Distribution Roundup: Founders Expands in the UK; Odell Hits Wisconsin

Founders Expands UK Distribution

Founders Brewing has signed a five-year agreement with British pub chain Marston’s to distribute the Michigan brewery’s beer across the United Kingdom. Marston’s first gained access to the Founders portfolio last year after acquiring Charles Wells, a British brewery that had been selling Founders products in the U.K.

“We hire for personality, passion and skill and Marston’s hugely mirrors these values,” Brian May, Founders’ vice president of exports, told Finance. “They’re a highly respected brewer and operator, and we’re excited about this next chapter in our relationship, which will see us bring our passion for bring to a U.K. audience — it’s going to be great fun.”

Odell Brewing Heads to Wisconsin

Odell Brewing started shipping its beer to Wisconsin in early June.

The Fort Collins, Colorado-headquartered brewery’s offerings — Odell IPA, 90 Shilling, Drumroll, Rupture, Sunny Rain and St. Lupulin — are now available statewide in Whole Foods, Market Place Foods, Woodman’s Markets, Sendik’s Food Market, HyVee, Total Wine & More and Festival Foods stores.

Pipeworks Grows in Wisconsin

Chicago-based Pipeworks Brewing has expanded its self-distribution network in Wisconsin to include Madison. Pipeworks offerings are now available at nearly 70 locations in the state, including Milwaukee.

Pipeworks currently self-distributes its products throughout Illinois and partners with wholesalers in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Minnesota.

Dust Bowl Brewing Adds Distribution in South San Francisco

Turlock, California-based Dust Bowl Brewing announced yesterday that it will begin distributing its beer in Santa Mateo County later this month via Chrissa Imports.

“We are pleased to have Chrissa Imports join our growing network of distributors,” Dust Bowl director of sales and marketing Marc Jalbert said in a press release. “The addition of San Mateo County fills in an important region that was void of distribution for us in Northern California.”

Chrissa Imports will sell Dust Bowl’s core lineup: Hop of Wrath IPA, Hobo Pilsner, California Line Vanilla Blonde Ale, Therapist Imperial IPA, Taco Truck Lager and Taco Truck Amber.

Dust Bowl beer is currently available throughout Central and Northern California as well as in Nevada and Oklahoma. The company is eyeing further expansion in Southern California and other states.

Fiddlehead Hits New York

Vermont-based craft brewery Fiddlehead Brewing Co. has partnered with DeCrescente Distributing Co. for distribution of its flagship IPA in New York state.

“We are looking forward to bringing our beer to the Capital district with our DeCrescente partnership,” Fiddlehead owner and brewmaster Matt Cohen said, via a press release.

“We’re very proud to bring in a great quality partner like Fiddlehead to the Capital Region,” DDC general manager Russ Teplitzky said in the release. “This truly is an exciting addition to our craft beer portfolio and we’re looking forward to working with Matt and the team.”

Goodwood Brewing Ventures to Texas

Goodwood Brewing announced this week that it will begin selling its Bourbon Barrel Stout and Hemp Gose in Texas via Favorite Brands LLC.

“Texas is a great state and should be a tremendous market for us,” Ted Mitzlaff, Goodwood CEO, said, via a press release. “Partnering with Favorite Brands is a wonderful opportunity as they have a proven record of success and a great team.”

With the addition of Texas, Goodwood beer is now available in 13 states. The company is also eyeing future distribution expansion opportunities.

Lawson’s Expands Distribution Within Vermont

Lawson’s Finest Liquids has expanded its footprint in its home state of Vermont, partnering with Vermont Beer Shepherd to distribute Sip of Sunshine IPA and Super Session to Newport, Ludlow and Manchester.

However, Lawson’s will maintain its distribution agreement with The Beer Guy, which sells the Warren-based brewery’s beer in Burlington and Montpelier.

Lawson’s offerings are currently sold in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine and New York.