Michigan’s Bell’s Brewery continues to fill out its distribution map as part of its goal for national distribution.
The Kalamazoo, Michigan-based craft brewery will add Northern California and Montana this month. The brewery’s beer is now sold in 44 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
The Northern California expansion will begin on Friday, September 9, with sales of Two Hearted Ale in 12 oz. can 6-packs, 19.2 oz. single-serve cans and on draft. Bell’s products have been available in Southern California since 2015 and the company will boast statewide distribution by the end of this week.
Then, on September 19, Bell’s products will be available in Montana, starting with Two Hearted Ale in 12 oz. can 6-packs, 19.2 oz. single-serve cans and draft, as well as 12 oz. can variety 12-packs, featuring Two Hearted, Official hazy IPA, Juicy Gossip pale ale and West Coast Hazy. Bell’s is also making seasonal wheat ale, Oberon, available in 12 oz. can 6-packs and draft for a limited time through the end of September before returning in spring 2023.
“I’m thrilled to share our exceptional brews with craft beer drinkers in Montana and California, as these are key markets in our industry,” Bell’s EVP Carrie Yunker said in a press release. “Broadening into these regions marks an important milestone on our journey to become a nationwide brand, allowing more opportunity for people across the U.S. to enjoy Bell’s beer.”
Bell’s wholesalers in both regions were not disclosed in the release. However, following the sale of Bell’s to New Belgium parent company Lion Little World Beverages and efforts to consolidate the two U.S. craft breweries’ distribution business, it would be surprising to see Bell’s outside of a New Belgium network.
UPDATE: Bell’s shared its wholesalers in both regions:
- In Northern California, Reyes subsidiary Golden Brands (San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland, Napa, Santa Rosa, Truckee, Monterrey, Redding, Ukiah and Chico) and Valley Wide (Fresno and the central California valley).
- In Montana, Zip Beverage, Gusto Beverage, Summit Beverage, Briggs Distributing, Mountain Country Distributing, Fun Beverage and Bronken’s Distributing.
Adding Montana and Northern California to Bell’s sales territory will make both regions eligible for the company’s Inspired Giving philanthropy program. The company is donating $1 per barrel sold to organizations focused on environmental and social issues.