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!
Cincinnati’s MadTree Brewing realigns distribution network for Ohio
MadTree Brewing Co. has joined a new distribution network in Ohio, after spending the past eight years with Cavalier Distribution. The new strategic agreement includes the following Ohio territory distributors: Stagnaro Distributing, Superior Beverage Group, Bonbright Distributors and NWO Beverage Co. MadTree will maintain its existing distribution partnerships in Kentucky (Beer House Distributors) and Tennessee (Ajax Turner and Lipman Brothers).
“As MadTree enters its ninth year of business, the future could not be brighter. We are excited for this partnership to amplify our growth,” said Brady Duncan, cofounder of MadTree, “All four organizations have the talent, emotional intelligence, and common drive to work together and take our businesses to new heights.”
Stagnaro Distributing is Cincinnati’s most diverse beer and non-alcoholic beverage distributor. It will play a key role in not only growing MadTree’s brand but building into its hometown as both are passionate about giving back to the community. Stagnaro gives back a minimum of 2% of their net income to local organizations and MadTree is a member of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of all sales to local nonprofits focused on sustainability.
“On behalf of our entire company, we are so proud and excited about this partnership with MadTree. MadTree and Stagnaro Distributing are two locally based companies that share a passionate commitment to our cultures, our people and our communities. Together, we live and work right here in greater Cincinnati. We are your neighbors, customers and friends,” said Mike Stagnaro, CEO of Stagnaro Distributing. “We both take tremendous pride in our long-standing commitment of partnering with local events, supporting community-based charities and organizations, and contributing to the overall economic development of our region.”
MadTree kicks off the year with the launch of a brand new, year-round beer, Tropical PsycHOPathy. With passion fruit, orange, and guava flavors, this is a tropical twist on a classic India Pale Ale. A juicy variant on the already well-established brand is available all throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Indeed Brewing partners with Hohenstein’s to distribute beer in Twin Cities
Indeed Brewing Co. recently announced its partnership with Hohenstein’s as its distribution partner in the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota. Since 2012, Indeed Brewing has self-distributed its beer in the Twin Cities area. It has grown to be one of the largest self-distributing craft breweries in the country. As Indeed approaches its 10th year of business, it is now transitioning its Twin Cities distribution to Hohenstein’s — a family-owned, independent business with a focus on craft beer.
“We are very proud of what we have built over the past 10 years. We sold and delivered more than one million cases of beer in the Twin Cities since we made our first delivery in August 2012. Each of those cases have been building blocks in the positive relationships we have with local retailers and the positive experiences consumers have come to expect when they buy Indeed beer,” says Tom Whisenand, cofounder and CEO, Indeed Brewing Co. “We’ve believed for a very long time that there would be no better distribution partner for Indeed in the Twin Cities than Hohenstein’s. This partnership will enable us to do even more for our retailers, customers, and community.”
Indeed embarks on this transition with a keen eye toward the future and innovation of its products with a renewed focus on what it hopes to do best: positively impact communities with quality beers, people, and experiences. It will retain a sales team to support its brand in the Twin Cities. Future plans include an increased capacity and quality in brewing and packaging and improved taproom spaces.
“We’re very excited about this partnership with Indeed. Their brands have been part of the fabric of the Twin Cities’s craft beer scene since they started brewing back in 2012,” says Karl Hohenstein, owner, Hohenstein’s. “We’ve been distributing beers for over 70 years now, and Indeed is the perfect fit for what we look for in a brewing partner.”
Hohenstein’s began distributing Indeed beer on January 17. It will sell Indeed beer alongside other respected craft breweries in its portfolio, including Fulton Brewing, Bell’s Brewery, and Lagunitas Brewing Co.
Florida’s Big Storm Brewing and Cape Beverage partner for New Jersey distribution
Cape Beverage Distributing recently announced the addition of Florida-based brewery Big Storm Brewing Co. to its distribution roster. This partnership will bring Big Storm from the Sunshine State to the Garden State, with Bromosa Tangerine IPA, Wavemaker Amber Ale, Tropic Pressure Golden Ale, and Vodka Soda variety pack seeing distribution throughout New Jersey beginning February 7, and Sunny Key Lime Wheat Ale coming to New Jersey later this year.
“Big Storm has been in business since 2012 and has a great reputation,” shares Cape Beverage VP of Sales Bill Dillon. “Their unwavering commitment to creating high-quality beer and to pushing boundaries in the craft brewery industry felt like a natural fit with our goal of bringing best-in-class brands to New Jersey. Given the fact a lot of people from New Jersey visit Florida, this makes them a great fit.”
Since opening in 2012, Big Storm has expanded its Florida footprint, acquiring Fat Point Brewing and Cape Coral Brewing in 2017 and Bradenton-based Darwin Brewing Co. late last year. It has four taprooms throughout the state, with a new venue opening in Ybor City.
Big Storm is committed to reducing its carbon footprint as well. In partnership with Earthly Labs, Big Storm captures carbon dioxide from the brewing and distilling process to purify and reuse to carbonate and package beer, reducing emissions and creating even better tasting beer.
“We are thrilled to launch statewide with Cape Beverage,” says Big Storm President and Partner LJ Govoni. “While we are very lucky to have outstanding relationships with distributors across the country, this partnership is uniquely special. Cape Beverage has shown they have an almost exclusive understanding of the nuanced differences that makes craft beer special and like us have service in their heart. As our company grows, we always prioritize the business culture of a prospective distributor and feel lucky to have found a team that so perfectly aligns their values with ours.”
Cape Beverage is delighted to welcome another brand to the team with a strong sense of place and an eye for innovation and quality products.
Bromosa Tangerine IPA is a 7.0% ABV strong punch of tangerine flavor followed by a dry and hoppy finish that makes it approachable for both IPA and non-IPA fans.
Wavemaker Amber Ale is Big Storm’s very first brew. At 4.9% ABV, it is malt-centric with minimal hop bitterness, making it highly drinkable year-round.
Tropic Pressure Golden Ale is another easy-drinking brew that is steeped with hibiscus flowers for just the right amount of natural sweetness and a hint of cinnamon. At 4.4% ABV, it is best served cold as hail, with a color as warm as Florida sunshine.
Sunny Key Lime Wheat Ale is 4.5% ABV, and is a shandy-style beer created with Key lime puree from the Florida Keys and a matching aroma. It features a smooth taste and subtle malt character.
Big Storm Vodka Soda Variety Pack includes their four flavors: Peach, Blackberry, Grapefruit, and Lemon-Lime, 4.5% ABV vodka-based brews made with real juice and sparkling water, which are produced through Big Storm’s Distillery arm.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 7, these brands from Big Storm will be distributed throughout New Jersey, with Sunny Key Lime Wheat Ale debuting in New Jersey later this year.
Anderson Valley Brewing announces Florida distributor partnership with Sunshine Distributing
Anderson Valley Brewing Co. (AVBC) announced its Florida distribution partnership with Sunshine Distributing. This strategic partnership with one of Florida’s premier craft focused beer distributors aims to bring new energy and focus to AVBC throughout Florida.
“Sunshine’s impressive reputation as the leading craft beer distributor in Florida made them our ideal partner as we aim to further AVBC’s long standing presence in the state,” said President and CEO Kevin McGee. “Sunshine’s commitment to long term success and brand education will have a big impact on our ability to service accounts and drive consumer awareness throughout Florida.”
Sunshine will represent AVBC’s entire portfolio of brands, including its iconic Boont Amber Ale, Barrel Series beers, Poleeko Pale Ale and Goses, making AVBC’s beers readily accessible in top on-premise and off-premise accounts.
“We are excited to work with Anderson Valley Brewing Co.,” said President of Sunshine Distributing Chris Larue. “Their top notch quality and vast portfolio ensures they have a fit for every palate. Florida residents can look for AVBC very soon at their favorite on and off-premise establishments.”
Georgia’s NA Rightside Brewing brand expands distribution with BevMo!
Atlanta-based Rightside Brewing, founded in 2021, is expanding its distribution of non-alcoholic beers through a new partnership with BevMo!, the No. 1 specialty beverage retailer on the west coast. Rightside Brewing’s American IPA and Citrus Wheat are now available in over 150 retail locations throughout California, as well as Arizona and Washington state.
“We love that we’re able to celebrate Dry January with a new market announcement,” said Emree Woods, Rightside Brewing founder. “BevMo! Is one of the largest beverage retailers in the country, and we’re excited to offer our craft non-alcoholic beers to a whole new audience of non-drinkers and drinkers alike. The NA category is growing nationally, but we know that it’s especially strong on the West Coast.”
Those interested in trying Rightside’s beers on the west coast will have 176 BevMo! stores to purchase from, in addition to buying online on BevMo!’s online store. Both American IPA and Citrus Wheat retail for $10.99 per six-pack.
American IPA: This non-alcoholic IPA has a moderate hop aroma with a tropical, fruit-filled fusion of pineapple, orange, citrus, and slight malt.
Citrus Wheat: This non-alcoholic wheat beer has a tropical aroma with notes of fresh tangerine juice, banana, and a hint of spice for balance. Fresh orange flavors with a medium body and crisp finish.
Three Notch’d Brewing teams up with Premium Distributors of Virginia
Premium Distributors of Virginia, L.L.C., a Reyes Beer Division company, has entered into an agreement to be the distributor for Three Notch’d Brewing Co. based in Charlottesville, Va.
“We are excited that Three Notch’d Brewing chose us to be a key distribution partner in Virginia,” said Tom Day, chief executive officer, Reyes Beer Division. “We’re passionate about working with our suppliers to support and enhance their business, and we look forward to using our competitive route to market approach to strengthen the Three Notch’d footprint across the state.”
“We’re proud to add Three Notch’d Brewing’s craft brands and non-alcoholic products to our portfolio as we continue our businesses’ shared history of growth and success in this market,” said Stephen Reyes, president of Reyes Beer Division East.
This acquisition adds over 100,000 cases and includes popular Three Notch’d products such as its IPAs, including Minute Man IPA, 40 Mile IPA, the Nephology Juicy IPA Series and King of Clouds NEIPA, as well as its year-round offerings like its Gose Series, Hydraulion Red and Local Lager.
“As our business has grown, we knew we needed a partner to help enhance our brand and distribution capabilities,” said George Kastendike, CEO and founder of Three Notch’d Brewing Co. “Our partnership with Premium Distributors of Virginia will help take us to the next level and we’re excited about what’s to come.”
California’s Farmers Brewing works with Blach Beverage for more distro
Princeton, Calif.’s Farmers Brewing Co. recently announced a distribution deal with Blach Beverage. The farm-to-glass brewery has agreed to sell its distribution rights to Blach Beverage in Tehama, Shasta and part of Trinity County, Calif.
“We started our own sales and distribution in these territories in 2020 and the timing was right for us to partner up with a distributor to expand our footprint in the area,” said Bill Weller, founder of Farmers Brewing Co. “It will be exciting to see what we can do together with our new partnership in 2022.”
Blach Beverage will begin distributing the farm-to-glass brews this January. The move allows Farmers Brewing Co. to reach more locations and customers within Blach’s territory.
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