Middlebury, Vermont | 13 January 2025: Northeast Drinks Group announces, in conjunction with its wholly owned subsidiary, Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC (“VCC”), a long-term partnership agreement with United States Beverage, LLC (“USB”), as exclusive sales and marketing partner for VCC cider brands. The agreement between VCC and USB will take effect as of January 27, 2025.
Under the terms of the partnership, USB will have the exclusive right to represent VCC cider brands in the US market, including iconic cider brands Woodchuck® Hard Cider and Wyder’s® Cider. USB’s sales team will represent VCC brands in trade with wholesalers and retailers. With the same independent ownership still in place, VCC will continue to control production at the Middlebury, VT Cidery, direct brand strategy and execute logistics.
This transition is expected to happen seamlessly without disruptions. USB and VCC have no plan to make adjustment to the network based on this partnership. VCC will continue to approach any changes to network with the same strategy as always, by doing what is best for the cider brands in each market. In addition, both companies anticipate many of the VCC employees transitioning over to USB.
Bridget Blacklock, Chief Commercial Officer, will continue in her role at VCC overseeing the partnership and driving brand strategy and marketing while working closely with USB to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for the brands.
“USB’s passion for cider, notable track record, and expanded sales team will add additional resources and strength to our cider brands,” said Bridget Blacklock, Vermont Cider Company CCO. “We are very proud of the heritage and craftsmanship of Woodchuck and Wyder’s ciders and now have a strong partner to help expand our brands’ availability to reach more fans. Cider is a historic beverage and staple in the beer category that has a bright future, I am excited to work with USB to drive growth and gain greater share within cider.”
“USB seeks to partner with companies that have great people and great brands,” said Justin Fisch, CEO of United States Beverage. “We are honored to add Vermont’s iconic ciders to our portfolio of brands and work with such an incredible team of industry professionals in Middlebury. We cherish the opportunity to represent brands with such heritage. We can’t wait to get going and support their growth for the future.”
About Northeast Drinks Group
Northeast Drinks Group LLC is a privately owned holding company comprised of members originally from the Northeast that have experience across the beverage sector. Vermont Cider Company and Green Mountain Beverage are wholly owned subsidiaries of NDG.
About Vermont Hard Cider Company
Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC, located in Middlebury, Vermont, is a leading hard cider producer in the United States, including Woodchuck® Hard Cider and Wyder’s® Cider. Vermont Hard Cider Company handcrafts and manages all levels of quality control in Middlebury, VT by employing a team of cider makers with over 33 years of combined experience directly in cider making and a team devoted exclusively to producing, marketing, and selling hard cider.
About United States Beverage
United States Beverage LLC (USB) is a leading independent beverage company in the United States, specializing in imported and U.S. craft beer, ciders, specialty beverages and spirits. US Beverage provides sales, marketing and route to market services for a diverse portfolio which includes UINTA Brewing Co., acquired by USB in 2022, as well as a global portfolio of premium brands such as Moosehead Lager, Erdinger, Malibu® Splash sparkling malt beverages, Captain Lawrence Brewing Co, Innis & Gunn, Cervecería La Tropical, the Damm portfolio of brands: Estrella Damm Lager, INEDIT, DAURA and DAURA IPA, Czechvar, Superior Cerveza, Birra Moretti, Dragon Stout, Alfa Beer, Sagres, Krusovice, Zagorka, Zajecarsko, Dewey Crush RTD, Brody’s Crafted Cocktails and Beehive Distilling. USB is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
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