Mark Anthony Brands

Starbucks, Apple, Tesla … and White Claw? Anthony von Mandl, the founder of White Claw parent company Mark Anthony Brands, told thousands of beer wholesalers Tuesday during the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s Annual Convention that his company is a disruptor in the vein of those iconic brands.

The critical summer selling season is underway, and total beer, cider and FMB sales are off to a strong start. According to market research firm Nielsen, dollar sales of beer/cider/FMBs grew 4.9 percent in off-premise retailers during the Fourth of July holiday week (ending July 6) compared to the same timeframe last year. Hard seltzer was largely responsible for driving the nearly 5 percent growth this Independence Day, accelerating sales 147 percent, Nielsen reported.

White Claw Hard Seltzer announced its plans to serve as the first-ever hard seltzer sponsor of the Kentucky Derby.

White Claw Pure Hard Seltzer answers the unmet consumer need for a convenient and refreshing alternative to vodka and soda, tapping into the insight that 55 percent of vodka consumption is mixed with soda, tonic or water.