Great Lakes Brewing Co. Enters Massachusetts, Rhode Island

CLEVELAND – Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announces its distribution expansion into Massachusetts and Rhode Island with Atlantic Beverage.

The brewery began its market launch on July 19, in conjunction with the release of seasonal Oktoberfest in cans and draft. In addition to the fall favorite, the brewery’s entry into the market includes new 2024 brands Juicy Vibacious Double IPA and Strawberry Pineapple Wheat in cans, and Midwest IPA in cans and draft. The launch will be supported by several kickoff events and promotions.

In 2023, the brewery completed its New York state footprint by expanding into New York City. Massachusetts and Rhode Island represent the latest in GLBC’s strategically expanding East Coast footprint.

“Great Lakes has had a steady presence in Pennsylvania and New York for dozens of years and it was high time we gave the citizens of Massachusetts the chance to drink Great Lakes,” said Chris Brown, GLBC Interim Co-CEO. “For many years entering new markets was stifled by brewing capacity limitations from August to December. My counterpart Interim Co-CEO Steven Pauwels has been able to upgrade and streamline our brewing processes in an aging facility, allowing us the opportunity to add a few more select states. Wegman’s was also a driving force so we could complete their footprint to be able to program across their network.”

The brewery has partnered with Holliston-based Atlantic Beverage. “Our sales leadership did a deep dive and multiple surveys in the market and Atlantic Beverage consistently had the highest ratings for execution and customer service, along with a thoughtful launch plan on bringing Great Lakes to Massachusetts and Rhode Island that aligned with our expectations. The beer business is still a relationship business and Atlantic exudes that attitude. The Atlantic team is a group we'd love to have a beer with after a great day selling Great Lakes in the market,” said Brown.

Customers can expect to find GLBC’s Oktoberfest, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, Midwest IPA, Juicy Vibacious Double IPA, and Strawberry Pineapple Wheat upon launch.

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About Great Lakes Brewing Co.:

Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery, founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland, Ohio. GLBC is independent and employee-owned, and serves 16 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Vibacious® Double IPA, Midwest IPA, Dortmunder Gold® Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings. Learn more at greatlakesbrewing.com.