Vermont Beer Shepherd takes hands-on approach to distribution

Vermont Beer Shepherd ushered in its first shipment of craft beer into its newly constructed boutique distribution facility on VT Route 100 just outside of Waterbury,Vt. The company explained that it aims to be not just another beer distributor. This family-owned business aims to do things differently than the big-name distributors. By closely tending to each step of the journey, VT Beer Shepherd assures every beer will reach the consumer exactly as the craft brewer intends, which is not always the case in today’s market. They will also be building a direct relationship with their end-users, which has not been traditionally done in the beer distributing world.

“We decided that during this time of mergers and consolidation in the industry, that the time was ripe for us to do something differently,” said Mark and Indy Ewald, owners, Vermont Beer Shepherd. “We are going to give the small producer a viable option that is independent of any influence from the large brewers, importers and distributors that are beholden to their networks.”

RELATED: Popular craft beer capital strategies: Considerations to manage expansion, grow distribution and maintain profitability

Because each beer is unique and has its own shelf life, if mishandled or not at peak freshness, craft beer loses the very key flavors and qualities that make it so unique. After tasting one too many old or mishandled beers, Vermont Beer Shepherd Owners Mark and Indy Ewald knew there had to be a better way and put their unshakable passion for craft beer to work. Armed with Mark’s extensive beer industry experience to guide them, they decided to take action to provide consistently fresh, quality craft beer and Vermont Beer Shepherd was born.

“Vermonters have developed a great taste for great beer and we are excited to secure unique high quality brands that will find a home in the ever expanding VT beer market,” Mark Ewald said.

With an exploding craft beer market and Big Beer mergers changing the shape of the industry, the time couldn’t be more critical for viable options that protect independent craft brewers and the integrity of their quality beers, according to the Ewalds.