Merrimack Valley Distributing adds 45 new craft beer brands

Merrimack Valley Distributing Co. of Danvers, Mass., is experiencing another successful season after bringing in 45 new winter seasonal craft beer brands. The new brands, 22 percent of which are brewed in Massachusetts, include many unique holiday-themed selections such as Slumbrew Yankee Swap from Somerville Brewing Co. in Somerville, Mass., Shipyard Gingerbread Head from Shipyard Brewing Co. in Portland, Maine, and Sam Adams Merry Maker from Boston Beer Co. They will be sold and distributed throughout the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, Essex County and Northern Middlesex County.

“We are excited to have introduced these 45 craft beer brands to the packages stores, restaurants and bars of the North Shore and Merrimack Valley,” said Richard Tatelman, president and co-owner of Merrimack Valley Distributing Co. “As brand builders, we know how to create a marketing strategy that differentiates each of our craft brands, which has become even more critical in today’s market and we look forward to being a part of the growth and success of these 45 brews.”

The craft beer industry continues to flourish in Massachusetts, reaching record high production and sales numbers. This success is in large part due to the collaborative relationship that has been established between brewer and distributor.

Thanks to the work of the beer distributors, craft brews now comprise over 15.5 percent of total beer sales volume in the Commonwealth, more than double the national average. In just one year, the total beer sales in Massachusetts grew by 2.2 percent, from almost 91,000 barrels in 2012 to just under 4.17 million barrels in 2013. Nearly 82 percent of that total growth was concentrated in the craft category.

To help boost sales, Merrimack Valley Distributing Co. helps brands maintain visibility on store shelves, offering craft brewers a range of services including merchandising, advertising, promotions, warehouses, equipment, trucks, a sales force and warehouse crews to handle the business of distribution of the brewers’ products.