With exactly one zillion breweries operating across America, distribution news is always a steady constant in the CBB mailbox. Every week, we get 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! If you have distribution news, send it to [email protected].
Eastern Market Brewing partners with Elephant & Co deliver pizza and beer throughout Detroit
Starting last week, Detroiters can have Detroit-style pizza from Elephant & Co. and beer from Eastern Market Brewing Co. delivered directly to their doors via www.elephantand.com. With the likes of Domino’s, Little Caesars, Hungry Howie’s and Jet’s Pizza all being founded in Michigan, pizza delivery is nothing new. Elephant & Co. has found a way to carve out its niche, by allowing local craft beer to be delivered alongside its pizza, something no one else is doing.
When Eastern Market Brewing Co. acquired the former Founders Brewing Co. location in Detroit and announced it as Elephant & Co., that was the first step toward this new concept. The brewery is using its agile approach to business to put the space to good use, baking pizza in the licensed kitchen while waiting for its microbrewer’s permit to be processed by the state.
In many ways, pizza has been four years in the making. During the early days of the pandemic, Eastern Market Brewing Co. consolidated its production to its sister location, Ferndale Project, and leveraged its self-distribution infrastructure, including vehicles and logistics software, to deliver beer to people’s homes. At one point, they added on Detroit-style pizza, and it was an overnight sensation. So much so, the brewery had to pause the offering because they couldn’t keep up with all of the interest from the little convection oven in their kitchen at Ferndale Project.
“The success of PIZZA & BEER in the early pandemic days has always been in the back of my mind,” said Dayne Bartscht, Founder of Eastern Market Brewing Co. “Over the last few years, we focused on scaling beer production and expanding our self-distribution footprint in Michigan. That set the stage for this phase of our business: reintroducing direct-to-consumer delivery.”
Because Eastern Market Brewing Co. self-distributes, they are licensed to deliver beer and also, have a fleet of vehicles available and the logistics know-how to optimize their delivery routes.
The Elephant & Co. team has been testing and fine-tuning their Detroit-style pizza recipes over the last few months, using the original recipe from the Ferndale Project kitchen but adding Wunderboi Kolsch to the dough to give it a little more complexity. They’ve also made a number of intentional decisions, like using deck ovens instead of conveyor ovens and sourcing local ingredients, to ensure the pizza is a higher quality than local competitors like Buddy’s Pizza.
“Starting in the beer business, we were already experts in fermentation, and we then took many of the same brand strategies that have allowed us to become one of the fastest-growing breweries in Michigan, and carried them over to pizza,” said Pauline Knighton-Prueter, VP of Sales of Marketing for Eastern Market Brewing Co. “Specifically, focusing on freshness above all of us, sourcing our ingredients as locally as possible, and releasing new varieties regularly.”
There will always be tried-and-true pizzas available, similar to how Eastern Market Brewing Co. produces Elephant Juice year-round. The classic pepperoni pizza with Wisconsin brick cheese is an example, but there will also be specials featuring local partners. On the current menu is a Funghi pizza with goat cheese pesto, roasted garlic clove, fresh mozzarella, plus lion’s mane and black pearl oyster mushrooms from Stoney Creek Mushroom Co. based in Ferndale, Michigan.
Other specials available are the Elote with a Mexican street corn blend, diced jalapeno, chorizo, cotija cheese, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, as well as a Spicy Meatball featuring Wisconsin brick cheese, herb whipped ricotta, Calabrian chilis, caramelized onions, and meatballs.
The initial delivery radius is set to 1.5 miles from their 456 Charlotte location, which includes Eastern Market and downtown Detroit as well as Midtown and Cass Corridor neighborhoods. The team plans to expand that radius to include all of Detroit by the month’s end. For those outside of the radius, pizza can also be ordered for pick up at Eastern Market Brewing Co.
“This is just the start,” commented Bartscht. “In addition to expanding our delivery radius to encompass all of Detroit, we anticipate our kitchen in Royal Oak to open later this month, introducing food at that Elephant & Co. location. Not only will Detroit-style pizza be available onsite, but we’ll further expand our delivery radius to include Royal Oak, Ferndale, and beyond.”
Work continues in parallel on the former Founders Brewing Co. location at 456 Charlotte, with construction kicking off in the coming weeks to support a spring opening to the public. In the meantime, PIZZA & BEER delivery will allow Detroiters to get a taste of all that is to come.
Métier Brewing partners with Columbia Distributing to expand in Washington
Columbia Distributing, the largest total beverage distributor in the Pacific Northwest, just announced that Métier Brewing Co. (MBC) has selected the company to lead its expansion throughout Washington state. As one of the few Black-owned breweries in the country, Columbia will enable MBC to grow its following while nurturing its mission: To brew damn good beer and build stronger community to inspire bigger dreams for all.
“Integral to the continued growth of MBC is the connection consumers feel to our mission and values wherever they purchase or drink a pint, can, or bottle of our award-winning beer or our non-alcoholic beverages. We proudly and humbly join the Columbia Distributing portfolio of highly regarded local, national, and global brands. With Columbia Distributing, we expand the reach of our brand, enabling us to further our mission,” said Rodney Hines, CEO and cofounder of Métier Brewing.
Columbia’s President and CEO Chris Steffanci sees this appointment as an endorsement of the company’s own commitment to foster inclusion inside Columbia and within the communities it serves. “Our logistics capabilities and proven ability to grow brands speak for themselves — our team is incredible. What pleases me most is MBC’s confidence in our ability to do it with purpose and heart. We can’t wait to get started delivering on our shared goals and values.”
The two companies also share a passion for providing access to the industry through professional skill-building programs. MBC’s Mosaic State Brewers Collective (MSBC) Mentorship Program offers insightful curricula, industry experience and authentic mentorship to historically underrepresented people. Columbia’s Beer Careers Program is an immersive 10-week training in the wholesale beverage industry with a purpose to provide fundamental knowledge of the business in support of building long-term careers.
Métier means “one’s calling,” and at Métier Brewing Co. (MBC), the calling is brewing damn good beer and building stronger communities to inspire bigger dreams for all. MBC is an award-winning, purpose-led brewery featuring two family and bike-friendly locations in the greater Seattle area: a taproom and production facility in the heart of the Artisan Hill District in Woodinville, Washington, and a flagship taproom in Seattle’s Central District.
As one of few Black-owned breweries in the country, MBC knows representation matters — from the vendors, suppliers, and charities it partners with to the artwork on its beer labels, the craft brewery is committed to expanding the craft beer space so more folks see themselves reflected and feel welcomed. Keep up with all things MBC by visiting www.metierbrewing.com.
Akron’s Hoppin Frog Brewery partners with Bevana for e-commerce
Established in 2006 by owner and brewmaster Fred Karm in Akron, Ohio, Hoppin’ Frog Brewery has consistently set the bar for quality and innovation in the craft beer industry. With an unwavering commitment to detail in ingredient selection and brewing processes, the brewery has garnered global acclaim, earning a place in 22 states and 40 foreign countries. With part of the CBB crew living Akron, we’ve loved Hopping Frog for more than a decade.
Its recent partnership with Bevana Partners aligns with Hoppin’ Frog’s commitment to reaching enthusiasts beyond geographical boundaries. Bevana Partners, known for its platform that facilitates the connection between artisanal beverage makers and consumers, will play a pivotal role in expanding Hoppin’ Frog’s reach through its online storefront. Buy Hoppin’ Frog online right here!
Fred Karm, expressing his enthusiasm about the collaboration, said, “We are excited to join forces with Bevana Partners to bring Hoppin’ Frog’s distinctive beers to an even broader audience. This partnership allows us to streamline the online shopping experience for our customers and ensures that they can enjoy our flavorful creations with ease, regardless of their location.”
Through Bevana’s online shop, customers across the nation can now order Hoppin’ Frog Brewery’s diverse range of beers and have them delivered directly to their doors. This move not only enhances accessibility for consumers but also reinforces Hoppin’ Frog’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the modern beer market.
Andrew Durstewitz, CEO & Founder at Bevana Partners, expressed the platform’s dedication to supporting breweries like Hoppin’ Frog. “We are thrilled to partner with Hoppin’ Frog Brewery in expanding their online presence. Our focus is on helping breweries get their exceptional products into the hands of consumers, and Hoppin’ Frog’s commitment to quality aligns perfectly with our mission.”
Customers can now explore and order Hoppin’ Frog Brewery’s distinctive beers, including their award-winning creations, through Bevana Partners’ online shop. This collaboration represents a dynamic union of craftsmanship and accessibility, bringing together two entities dedicated to delivering the best in the world of craft beverages.
Rupee Beer increases NYC footprint with Union Beer
When you think of beer, you wouldn’t necessarily think of India, now the most populated country in the world. That is about to change in 2024. Rupee Beer is on a global mission to become a household name in the food and beverage world, with its range of easy-to-drink beers, inspired by India, and brewed for a modern world drinker. Named Best Beer for World Food, one of 2024’s Top Beer Industry Trends, and Top 15 People to Watch in Craft Beer, Rupee is an Indian inspired-line of easy-to-drink beers crafted by a world-renowned master beer brewer and Indian chef.
Already having made a splash in the restaurant and beer segment, Rupee’s fast growing appeal has allowed the brand to continue expansion into new markets across the United States. To support Rupee’s upward growth, the brand will now be exclusively distributed via Union Beer, a Sheehan Family Company across New York City and Long Island. The NYC market will be a key focus for the brand this year, re-introducing Rupee’s flagship Basmati Rice Lager, year-round India Pale Ale and summer seasonal Mango Wheat Ale across the city.
Brewed with pristine quality in mind using premium basmati rice, maize, malt, and three types of unique hops, Rupee Beer dismantles the traditional beer experience by lowering levels of carbonation to allow drinkers to not feel uncomfortably full and gassy when pairing with their favorite international foods. Enjoy it in NYC and beyond.
Cherokee Distributing announces partnership with Provi to enhance ordering efficiency and drive revenue growth
Cherokee Distributing Co., a prominent beer and nonalcoholic beverage wholesaler in Tennessee today announced a strategic partnership with Provi, the largest online marketplace for the beverage alcohol industry. The collaboration is designed to elevate revenue streams for Cherokee through the implementation of Provi’s cutting-edge online ordering system and distributor sales tools.
The partnership will empower Cherokee’s sales representatives to enhance their service to licensed retail customers. By leveraging Provi’s marketplace, Cherokee’s customers will have the ability to seamlessly search and place orders from the wholesaler’s extensive portfolio. Provi’s streamlined online ordering system and suite of distributor rep tools will optimize efficiency and provide an elevated experience for both Cherokee’s team and their valued customers.
“This strategic partnership with Provi is poised to equip our sales representatives with advanced tools, streamlining the selling process and catering to the evolving requirements of our valued retail customers,” shared Jeff Knight, President at Cherokee Distributing. “Our commitment to innovation is reflected in this partnership, as we strive to stay at the forefront of meeting industry demands and enhancing overall efficiency.”
Cherokee’s Vice President Lauren Bowman added, “Embracing digital solutions, such as Provi, holds immense promise in unlocking fresh opportunities, not just for our company, but for our dedicated sales force. We are excited to give them the tools to make their jobs easier and more impactful.”
Provi recently announced substantial product enhancements designed to fortify the bond between distributors and licensed retailers. The introduction of advanced features, such as rep and distributor recommendation functionality, empowers reps to seamlessly align with the unique preferences of retailers, resulting in a substantial boost to cart sizes.
The company shared that distributor partners utilizing Provi’s enhanced capabilities are experiencing remarkable outcomes, including an impressive 18% to 37% surge in revenue per retailer. Moreover, Provi’s marketplace has demonstrated a remarkable increase in order frequency, reaching up to an astounding 41%.
“We are thrilled to embark on a strategic partnership with Cherokee Distributing Company, aiming to create significant value for their entire organization, sales force, and retailer relationships,” said Manali Patel, VP of Distributor Partnerships at Provi. “Cherokee’s dedicated commitment to adopting digital solutions to stay at the forefront of industry trends is truly commendable. We feel privileged to collaborate with them on this transformative journey and look forward to contributing to their continued success.”
Provi’s online marketplace simplifies the complex beverage ordering process between retailers and distributors. To discover and shop Cherokee Distributing Company’s portfolio sign up at provi.com.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.