WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Brewers Association (BA) has selected Elite Brands of Colorado, based in Denver, as the 2017 Craft Beer Wholesaler of the Year. The national award recognizes the beer distribution company that does the most to market, promote and sell craft beer. The award was presented at Craft Brewers Conference®, the annual trade gathering of over 10,000 industry people, held this year in Washington, D.C.
Elite Brands, founded in 2003, services more than 2200 on and off-premise accounts throughout the state and has seen 21 percent growth in craft beer sales over the past year. Elite Brands is committed to the promotion and growth of craft beer and works tirelessly to educate both their own staff and retail partners on the products and brands they represent. Elite Brands requires their sales staff to become Beer Server Certified through the Cicerone organization, while also providing financial support for staff to pursue additional certifications including Certified Cicerone, Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) and others. Elite Brands also hosts an annual beer trade event, now in its 11th year, that showcases over 30 breweries and 150 craft beers and serves as a “thank you” to Elite’s many retail partners. Additionally, a unique custom designed price catalog is distributed to retail partners, featuring articles written by well-known beer industry influencers to educate customers on latest trends and topics in the industry.
“We are tremendously honored to receive the award for Craft Beer Distributor of the Year by the Brewers Association”, said Terry Cekola, Owner & President of Elite Brands. “What started as a small operation with a few brands has turned into a team of incredibly passionate people working hard every day to promote and sell great craft beer around the state. I’m grateful to our staff, suppliers, retail partners, and all those that have helped to build Elite Brands into what it is today!”