Manhattan Beer Distributors, one of the country’s largest beer wholesalers, confirmed to Brewbound.com that it has signed distribution agreements with three top 50 craft beer brands: Shiner, Schlafly and Pyramid.
The Bronx, NY-based wholesaler will launch the Shiner brand of beers — owned by The Gambrinus Company — throughout New York City today.
“We are excited to have the brand and excited to once again be doing business with the Gambrinus Company,” said Robert Mitchell, Manhattan Beer’s general sales manager.
Manhattan Beer will begin selling Schlafly beers in New York City on May 15 and Pyramid beers on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley at the end of May. In New York City, Pyramid beers are currently distributed by Union Beer Distributors, an L. Knife & Son company and competitor to Manhattan Beer.
The new additions should strengthen a portfolio of craft offerings that includes large brands like Boston Beer Company and F.X. Matt, as well as coveted craft brands like Avery Brewing and Captain Lawrence.
“We are better suited for larger craft brands,” said Mitchell. “That’s not to say that we can’t do smaller brands — because we have plenty of those — but few distributors in this market would have the money, desire and resources to bring in the initial volume for brands like Shiner.”
Manhattan Beer sold about 1.5 million cases of craft beer in 2012, Mitchell said. With the addition of Shiner, Schlafly and Pyramid brands, the company projects that its craft sales will surpass 2 million cases in 2013. Manhattan Beer also sells MillerCoors and Grupo Modelo products, which helps to bring its overall case count to about 35 million, Mitchell said.