Two New England craft-centric distributors are expected to merge operations.
Craft Collective and Homegrown Distribution, which both have statewide coverage in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, “have reached a tentative agreement to combine operations, subject to regulatory approval,” leaders from both wrote in a letter to suppliers dated today obtained by Brewbound.
“The purpose of our forthcoming outreach is twofold: First, to provide additional information regarding this evolution of our businesses and second, to seek your consent to continue our collaboration with you under this new structure,” Homegrown president Brian Murphy, Craft Collective founder CEO Bryan Ferguson and co-founder and CAO Adam Oliveri wrote.
Both distributors are headquartered in Massachusetts – Craft Collective in Stoughton, and Homegrown in Bellingham.
Craft Collective’s portfolio of 110 brands includes New England craft brewers such as Proclamation, Schilling, Dorchester, Idle Hands, Beer’d, Aeronaut, Bissell Brothers, Four Quarters, Hermit Thrush, Banded, Deciduous, Long Live, Redemption Rock, Riverwalk, Tributary, Vitamin Sea and many more.
The distributor also sells beyond beer offerings from Boochcraft, Cape Cod’r Craft Cocktails, Embark Craft Ciderworks, Island District Cocktails and Pony Shack Cider.
In addition to local and regionally produced offerings, Craft Collective also distributes European imports (Jever, Achel, Brasserie de la Senne), wine (Anchor & Hope), coffee (Snowy Owl) and non-alcoholic offerings (Chug Water).
Homegrown’s portfolio also includes many popular New England brands (Widowmaker, Mast Landing, Lone Pine, Notch, Austin Street, and Wandering Soul, among others), as well as nationally recognized craft brands including Grimm, WeldWerks, Almanac, Captain Lawrence, Destihl, Great Notion, Hop Butcher for the World, Modern Times, Prairie, Rare Barrel and Revolution.
Craft Collective’s website lists more than 40 employees, while Homegrown lists more than 20.
Homegrown launched in 2018 as a craft-centric offshoot of Massachusetts Beverage Alliance. Craft Collective opened in 2015, according to its website.
Craft Collective and Homegrown’s leaders did not return a request for comment as of press time. Expect more information as this story develops.