Deadline Approaches for Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award Nominations

The National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Brewers Association (BA) are accepting nominations for the Seventh Annual Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award until Aug. 23, 2013.

The award recognizes an American beer distributor who goes above and beyond in their efforts to actively market, sell and promote craft beer. The award will be presented jointly Oct. 12, 2013, at the Great American Beer Festival hosted by the BA in Denver, Colo.

America’s beer distributors and craft brewers are invited to nominate any distributor they believe is deserving of the award. For the nomination form, entry rules and regulations, please visit NBWA’s website.

“While 2013 overall industry volumes to date are soft, craft beer continues to provide a significant contribution to an expanding and evolving industry,” said NBWA President and Chief Executive Officer Craig Purser. “NBWA is proud of the role that independent beer distributors play in the development of a thriving craft beer industry. The tremendous growth in craft beer sales underscores the excitement of independent beer distributors in partnering with America’s craft brewers to help them reach a wide network of retailers and increase their value.”

BA President Charlie Papazian applauded beer distributors for providing a valuable service by giving craft beers a presence in the marketplace. “This award recognizes the creativity, innovation and specialized services independent beer distributors are providing on behalf of independent craft brewers,” Papazian said.

According to mid-year data released by the BA, in the first six months of 2013, small and independent American brewers saw dollar sales up 15 percent and volume up 13 percent. During the first half of 2013, approximately 7.3 million barrels (bbls) of beer were sold by small, independent American brewers, up from 6.4 million barrels (bbls) sold during the first half of 2012. The BA also reported that there are 2,538 breweries operating in the U.S. as of June 30, 2013, an increase of 446 breweries since June 2012.

In addition to the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award, a Craft Beer Achievement Award (first runner-up) and Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award (second runner-up) also will be presented.