Distribution Roundup: Boston Beer Re-Enters Australia, Smaller Crafts Expand at Home

Last week, breweries both large and small were able to secure new distribution all over the map. This week was no different, as one of the nation’s biggest craft breweries is making its way to Australia, while other smaller breweries strive to embed further in local markets.

To kick off, the biggest stateside brewery of the lot, Boston Beer Co., has come to a “long-term exclusive” agreement with Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) for Australian distribution starting in mid-December. CCA, responsible for producing Coke in Australia, is re-entering the beer and cider market after a two-year absence.

CCA will take over distribution of Samuel Adams from Beer Importers and Distributors, according to just-drinks.

While it’s not able to bring its brews to the other side of the world, Carton Brewing Co. of New Jersey, through self distribution, will bring its Boat Beer to 15 different retailers in its home state.All 15 Garden State locations where the beer can be found are listed on the brewery’s Facebook page.

Carton is distributing the beer — a session ale — in small waves. The brew was available at seven of the 15 retailers as of yesterday and will be available at the latter eight today.

Also expanding its home state distribution effort is Michigan-based brewery Kuhnhenn, per agreements inked with Eastown Distributors, O&W Distributing and Dan Henry Distributing, according to Drinks Business Review.

“Our goal is a slow, limited expansion of distribution until Kuhnhenn has capacity to provide inventory,” said Paul Quasarano, president of Eastown Distributors, in an email to Brewbound. “We started with Looney Kuhnie, but plan on focusing on DRIIPA and Fluffer as our lead styles when product becomes available.”

Quasarano added that Kuhnhenn is available at Ford Field in the Michigan Craft Beer section and will be on rotation at Joe Louis Arena in the new “Local Bar,” which opened last night.

Also expanding in its home market is Centennial Beer Co., which has partnered with Tivoli Distributing Co., according to a recent press release from the brewery, for distribution throughout “most Colorado markets.”

“Because of this partnership, Centennial Beer Company brands will immediately be more broadly available throughout Colorado and retailers will see tremendous product,” the release adds.

To start, Tivoli will distribute Centennial’s All American Blonde and All American Red Ales.