liquor store.
“We are super excited to be sharing our spirits-based RTD cocktails with our neighbors in the great state of Pennsylvania. It’s been a long time coming, and we can’t wait to start building long-lasting relationships with the area’s cocktail drinkers,” said Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head founder and brewer. “There’s really nothing better, especially as the weather warms, than one of our refreshing, easy-to- drink [and easy to make — no shaker required!] cocktails, and now, Dogfish fans in Pennsylvania will get to experience just that!”
Harnessing the brand’s 20+ years of distilling expertise, Dogfish Head’s RTD cocktails feature real spirits alongside thoughtfully crafted duos of real fruit juices for deliciously distinct flavor experiences. With options for every cocktail drinker to enjoy, Dogfish Head’s Bar Cart Vodka Mix Pack is an 8 pack, 12-oz can variety pack featuring four different vodka-based recipes. The brand’s best-selling canned cocktail package, the Bar Cart Vodka Mix Pack contains two cans of each of the following cocktails.
- Strawberry Honeyberry Vodka Lemonade (7.0% ABV): Dogfish Head vodka mixed with juice from real lemons and strawberries, complemented by the subtly sweet and juicy notes of honeyberries for light, vibrant flavor.
- Passion Fruit Citrus Vodka Mule (7.0% ABV): Dogfish Head vodka combined with real fruit juice from passion fruit and limes, and classic ginger beer ingredients. The result? A zesty, fruit-forward concoction with a subtle ginger kick.
- Blood Orange Mango Vodka Crush (7.0% ABV): Dogfish Head vodka mixed with real blood orange and mango juices for an easy-to-drink, citrus-forward libation.
- Grapefruit Pomegranate Vodka Crush (7.0% ABV): Dogfish Head vodka blended with real grapefruit juice and topped with real pomegranate juice for a refreshing, crushable cocktail.
With quality, creativity and non-conformity at its core, Dogfish Head has been committed to brewing unique beers with high-caliber culinary ingredients since the day it opened nearly 30 years ago. In 2002, Dogfish Head entered the distilling space, applying the same creative philosophy and care to its full-proof spirits as it had to its beers. Since then, the brand has developed an award-winning portfolio of whiskeys, gins, vodkas, rums, cordials, brandies, and of course, RTD cocktails.
For more information about Dogfish Head and its products, please visit www.dogfish.com.
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