Distribution

Stay informed as breweries expand their presence and read the latest beer industry news relating to distribution, wholesale, and direct store delivery (DSD). From reporting on changes in the distribution of products, to diving into the current state of play between brewers and distributors, the latest industry news and analysis provide context and best practices within a complex beer distribution network.

Submit Distribution News
If you’re expanding distribution or have news related to the beer distribution network, submit your news to our team.

Featured Distribution Content

Circana: Craft Posts 4-Week Dollar Sales Improvement to Start 2025

Circana: Craft Posts 4-Week Dollar Sales Improvement to Start 2025

Craft’s rolling four-week losses improved to start 2025, according to the most recent report from market research firm Circana. The segment’s off-premise dollar sales declined -3.1% and volume, measured in case sales, declined -4.6% in the four-week period ending January 26 (L4W) at multi-outlet grocery, mass retail and convenience stores (MULO+C). That marked an improvement over the prior four-week period (through December 29, 2024), when craft dollars declined -5.1% and volume declined -6.5%.

Brewbound Podcast: How New Orleans’ Southern Eagle Preps for Super Bowl Sunday – and Mardi Gras

Brewbound Podcast: How New Orleans’ Southern Eagle Preps for Super Bowl Sunday – and Mardi Gras

What’s life like for the Anheuser-Busch distributor in one of the country’s biggest party towns ahead of one of the beer industry’s biggest days? Brandon Frederick, VP of sales; Greg Naquin, director of off-premise sales; and Kris Cutrell, director of on-premise sales walk through the preparations for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the expectations placed on them, the biggest pain points and much more.

Additional Content

Blue Cloud Responds to NBWA Criticisms, Claims Facts ‘Misrepresented’

Blue Cloud Responds to NBWA Criticisms, Claims Facts ‘Misrepresented’

Critiques of PepsiCo’s Blue Cloud Distribution (BCD) arm were plentiful during the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) annual convention earlier this month in Chicago. NBWA leaders criticized the way Hard MTN Dew – which Boston Beer has licensed to produce and is distributed through Blue Cloud – has been merchandised and cross-promoted in some accounts,… Read more »

NBWA Day 2: Bernstein Analyst on Why Blue Cloud May Not Pose Long-Term Threat to Beer Distro; Sierra Nevada on E-Premise; Troy Aikman Touts Eight

NBWA Day 2: Bernstein Analyst on Why Blue Cloud May Not Pose Long-Term Threat to Beer Distro; Sierra Nevada on E-Premise; Troy Aikman Touts Eight

Nadine Sarwat, equity research analyst and director of European and American alcoholic beverages at Bernstein Autonomous LLP, shared why she doesn’t believe PepsiCo’s Blue Cloud Distribution poses a threat to traditional beer wholesalers. Plus, Sierra Nevada’s Ellie Preslar talks e-premise and Troy Aikman touts Eight.

NBWA Annual Convention Day 1: Craig Purser on Adaptability, Hard MTN Dew Distribution Blues

NBWA Annual Convention Day 1: Craig Purser on Adaptability, Hard MTN Dew Distribution Blues

If resilience was the theme of 2021 for the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and its members, adaptability was the theme for 2022, CEO and president Craig Purser and chairman of the board Peter Heimark said today, kicking off the NBWA’s 85th Annual Convention in Chicago. In 2022, beer distributors battled inflation, fuel costs, supply… Read more »

Boston Beer & PepsiCo’s Hard MTN Dew Distribution Deal Challenged in Virginia by Blue Ridge and Reyes’ Premium

Boston Beer & PepsiCo’s Hard MTN Dew Distribution Deal Challenged in Virginia by Blue Ridge and Reyes’ Premium

Wholesalers’ fourth category frustrations finally boiled over late last week, as Blue Ridge Beverage Company and Premium Distributors, a Reyes Beer Division subsidiary, filed a complaint with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority against Boston Beer Company over its appointment of PepsiCo’s Blue Cloud Distribution as the distributor of Hard MTN Dew.

Reyes Strikes Again with Deal for Paradise Beverage in Hawaii

Reyes Strikes Again with Deal for Paradise Beverage in Hawaii

The Reyes Beer Division continues to wheel and deal. Just one day after revealing a 16 million case deal for Capitol Wright Distributing in Austin, Texas, the largest beer wholesaler in the U.S. announced today an agreement to acquire Paradise Beverage in Hawaii, the company’s 12th market. The transaction is slated to close in early December.