Distribution Roundup: Startup Breweries Broaden Footprints

Distribution Roundup: Startup Breweries Broaden Footprints

Over the past week, a number of small breweries inked new distribution deals aimed at strengthening each one’s home market presence. The Black Abbey Brewing Co., based in Nashville, Tenn., came to an agreement with BountyBev that will bring its beers to the state’s Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner Counties, according to the Nashville Post.

Idle Hands to Acquire Enlightenment Ales

Idle Hands to Acquire Enlightenment Ales

It might go down as one of the smallest buyouts in craft beer history, but Idle Hands Craft Ales, a Boston-area nano-brewery, today announced it will purchase the intellectual property of nearby Enlightenment Ales.

Bell’s Brewery Expands Distribution in Pennsylvania

Bell’s Brewery Expands Distribution in Pennsylvania

Bell’s Brewery today announced it will expand its distribution in Pennsylvania to include 15 additional counties in the north and central regions of the state. The company has inked a distribution agreement with Durdach Brothers Inc. to sell its year-round and seasonal offerings throughout the 15-county footprint, beginning in March, 2014.

Searching For a Spot on the Map

Searching For a Spot on the Map

Let’s face it — Spokane probably isn’t on your bucket list. Tucked away in Eastern Washington, the city of a little more than 200,000 sits on the Idaho border, about an hour away from popular resort destinations to the East. Nationally, Spokane’s best known institution is likely the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball program.

Andy Thomas, CBA’s New CEO, Aims to Improve Gross Margins in 2014

Andy Thomas, CBA’s New CEO, Aims to Improve Gross Margins in 2014

It’s been nearly two-and-a-half years since CBA tapped Andy Thomas, the former president of Heineken USA, to be its own president of commercial operations. During that time, Thomas has helped CBA — which produces and markets the Widmer, Kona, Redhook and Omission craft beer brands as well as Square Mile Cider — expand production from… Read more »

Green Flash Depletions Up 37 Percent

Green Flash Depletions Up 37 Percent

Green Flash Brewing isn’t a nationally distributed craft brand quite yet, but it’s getting close. The San Diego-based brewery has two states remaining, Utah and Hawaii, and it’s working to clear the remaining hurdles associated with each one. “Hawaii is tricky because we will only ship 100% refrigerated freight,” said vice president of sales Jim… Read more »

Bell’s to Expand Distribution to New York City

Bell’s to Expand Distribution to New York City

Bell’s Brewery is set to ring in the New Year with a Big Apple rollout. The brewery, which is based out of Kalamazoo, Mich., has signed an agreement with Union Beer Distributors to bring most of its year-round offerings as well as its seasonal lineup to New York City and Long Island on February 10… Read more »

Dogfish Head’s Namaste Moves to Year-Round Lineup

Dogfish Head’s Namaste Moves to Year-Round Lineup

Add Delaware’s Dogfish Head to the growing list of craft breweries adding lower-alcohol “session” beers to their year-round portfolios in 2014. Dogfish will transition Namaste, the company’s 4.8 percent, Belgian-style white beer — previously available only in 750 mL champagne-style bottles on a limited basis — into regularly available 12 oz. 6-packs, beginning in January.

Distribution Roundup: Smuttynose Grows in Michigan, No-Li Heads North

Distribution Roundup: Smuttynose Grows in Michigan, No-Li Heads North

In preparation for the christening of its new brewing facility, New Hampshire’s Smuttynose Brewing expanded its distribution footprint and began shipping kegs to Michigan last month. The brewery’s new multi-use headquarters in Hampton is slated to open in December. The company is also looking at foreign shores.

Oskar Blues Hires Former Yuengling Exec as National Sales Manager

Oskar Blues Hires Former Yuengling Exec as National Sales Manager

Things change quickly in the beer business. On October 16th, Lou Romano — then the director of marketing and wholesaler development at D.G. Yuengling Brewery — was helping the country’s oldest brewery evaluate the Massachusetts market for a possible reentrance in 2014.

Crescent Crown’s Joe Cotroneo Joins Dec. 5 Brewbound Session

Crescent Crown’s Joe Cotroneo Joins Dec. 5 Brewbound Session

The roles and responsibilities of craft beer suppliers and distributors will be under the microscope when Joe Cotroneo, the senior vice president of Crescent Crown Distributing, speaks at the Dec. 5 Brewbound Session in San Diego, Calif. In his presentation, Cotroneo, a wholesaling expert with over 25 years in the beverage industry, will outline the… Read more »