Colorado beer distributor merger: Breakthru buys C.R. Goodman

Craft and import beer distributor C.R. Goodman of Colorado is selling the assets of its distribution business to Breakthru Beverage of Colorado, formerly Beverage Distributors Co. Breakthru will look to add brewers such as Left Hand, Upslope, Stone, Dogfish Head, Firestone Walker, Boulevard, Bristol, Victory, Funkwerks, Odd 13 and several other key craft and import suppliers to their already strong portfolio of beer brands, which includes Odell, Avery, Great Divide, Denver Beer, Ska and Guinness.

“We have made many changes and added considerable resources to our organization over the years in an effort to be the distributor of choice for craft and imported beer sales in Colorado, and we are thrilled that C.R. Goodman has chosen us to carry on their legacy,” said Joe Marotta, president of the west region at Breakthru Beverage.

C.R. Goodman began operating in Colorado in 2006 and has since grown into one of the top craft and import distributors in the state. The company sought a partner to purchase the company, who would maintain much of the core staff, be able to expand the reach for core brands and was 100 percent committed to the craft and import beer business. Breakthru, the leading distributor in Colorado, met those requirements. The company was one of the first to embrace craft beer more than 25 years ago and has helped some of the top craft brewers gain a foothold in the dynamic Colorado market.

“With the changing landscape in Colorado we felt the timing was right to make this change for our suppliers, customers and employees,” explained Ken Goodman, owner, C.R. Goodman. “We chose our suitor carefully and know the Breakthru team will take the same passion and energy we’ve had for our brands to the next level.”

“Clearly in Colorado and across the country, craft beer remains one of the most dynamic categories in beverage alcohol,” said Danny Wirtz, vice chairman at Breakthru Beverage Group. “Expanding craft brewer relationships across the Breakthru footprint, while continuing to deliver superior results for our spirit and wine suppliers is vital to our strategy of offering greater value to our on premise and retail partners.”