Brewbound is pleased to announce another exciting presentation at the upcoming Brewbound Session, happening Nov. 29 at the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego.
The discussion – ‘Local Brand Building via Whole Foods’ – will explore how craft brewers can utilize the independent grocery chain and its marketing assets to build a brand at the local level. Using the example of L.A.’s Golden Road Brewing, which received strong support from the natural foods mega-chain, attendees will hear key insights into leveraging this key channel to help craft a powerful local brand.
For many craft brewers, relying on Whole Foods’ marketing muscles and merchandising ability is a fundamental piece of both launching and growing a brand in their local markets. Leading the presentation is Meg Gill, the co-founder of Golden Road Brewing, which has experienced a meteoric rise since launching in late 2011. Joining Gill is Dwight Detter, a “local forager” who has been with Whole Foods for 13 years. Together, the two will detail ways in which craft brewers can converse with and work alongside Whole Foods to successfully grow a brand.
About Meg Gill:
Meg Gill, a true beer aficionado, is best known for her expertise in bringing hand crafted beer to surrounding markets in a way that is not only best for the beer, but also for the consumer. After graduating from Yale in 2007, she began her career in the male-saturated-beer industry working as a regional sales manager for Oskar Blues Brewery – one of the nation’s fastest growing breweries based in Lyons,Colorado. She quickly earned her stripes, not just through her engagement with top tier distributors and retailers, but by elevating beer culture in San Francisco, including the organization of San Francisco Beer Week and the 2011 Craft Brewers Conference. She is now the youngest female brewery owner in the world, facilitating development and product implementation of Golden Road Brewing.
Under Gill’s guidance, Golden Road has quickly become one of the fastest growing craft breweries in history, with over 400 draft accounts in LA County and retail distribution at Whole Foods Markets, Trader Joe’s, and Ralph’s.
About Dwight Detter:
Dwight Detter is a former Vietnam War era Veteran with over 20 years of experience in the food service industry in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Dwight has spent the last 15 years in the grocery industry and has been with Whole Foods Market for 13 years. As a local forager for the past 2 years he has been helping start-ups get onto the grocery shelves at Whole Foods Market. Dwight teaches classes on developing cottage businesses and works with community groups such as Orange County Food Access Coalition, and San Diego Food Alliance. He is currently involved in the development of a value added program with Archi’s Acres VSAT Program for returning Marines and Soldiers.
About the Brewbound Session:
The Brewbound Craft Beer Session is a business conference addressing the topics that most directly impact the decisions craft brewers are faced with as they look to grow their brands. The event focuses on the business side of craft, offering brewers a unique opportunity to learn from and network with industry experts. The Brewbound Craft Beer Session is sponsored by GEA Westfalia, Brewery Insurance Program, Reyes Beverage Group and BevForce.