A bill signed into law Monday by Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn will enable the state’s self-distributing craft breweries to produce up to 30,000 barrels annually, doubling the previous amount allowed. The law, HB 1573, “does not affect the ability for a craft brewer to self-distribute up to 7,500 barrels or to simultaneously hold a brew pub (retailer) license,” according to a statement from The Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI).
Bell’s Brewery today confirmed plans to begin distributing in upstate and Western New York on October 1. Bell’s inked distribution agreements with three L. Knife & Son companies — T.J. Sheehan Distributing, Tri-Valley Beverage and Craft Guild of New York — to sell the company’s year-round and seasonal offerings on draft and in bottles.
Chicago-based wine, spirits and newly minted craft beer wholesaler, Wirtz Beverage Illinois, yesterday announced a new distribution agreement with BuckleDown Brewing. BuckleDown Brewing, which is located 20 minutes west of Chicago in Lyons, IL., is the fifth craft brand to sign on with Wirtz.
Craft consumers are beginning to learn more about the contract brewing model and leading some to question the integrity of so-called “local” brands. But are there valid reasons as to why some craft beer isn’t brewed close to home?
Hey, if you open up a new brewery, you might as well open it up big, right? That’s what is happening at Oskar Blues, where they’re planning to take a run of Ten FIDY Imperial Stout — the first batch made at its new Brevard, N.C. facility, as far as it can go.
The gang of four — Andy Thomas, Luis Duran, Ken Kunze and Willem van der Hoeven — sat around a table and listened to the pitch by Euro RSCG. The marketing firm had this idea for Heineken-owned Dos Equis, previously marketed as a Mexican beer for young people. But their idea didn’t rely on Mexican… Read more »
As the Corona commercials it’s paid for suggest, Constellation Brands has found its beach in Piedras Negras — and maybe a much bigger beachhead, as well. After landing the U.S. rights to the Grupo Modelo brands as part of a Justice Department forced carve-out of Anheuser-Busch InBev’s $20.1 billion purchase of the maker of Corona… Read more »
It’s just a small portion of the overall beer industry, but sales of gluten-free craft offerings are increasing. With the entire market for gluten-free foods and beverages approaching $5 billion in annual sales, some craft brewers are beginning to recognize the new growth opportunities. Among those benefiting from the recent surge in sales is Boulder,… Read more »
In front of a packed house, with beer professionals as the judges, four craft breweries made their pitch. At stake — the chance to create a collaboration brew with Widmer Brothers Brewing. This first installment in Brewbound’s ‘Startup Brewery Challenge’ featured four Oregon-based craft beer companies. It was held during last month’s Brew Talks Portland… Read more »
New Belgium Brewing is making good on its promise to be distributed in all 50 states by 2018. Bryan Simpson, a spokesman for the Fort Collins, Colo.-based craft brewery confirmed the company’s plans to expand distribution into Ohio this December. New Belgium will officially announce its wholesale partners in October.
Ninkasi Brewing today announced expanded distribution throughout Southern California. The Eugene, Ore.-based craft brewery has signed agreement with six independent wholesalers in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego County to distribute its flagship and limited release offerings in 22 oz. bottles and kegs.
Steve Hindy might be best known for his work as the co-founder of Brooklyn Brewery, but it’s his second career. In the mid-1980s he was employed as a foreign correspondent for the Associated Press, stationed in the Middle East during the Iran-Iraq War. A lot happened during Hindy’s time abroad.
With the flurry of activity surrounding the craft beer industry these days, it can be difficult to stay abreast of the latest small brewery developments — at least without checking out your press clips. Here’s what the mainstream news media had to say about craft this week.
As the craft beer industry keeps growing, the domestic beer industry continues to show ominous signs. Gallup, a global analytics provider, doesn’t separate the two industries in its latest statistical breakdown, but with all of the numbers pointing toward craft’s ascension, these numbers seem especially ominous for big brewers.
