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

A-B Strikes Deal for Advance Beverage in California; Southern Glazer’s to Add Clare Rose on Long Island

A-B Strikes Deal for Advance Beverage in California; Southern Glazer’s to Add Clare Rose on Long Island

A pair of big red network distribution deals were announced in the last 24 hours. Anheuser-Busch InBev has agreed to purchase the distribution rights of its brands, as well as “certain craft/NA brands,” from Advance Beverage Company in Bakersfield, California. Meanwhile, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits inked a deal for independent A-B distributor Clare Rose on Long Island.

Additional Content

SweetWater to Expand Distribution to Colorado in February

SweetWater to Expand Distribution to Colorado in February

Nearly two months after the close of its sale to Canadian cannabis company Aphria, Atlanta-headquartered SweetWater Brewing said it will expand distribution to Colorado, the first state to legalize cannabis for recreational use.

Distribution Roundup: Fort Point Beer Company Ends Self-Distribution in Bay Area.; Bell’s Brewery Partners with Classic Beverage in SoCal; Trillium Direct Ships to NH, VT

Distribution Roundup: Fort Point Beer Company Ends Self-Distribution in Bay Area.; Bell’s Brewery Partners with Classic Beverage in SoCal; Trillium Direct Ships to NH, VT

San Francisco-based Fort Point Beer Company has ended its 6-year-old self-distribution operation and sold the rights to distribute its brands to Matagrano Inc. in the Bay Area. Offerings from Bell’s Brewery will be sold by Classic Beverage in Southern California, following the acquisition of Bell’s brand rights by the City of Industry-headquartered wholesaler, which purchased Craft Beer Guild from Sheehan Family Companies.

Sheehan Family Embroiled in Lawsuit as 2 Sons Sue Father

Sheehan Family Embroiled in Lawsuit as 2 Sons Sue Father

A dispute in one of the most prominent families in the beer industry — the Massachusetts-based Sheehans, owners of Sheehan Family Companies, which operates beer wholesalers in 13 states and Washington, D.C. — has spilled into the court system. Timothy G. Sheehan and George L. Cushing, a trustee who represents trusts that benefit Tim Sheehan and his brother John T. Sheehan, filed a civil lawsuit in Massachusetts’ Suffolk Superior Court alleging that the patriarch and matriarch of the family, Gerald (“Jerry”) and Maureen Sheehan, have violated their fiduciary duties and misappropriated company funds.

The 10 Most-Read Brewbound Stories of 2020

The 10 Most-Read Brewbound Stories of 2020

Brewbound readers in 2020 sought out news about the pandemic, mergers and acquisitions, brewery closures and job changes. 2020 marked a year of shifts for brewers, as well as Brewbound, which shifted its business model to a subscription model. With that in mind, we’ve pulled the five most-read stories before the paywall was introduced and the five most-read stories after.

Watchdog Group Asks California AG to Investigate A-B, Reyes Duopoly in the State

Watchdog Group Asks California AG to Investigate A-B, Reyes Duopoly in the State

Industry watchdog group Alcohol Justice is urging California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to conduct an independent investigation of Anheuser-Busch InBev and Reyes Holdings for what it believes could be antitrust violations related to acquisitions each company has made in the state.

California Independent Beer Wholesalers Launch New Association

California Independent Beer Wholesalers Launch New Association

In the wake of several terminations by a handful of larger beer suppliers over the last two years, a group of California beer wholesalers have launched a new association, the California Family Beer Distributors (CFBD).

Bell’s Brewery Names New Wholesaler Partners in Southern Indiana

Bell’s Brewery Names New Wholesaler Partners in Southern Indiana

Bell’s Brewery has filled out its new distribution map in southern Indiana. The Comstock, Michigan-headquartered craft brewery announced 15 new wholesaler partners, all within Anheuser-Busch’s network of wholesalers in the state.

Gulf Distributing Closes on Deal for Supreme Beverage in Alabama

Gulf Distributing Closes on Deal for Supreme Beverage in Alabama

Middle-tier consolidation continues to chug along, this time in Alabama. Gulf Distributing Holdings in Mobile, the state’s largest beer wholesaler, completed the acquisition of Supreme Beverage Co. in Huntsville on December 4.