Purchasing Resources for Breweries

Breweries in the United States

Find the right breweries in the US for your beer market
By Brandom Nielsen US beer companies normally distribute their product in boxed cases of 24 12-ounce bottles to retailers, or in 15.5-gallon kegs for sale to bars. Most breweries in the United States also offer additional purchasing options that vary from brewery to brewery, including alternate distribution sizes of cases and kegs, and brewery merchandise such as t-shirts and glassware.

American beer companies distribute common varieties of beer such as pilsner, porter, stout, lager and IPA. Darker beers, such as porter and stout, tend to be heavier in flavor. Lighter beers, such as lager, pilsner, and IPA, have a lighter flavor and a much broader, more stable market share. Keep the following in mind when supplying:

1. Lighter beers are more popular during the warmer months, and should be stocked accordingly.

2. Darker beers tend to be more popular during the winter months, and are generally low sellers when the weather gets warm. Vary your selection in accordance with the seasons.

3. The most popular variety of beer in the US is lager, and this style should be the foundation of any beer selection.

Contact large beer companies with broad distribution

American breweries with strong name recognition and wide distribution have broad appeal.
Try:  Anheuser-Busch is the most popular beer company in the US, distributing popular brands such as Budweiser, Busch and Michelob. Miller Brewing Company is another beer company in the US with heavy market share and name recognition. Both breweries are known for their lagers. Coors is another favorite among many US beer drinkers.

Use smaller American breweries to appeal to the niche market

Smaller United States breweries will help refine your selection to the preferences of your customers.
Try:  Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has a broad selection of popular beers that extend beyond the lager, with a particularly famous Pale Ale that is likely to sell well. Dogfish Head Brewery is another smaller US brewery with national distribution that crafts a great variety of beers beyond the standard American lager.

Personalize your selection with beer companies specific to your region

Regional US breweries will appeal to your customer base, and take advantage of brand loyalty in the area.
Try:  Yuengling, the oldest brewery in the United States, has a particularly loyal following between the mid-Atlantic region and New England. Stone Brewing Company, located in Escondido, CA, has a similar following along the Pacific that is spearheaded by their popular Arrogant Bastard Ale. In the midwest, breweries with strong local followings include New Belgium Brewing Company, from Fort Collins, CO, most famous for their Fat Tire beer.

• When contacting specific US breweries and distributors, note the specific needs for your retail model ahead of time, especially if you are purchasing for a bar or restaurant since venues will only be able to only accommodate kegs of a certain size.

---